City issues helpful tips to prepare for winter weather; City Services Postponed Due to Inclement Weather

Due to inclement weather, the City of Kansas City will postpone the following scheduled events and services:

• The City's recycling, leaf, and brush drop-off locations will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 15.

• Kansas City's Hard to Recycle Items Event, originally scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 will now take place on Saturday, Nov. 22.

• Bulky item collections scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 will now be collected on Sunday, Nov. 16.

• Regularly scheduled trash pick-up will not be impacted by this weather event.

As the winter season approaches, the City reminds residents to follow these tips during snow events to both stay safe and help make the City's snow operations run smoothly and efficiently:

• Avoid parking on City streets when it snows, but if you must, please use the north or west side of the street so snow removal crews can do their job. If vehicles are parked on both sides of a narrow street, it may not leave enough space for a snowplow, and that street might get skipped.

• Do not park on signed emergency snow routes. Vehicles parked on these routes may be ticketed or towed during snowstorms.

• Please wait 36 hours after snow stops falling to call 311 or tweet to @KCMO311 about slick spots or missed streets. This allows snow removal crews adequate time to complete multiple passes on all assigned snow routes. If a crew is taken off of its assigned route to take individual requests, it will delay the entire snow operation.

• Keep children from playing in snow banks along the road. It's enticing—because the large piles of snow seem like a giant fort—but very dangerous; children may tumble onto the road in front of cars or snow plows.

• Avoid driving during snow events, but if you must go out, keep water and blankets or an extra coat in your car for warmth, and keep the gas tank full.

• Make sure your vehicle has adequate tire tread to avoid getting stuck.

• Keep a snow shovel in your trunk. You never know when you might need one during your travels.

• When shoveling the end of your driveway where it meets the road, also clear a 10-foot strip along the curb to the left (when facing the road) to avoid snow plows pushing it back across your driveway. Watch a 41-second MoDOT video describing this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bm7mJxJOSU.

• Be a good neighbor, and remove snow and ice from any sidewalks on your property, whether residential or business, within a reasonable time after a snowfall.

• Follow the City of Kansas City, Missouri on Twitter and Facebook for updates and information on major snow events.

• Subscribe to Kansas City's Nixle messaging system for updates in your area, and visit the City's dedicated snow webpage, kcmo.gov/snow for city-wide updates and information!
The City appreciates your help and cooperation - please stay safe during winter weather!

Fall leaf and brush collection begins next week

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, reminds residents that its first curbside leaf and brush collection of the season begins Monday, Oct. 27. On their regularly designated trash pickup day, residents may place up to 20 bags or bundles of leaf and brush at the curb by 7 a.m.

Residents who live in the City's Central Zone will receive collection the weeks of Oct. 27 and Dec. 1. The Central Zone includes all residents who live between the Missouri River south to 63rd Street, not including residents who live east of the Blue Ridge Cutoff.

Residents who live in the City's South Zone will receive collection the weeks of Nov. 3 and Dec. 8. The South Zone includes all residents who live between 63rd Street south to the southern City limit, as well as all residents who live east of the Blue Ridge Cutoff.

Residents who live in the City's North Zone will receive collection the weeks of Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. The North Zone includes all residents who live between the Missouri River north to the City's northern city limit.

Please follow the collection rules:
• Sacks and bundles must not weigh more than 40 pounds each.
• Use only paper lawn debris sacks. No plastic bags.
• If you seal sacks, use masking tape only; do not use plastic or duct tape.
• No grass clippings. No trash.
• All branches must be bundled. Branches must not be more than 3 inches in diameter, and bundles of branches must not be more than 2 by 4 feet.
• Use twine or jute rope to tie bundles; do not use wire or plastic tape.
• If wet weather is forecast, cover sacks/bundles with clear plastic.

Residents may also use the City's three leaf and brush drop-off sites, which are located at 11660 N. Main St., 1815 N. Chouteau Trafficway and 10301 Raytown Road. All three sites are open and free for residents to use on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, residents may drop off leaf and brush at the Chouteau and Cookingham sites on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a small fee.

In addition to dropping off leaves and brush, residents may also pick up mulch at the drop-off sites. Residents may pick up first ground mulch for free at any of the sites, or they may purchase natural darkwood, red and brown mulch and natural compost from the Chouteau and Cookingham sites for a discounted fee.

For more information about the curbside leaf and brush collections, please visit https://www.kcwaterservices.org/leaf-brush/. For more information about trash, recycling and solid waste collections, visit www.kcmo.gov/trash or call the 311 Call Center at 816-513-1313 or 311.

City urges residents to show Kansas City pride

One of the largest marathons in Missouri will become a river of blue this Saturday, Oct. 18, as organizers of the Kansas City Marathon and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, urge runners and observers to wear Royals-blue gear to cheer the team as it advances to the World Series.

When the race kicks off at 7 a.m. at Washington Square Park near Crown Center, the crowd is encouraged to chant "Let's go, Royals!" to match the message at Kauffman Stadium next week when the home team faces the San Francisco Giants.

Additional ways to show Kansas City pride include:
• Enter the City's contest for creative decorations combining Kansas City icons and Royals pride. Post photos or videos on Twitter using #kctrueblue @kcmo, Facebook (Facebook.com/kcmogov) or Instagram at instagram.com/kcmogov. Prizes will be awarded in various categories.
• Stroll through downtown and enjoy the Royals banners that are going up around the area, courtesy of VisitKC.
• Visit eight major fountains flowing blue, thanks to the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. Royals fans soon may be able to buy commemorative bottles of blue fountain water.
• Join the fun and light up your homes and businesses to glow blue like the City Hall and the top of the Kansas City Power & Light Building.
• Remember that everyone is an ambassador. As the world focuses attention on Kansas City, let people know how much we love sports and barbecue, and that we're also a city of art, music, technology and entrepreneurs.

September Meeting Agenda

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tomorrow, Monday September 8th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. 

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
  a. Treasurer
  b. Safety
  c. Planning & Development
  d. Program/Events 
  e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
  f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
  g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

August SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tonight, Monday, August 11th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. 

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
  a. Treasurer
  b. Safety
  c. Planning & Development
  d. Program/Events 
  e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
  f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
  g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

July 2014 SNA Board Meeting Minutes

The July meeting of the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association was held July 14, 2014, at 7 pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church.  

Board members in attendance were: Gina Tamasi, Kat Carroll, Susan Casserley, Scott Heffley, Kelley Phelan and Greg Corwin.  In addition, Toni Wood, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Nelson, Michael Cross, Director of Security for the Nelson and Bob Bayless, Director of Security and Safety for KCAI, as well as many concerned neighbors. 

There were no minutes from June's meeting, as there was no quorum. 

Kat provided the Treasurer's Report. June 30 Balance was $7,082.27. Total June deposits were $1571.67 and total June withdrawals were $2030.  

Greg reported on development, including progress for the Westport Middle School redevelopment.  The group who purchased Westport Middle School, Kansas City Sustainable Partners requested approval by the neighborhood to change the concept to include more non-profit office space, and eliminate all market-rate housing in the new facility.  The board voted, and the change was approved. Greg was to draft a letter to Kansas City Sustainable Partners to let them know of SNA's approval to the change.  

Greg also provided an update to the status of the sale of the Westport High School. Academie Lafeyette will not be moving to the building and Foutch Brothers is working on retooling their proposal. There will be an updated August 14 presentation by Foutch Brothers at All Soul's at 6 pm. 

Scott reported that the Cunningham place on Warwick was slated to be sold at the courthouse steps soon. The board agreed that a parking lot was not the best use of the property. 

Gina Tamasi and Sergeant Matt Payne reported on the past month's crime. Crime is generally higher during the summer months. Sgt. Payne stressed the need for residents to be aware of their surroundings when out and about, and not to be flashing electronic devices which make residents easy targets for tempted criminals. 

Many residents voiced their concern for increased patrol throughout the neighborhood, including the alleys.  

Meeting adjourned. 

Residents invited to share ideas, hear presentations at Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department will host its second 2014 quarterly Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable at the Southeast Community Center, 4201 E. 63rd St., on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. Free parking is available.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

- Provide a forum that encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas

- Improve neighborhood livability

- Enhance public awareness of existing City services and programs

- Offer neighborhood leaders an opportunity to talk with City staff

The meeting will include presentations from the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department on Land Bank properties and the receivership program, plus a presentation from Legal Aid of Western Missouri on how neighborhood associations can sue negligent homeowners of vacant and blighted properties.

Residents with additional questions may contact Tiffany Drummer, Neighborhoods and Housing Services, at 816-513-4504.

Any person with a disability who desires reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting may contact the City's 311 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313, or for TTY, 816-513-1889, or by email at actioncenter@kcmo.org.

Save money during the City's sales tax holiday, Aug. 1-3

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, invites residents to take advantage of a three-day sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3. During this time, shoppers who purchase certain items of clothing, shoes, school supplies and computers in Kansas City, Missouri, stores will not have to pay any sales tax.

To help reduce costs for families getting ready for the new school year, the following retail purchases will be exempt from respective sales taxes during the 2014 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday:

- Articles of clothing, shoes and cloth or other materials used to make school uniforms or other school clothing with a taxable value of $100 or less.

- School supplies not to exceed $50 per purchase. School supplies include any item normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, such as textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, chalk, maps and globes.

- Personal computers with taxable value of $3,500 or less

- Computer software items with taxable value of $350 or less

- Computer peripheral devices not to exceed $3,500

Some items will not be exempt from sales tax. These include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, belt buckles, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop phones, copiers or other office equipment, and furniture and fixtures for homes, apartments, dorms or other residences.

For more information about the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, visit http://www.dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/. Click on Back To School Sales Tax Holiday.

Hospital Hill Run affects traffic this weekend

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, advises motorists that the Hospital Hill 5K, 10K and Half Marathon will temporarily affect traffic in the Crown Center area on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

The Hospital Hill 5K takes place Friday, June 6 and will temporarily close the following streets from about 6:45-8:30 p.m.:

- Grand Boulevard, between Pershing Road and 26th Street (4:30 p.m. Friday. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday)

- Pershing Road, between McGee Street and Gillham Road

- Gillham Road, between Pershing Road and 29th Street

- 29th Street, between Gillham Road and the Paseo

- The Paseo, between 29th Street and 27th Street

- 27th Street, between The Paseo and Holmes Road

- Holmes Road, between 27th Street and 25th Street

- 25th Street, between Holmes Road and Pershing Road

- Pershing Road, between 25th Street and Grand Boulevard

The Hospital Hill 10K and Half Marathon takes place Saturday, June 7 from about 6:30-11:30 a.m. and will temporarily close the following streets:

- Grand Boulevard, between Pershing Road and 26th Street (4:30 p.m. Friday. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday)

- Grand Boulevard, between Pershing Road and Truman Road (3-9 a.m.)

- Truman Road, between Grand Boulevard and Oak Street (6:45-8:15 a.m.)

- Oak Street (turns into Gillham Road), between Truman Road and 45th Street (6:45-8:45 a.m.)

- 39th Street, between Gillham Road and Broadway Street (7-10 a.m.)

- 45th Street, between West Gillham Road and Rockhill Road (6:45-8:45 a.m.)

- Rockhill Road (south), between 45th Street and Meyer Boulevard (6:45-9:30 a.m.)

- Meyer Boulevard (west), between Rockhill Road and Brookside Boulevard (7-9:30 a.m.)

- Brookside Boulevard (north), between Meyer Boulevard and Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard (7-10 a.m.)

- Main Street (south), between 62nd Street and 61st Street (7-10 a.m.)

- 61st Street, between Main Street and Brookside Boulevard (7-10 a.m.)

- Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard, between Brookside Boulevard and JC Nichols Parkway (7-10 a.m.)

- JC Nichols Parkway, which turns into Broadway Boulevard (north), between Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and 31st Street (7-10:45 a.m.)

- 31st Street, between Broadway Boulevard and Wyandotte Street (7-11 a.m.)

- Wyandotte Street, between 31st Street and Memorial Drive (7-11 a.m.)

- Memorial Drive, between Wyandotte Street and Main Street (7-11 a.m.)

- Main Street, between Memorial Drive and 27th Street (7-11 a.m.)

- 27th Street, between Main Street and Grand Boulevard (7-11 a.m.)

Please note, police are prepared to allow motorists to cross the routes when they deem it safe for race participants. Please observe caution and obey all posted detours, barricades and no parking signs.

As a service to our residents, the City sends occasional notices about temporary road closures due to outdoor races to help residents better plan their weekends and avoid inconvenient road closures or delays.

For more information, please visit www.kcraceday.org or www.hospitalhillrun.com.

Get rid of household hazardous waste at City collection events on June 7 and 14

City of Kansas City, Missouri, residents may safely and sustainably recycle their household hazardous waste, unwanted confidential documents, old electronics and leaves and brush at two ABOPT (Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil, Paint and Tire) collection events:

• Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m.-noon at the Mohart Multipurpose Center, 3200 Wayne Ave.
• Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m.-noon at Winnetonka High School parking lot, 5815 N.E. 48th St.

City staff will be on hand to collect and safely dispose of antifreeze; car and household batteries; oil (automotive, cooking, heating, etc.); paint; paint-related chemicals, such as strippers, thinners and varnishes; and tires.

Proshred will be on-site for disposing of unwanted confidential documents (no need to remove staples, paper clips or small binder clips, but documents must be removed from three-ring binders) and Vintage Tech Recyclers will accept old electronics (Bridging The Gap suggests a tax-deductible cash donation ranging from $5 per car to $25 per wooden console or DLP TV).

A leaf and brush dumpster will be onsite for leaves, yard waste, brush and tree trimmings. All items must be in paper bags, not plastic.

Proof of residency is required for dropping off tires, leaves and brush—these categories are limited to Kansas City, Missouri, residents. Space also is limited to the first several hundred vehicles that arrive.

This event is sponsored by the City and Heartland Community Connection in partnership with the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, Blue Hills Community Services, Neighborhood Housing Services of Kansas City, Bridging the Gap, Keep Kansas City Beautiful, Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, Green Impact Zone and Kansas City Police Department.

Another ABOPT collection event will be held in September. Meanwhile, residents may drop off household hazardous waste year-round at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 4707 Deramus Ave. This facility is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required.

To learn more about the City's household hazardous waste, recycling, tire and leaf/brush drop-off sites, please visit www.kcwaterservices.org/household-hazardous-waste/.

Excess trash tag rates change June 1

Save money: recycle more! City offers unlimited recycling pickup.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, Public Works Department advises residents that the cost for excess trash tags will increase from $2 to $2.50, effective June 1. Trash tags purchased prior to June 1 will still be valid, and only one is needed per excess trash tag.

Originally announced as part of the City's budget process in early spring, the rate change helps offset the cost of excess trash collection. The City currently spends between $3.50 and $5 to dispose of every excess bag it collects.

The City requires an excess trash tag be placed on each trash bag exceeding the City's two bag limit. The City will continue to provide unlimited free curbside recycling and encourages residents to recycle more frequently to reduce the amount of trash placed on their curb.

Items you can recycle curbside:

• Office paper, junk mail, newspapers (without plastic rain bag), phone books, catalogs and magazines
• Manila folders
• Advertising inserts
• Brochures
• Corrugated cardboard
• Carrier stock (cardboard soft drink and beer cartons)
• Chipboard (cereal and shoe boxes)
• Paper/hardback books
• Plastic bottles with a neck #1 and #2 (look for the number inside the chasing arrow symbol), such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles. Lids may be recycled, too.
• Plastic containers #3 thru #7 (look for the number inside the chasing arrow symbol), such as yogurt and margarine/butter tub containers
• Cardboard egg cartons
• Pizza boxes (No food)
• Shredded paper (in paper bags)
• Drink cartons
• Aluminum cans and other metal cans
• Clamshells (Deli or salad bar containers)
• Aseptic containers (milk, juice and vegetable cartons)

Items you cannot recycle curbside:

• Glass
• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam, including Styrofoam egg cartons
• Motor oil bottles and other automotive product bottles
• Containers for household hazardous material
• Paper towels, tissues or napkins, plates or cups
• Gift wrap
• Photographs, blueprints and hanging file folders
• Bags that contained pet food, fertilizer, charcoal or kitty litter
• Metal pots

Residents may recycle glass at the City's recycling drop-off centers or at Ripple Glass locations. Learn more at http://kcmo.gov/publicworks/recycling-drop-off-centers/ and www.rippleglass.com.

Household hazardous waste may be disposed of at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 4707 Deramus Ave. Learn more athttps://www.kcwaterservices.org/household-hazardous-waste/.


Many grocery stores provide recycling bins that residents may use to recycle plastic bags.


Excess trash tags are available at participating Westlake Ace Hardware and Price Chopper stores.


For more information about excess trash tags, or the City's trash and recycling services, visit http://kcmo.gov/publicworks/trash or call the 311 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

A lost pet makes your family sad

Keep your pets safe with a pet license and microchip.

Pets are members of your family, and losing one can be a frightening experience. A new program that posts photos of found pets within 24 hours and even gives licensed pets a free ride home is offered by the KC Pet Project in partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Residents who lose a pet can go to http://kcpetproject.org/lost-pets/ to fill out a lost pet report and view the list of found pets at KC Pet Project, located at 4400 Raytown Road.

Of course, it's easier to be reunited with a pet that has proper identification. Residents can take advantage of a package deal that provides a rabies vaccination and tag, a City pet license and a microchip — all for $30. The deal is a joint initiative called Project T.L.C. offered by the City and the local nonprofit Spay & Neuter Kansas City, which runs a low cost spay/neuter clinic at 1116 E. 59th St. (see http://snkc.net/spay-neuter-information/calendar/for hours of operation).

The KC Pet Project, operating the City's animal shelter, receives more than 9,000 lost or abandoned animals each year. Many of these animals are owned pets, but do not have a City license, rabies tag or microchip to help identify their owner. In addition to the Spay & Neuter organization, the shelter can microchip pets for $25 each, and sell one-year pet licenses (including tags) for $12 and three-year pet licenses (including tags) for $29. Or, you may license your pet online at www.petdata.com. Many veterinarians also sell pet licenses, tags and microchips.

All funds generated from City pet license sales support improved care and treatment of animals at KC Pet Project. Licensed pets may receive discounted fees if taken to the shelter, and are not ticketed if caught running at large.

Trash pickup delayed next week, City offices closed May 26

In observance of Memorial Day, trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day next week, and City of Kansas City, Missouri, offices will be closed Monday, May 26. The 311 Call Center, a division of the City Manager's Office, also will be closed for the holiday.

Residents who usually have Monday trash collection will receive this service Tuesday, May 27. Residents who usually have Friday trash collection will receive this service Saturday, May 31.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit www.kcmo.gov/trash or call the 311 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

St. Patrick's Day races, parades affect Kansas City traffic

As a service to our residents, the City of Kansas City, Mo., sends occasional notices about temporary road closures due to outdoor races and parades to help residents better plan their weekends and avoid inconvenient road closures or delays.

The City is notifying motorists that two races and three parades celebrating St. Patrick's Day will affect traffic in Kansas City March 15-17. Please note, police are prepared to allow motorists to cross the routes when they deem it safe for the participants.

The Westport St. Patrick's Day Run will close the following streets Saturday, March 15 from about 9:45 a.m. to noon:

- Westport Road between Pennsylvania and Clark avenues

- Clark Avenue between Westport Road and 43rd Street

- 43rd Street between Clark Avenue and Warwick Boulevard

- Warwick Boulevard between 43rd and 38th streets

- 38th Street between Warwick Boulevard and Gillham Road

- Gillham Road between 38th Street and Linwood Boulevard

- Linwood Boulevard between Gillham Road and Broadway Boulevard

- Broadway Boulevard between 33rd and 34th streets

- 34th Street between Broadway Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue

- Pennsylvania Avenue between 34th Street and Westport Road

For more information, visit http://www.stpatricksday4milerun.com/.

The Brookside St. Patrick's Day Warm-up Parade will close the following streets Saturday, March 15 from about 2-4 p.m.

- Wornall Road between 65th and 63rd streets

- 63rd Street between Wornall Road and Main Street

- Main Street between 63rd Street and Meyer Boulevard

- Meyer Boulevard between Main Street and Brookside Road

For more information, visit http://www.brooksidekc.org/bba/st-patricks-parade.

The Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade will close the following streets Monday, March 17
from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

- Broadway Street between 31st and 43rd streets

- 33rd Street between Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue

For more information, visit http://kcirishparade.com/.

Please note: additional street closures due to the Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship will take place this week in downtown Kansas City. For more information, visit http://kcmo.gov/news/2014/city-welcomes-thousands-of-visitors-downtown-for-big-12-basketball-fun-run-and-planet-comicon/.

Please observe caution and obey all posted detours and barricades.

March SNA Meeting this Monday

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 10th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. 

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
  a. Treasurer
  b. Safety
  c. Planning & Development
  d. Program/Events 
  e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
  f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
  g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

City urges residents to keep off roads during weekend snowstorm

A winter storm likely to bring 6-10 inches of snow is predicted to affect the City of Kansas City, Mo., from Saturday, March 1 evening through Monday, March 3 at dawn. While it is snowing, the City urges residents to avoid driving and parking on the street when possible. This will enhance the snow plows' ability to efficiently and effectively remove snow in time for Monday morning's rush hour commute.

Residents who must park on-street are asked to follow the below parking practice.

-On streets that run north/south, please park on the west side of the street.

-On streets that run east/west, please park on the north side of the street.

When vehicles are parked on both sides of a narrow street, it may not leave enough space for a snowplow, and that street might get skipped.

City snow crews assigned to primary/arterial routes will deploy on Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and will work around the clock to clear snow. Residential snow crews will work in neighborhoods beginning on Sunday, March 2 at 7 a.m. Crews working on residential streets will plow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The City plows about 6,400 lane miles of pavement in its street system - this is farther than plowing a two-lane road from San Diego to Boston!

To keep traffic moving during a winter weather event, the City prioritizes plowing into two types of snow routes: primary/arterial routes and residential routes.

On primary and arterial routes, the City's Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Water Services departments collaborate on removing snow and ice from approximately 2,400 lane-miles of pavement and apply salt as needed. These crews plow curb-to-curb and work around the clock.

On residential snow routes, City crews using smaller trucks work 12-hour shifts during daytime hours to provide a passable lane by plowing and applying salt on intersections, hills and curves. As possible, crews will widen the passable lane, which may still have some snow pack due to low pavement temperatures. In the event of severe snow, cul-de-sacs and dead ends will be plowed after arterial, collector and through residential streets. This ensures that City crews may use their resources most effectively.

Residents parking on signed Emergency Snow Routes should be prepared to find alternate parking locations to avoid vehicles being ticketed or towed. A list of Emergency Snow Routes is located at http://kcmo.gov/publicworks/snow/emergency-snow-routes/.

Residents wanting to report slick spots or missed streets to the City's 311 Call Center should wait one business day after snow has stopped falling. While crews are running assigned snow routes, it is assumed that all streets are slick. Only after snow has stopped falling and all snow routes have been run does the City's 311 Call Center accept requests for slick spots and missed streets.

Please visit www.kcmo.gov/snow to view the GPS snow plow map and other snow-related updates. To receive text and email notifications from the City, please sign up for the City's Nixle notification system at www.kcmo.gov/nixle. Residents may also sign up by texting their ZIP code to "888777."

Free Paint Available for Eligible City Homeowners

Participants may choose paint colors and receive other supplies.

As spring and warmer weather approach, many homeowners may start thinking about sprucing up their homes with a fresh coat of paint. Just in time, the City of Kansas City, Mo., announces that it is now accepting applications for its Paint Program, which provides free high-quality exterior paint to eligible Kansas City, Mo., homeowners.

Homeowners must complete an application to receive paint, primer, caulking and other supplies related to the painting of their home. Please note, the total cost of the paint supplies cannot exceed $500. Applicants must also:

- live in Kansas City, Mo.
- own and live in the property to be painted
- own only one property
- meet HUD's 2014 Low Income (80%) household income guidelines:

        -   One person - $39,150
        -   Two people - $44,750
        -   Three people - $50,350
        -   Four people - $55,900
        -   Five people - $60,400
        -   Six people - $64,850
        -   Seven people - $69,350
        -   Eight or more people - $73,800

Paint recipients must make all necessary repairs and properly prepare their houses for painting prior to receiving their supplies. After an inspector determines houses are ready to be painted, vouchers will be awarded to homeowners, allowing them to choose an in-store color of Porter paint; no color matching will be done.

For more information and to get an application, call the City's Housing and Energy Conservation Section at 816-513-3025.

To download an application, please visit the Paint Program's Web page at http://kcmo.gov/neighborhoods/paint-program/. To have an application mailed to you, call the Housing Section at 816-513-3025.

Southmoreland Neighborhood Association Elects New Board

Last week, a new slate of board members for the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association was elected for the year.  The new leadership is as follows: 

President - Greg Corwin
Vice-President - Open position
Secretary - John Shaw
Treasurer - Kathleen Carroll 
Chair, Planning & Development - Greg Corwin, shared among members
Chair, Membership & Community Liaison - Susan Casserley
Chair, Public Information - Kelly Phelan
Chair, Programs & Events - Laura Burkhalter
Chair, Neighborhood Culture & Preservation - Scott Hefley
Chair, Safety - Gina Tamasi 

Trash pickup delayed, City offices closed Feb. 17

In observance of the Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 17, curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day, and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices will be closed.

Residents who usually have Monday collection will receive this service on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Residents who usually have Friday collection will receive this service on Saturday, Feb. 22.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 311 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

SNA Meeting Tomorrow

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, February 10th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. In addition to regular business, we will be voting on a slate of board positions for 2014. 

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
  a. Treasurer
  b. Safety
  c. Planning & Development
  d. Program/Events 
  e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
  f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
  g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

Phase 2 of Snow Ordinance in effect

The City of Kansas City, Mo., announces that Phase 2 of its Snow Ordinance is in effect. Phase 2 identifies a parking emergency, during which any vehicle parked on an Emergency Snow Route must be removed within two hours, or by 11:30 a.m. today, Feb. 4. Citations will be issued to motorists who do not heed emergency conditions. A list of the City's Emergency Snow Routes can be found here: http://kcmo.org/idc/groups/cco/documents/citycommunicationsoffice/kcmosnowpolicystreets.pdf.

The Winter Storm Warning continues to be in effect, with 6-10 inches of snow expected to fall throughout Kansas City today. The City urges residents to take precautions during this snow event and avoid driving in these hazardous conditions

Residents are advised that parking cars off-street during snow plow operations greatly enhances the ability of snow plows to remove snow, especially in cul-de-sacs and dead end streets. If a vehicle must park on-street, the following parking practice is being requested:

-On streets that run north/south, park vehicles on the west side of the street.
-On streets that run east/west, park vehicles on the north side of the street.

Please note, vehicles without adequate tire tread that get stuck on a major thoroughfare will be ticketed and towed. Tow storage lot fees will apply.

The City's Emergency Operations Center currently is activated at a level two, and personnel representing key City departments, as well as KCPL, are present and working together to monitor the event and coordinate activities among City departments providing snow and ice removal and emergency responders from the Police and Fire departments.

Trash and recycling services are on schedule, but bulky pickup services are suspended to allow those crews to assist with snow removal.

Residents wanting to report slick spots or missed streets to the City's 311 Call Center should wait until the next business day after snow has stopped falling. While crews are running assigned snow routes, it is assumed that all streets are slick. Only after snow has stopped falling and all snow routes have been run does the City's 311 Call Center accept requests for slick spots and missed streets.

Please visit www.kcmo.org/snow to view the GPS snow plow map and other snow-related updates. Please review the City's snow safety tips to help prepare: http://kcmo.org/CKCMO/NewsArchives/120413B.

To receive text and email notifications from the City, please sign up for the City's Nixle notification system at www.kcmo.org/nixle. Residents may also sign up by texting their ZIP code to "888777."

Trash pickup delayed, City offices closed Monday

In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, Jan. 20, curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices, including the 311 Call Center, will be closed.

Residents who usually have Monday collection will receive this service Tuesday, Jan. 21. Residents who usually have Friday collection will receive this service Saturday, Jan 25.

January SNA Meeting This Monday

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, January 13th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. In addition to regular business, we will be selecting a slate of board positions for the new year, which will be voted on in February.   If you are interested in a leadership position, please attend!  We welcome any and all new participants! 

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
  a. Treasurer
  b. Safety
  c. Planning & Development
  d. Program/Events 
  e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
  f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
  g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

City reminds residents to clear sidewalks

The City of Kansas City, Mo., reminds residents, businesses and organizations to clear sidewalks adjacent to their homes and offices. The City's Municipal Code requires individuals owning or occupying property on streets, boulevards and highways to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks in front or alongside their property.

While the code does provide provisions for fining residents, the City requests that residents and businesses clear sidewalks as a neighborly act to help pedestrians who rely on walking as a means of transportation to get to school, work and home.

City crews have been clearing sidewalks at City facilities and continue to clean up residential streets that may have been missed during the recent winter storm.

Residents who wish to report slick spots or missed streets should contact the City's 311 Call Center online at www.kcmo.org/311 or by dialing 311 or 816-513-1313.