October 16, 2021
Mayor Mike McDonough presented his State of the City address on Sept. 23 at Connection Point Church during the Raytown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s monthly membership luncheon.
This year’s theme was “Working Together.” In his speech, the Mayor recognized the achievements of Raytown’s citizens, “You are Raytown’s greatest asset and its life blood.” He thanked the following groups for their hard work, dedication and commitment to serving Raytown: Ararat Shriners, Boy Scouts, Churches, Crime Watch, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Hope Network, Kiwanis , Knights of Columbus, Main Street Association, Masonic Lodge, Rediscover, Raytown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Raytown Rotary, Raytown Christian Church, Raytown Police Officers Fund for Public Benefit, REAP, Shepherd Center, Sisters in Christ/Strivin’
In addition, he personally thanked his friends, visiting officials, city hall staff and the police administration. “These are some of the most talented, knowledgeable and professional team members I have ever worked with. Now moving on to your city government and some of the things that have been going on over the last year…”
Community Development Department is now offering 1- and 3-year pet license options to residents. Next year, contractors and residents will be able to generate and pay for permits online through the Citizen Self-Serve system. And finally, the rental regulations ordinance, which was approved by the Board of Aldermen in 2019, is in effect and protects the public health, safety, and general welfare of the people in the city in all residential rental dwellings and non-owner-occupied properties.
In Economic Development, the following projects are coming soon:
• Redevelopment on an unnamed retail/restaurant business at Laurel and 350 Hwy.
• A senior daycare center near Hy-Vee
• Logan Villas Senior Independent Living complex at 7300 Maple Drive
• Tacos Del Barrio at 6633 Raytown Road
Expo Holdings has invested more than $22 million in four apartment complexes in Raytown, totaling 171 units. New retail openings earlier this year included:
• Gnarly Hussle, a vintage clothing store at 6317 Raytown Road
• D’Luxe Silhouttes, a medical spa at 7312 Raytown Road
• From the Earth, a dispensary at 9010 E. State Rte. 350
• Porter Furniture in the former Smith Brothers Building.
“The 2021 Raytown Police Department achievements and events are as follows:”
The Raytown Police Department began reporting crime data to the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which improves crime reporting quality.
The Mayor thanked the department and its Volunteer Corps for its selfless dedication. This group assisted with community events earlier this year that included National Drug Takeback Day on April 24 and Popsicles with Police at Kenagy, Colman and Kritser parks this summer.
The final police department update by the Mayor recognized civilian Kyle Stoker, a crime analyst with Raytown Police Department, who just became one of only three certified law enforcement analysts in the metro and among the top 100 in the world.
Moving on to the Finance Department, the Mayor said, “The City of Raytown has won the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget award for another year, making this the third consecutive year.” And he congratulated the finance department for once again receiving a clean audit for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
The Mayor highlighted four major Public Works’ projects. 1. Safety improvements at the intersection of 350 Hwy and Raytown Road. 2. City Hall Renovations and Conference Room remodel totaling $1.1 million with 50% paid for through CARES funding. 3. Completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the 2020 Stormwater Maintenance projects. 4. The 2021 Sanitary Sewer project on Raytown Road and Blue Ridge Boulevard, north of 56th Street, totaling more than $1.4 million.
The Mayor then highlighted the year’s accomplishments for the Parks and Recreation Department that included: hosting Raytown Live! music series, hosted 50 + senior softball league, planned and hosted Raytown’s Festival of the Trails, hosted the 2021 Mid America BMX National Race, and more.
Raytown’s Municipal Court is currently implementing Show Me Courts – a statewide database that allows offenders to look up their cases for any court.
The Mayor also highlighted the accomplishments from Raytown Fire Protection and Raytown Schools Districts. Specifically, he recognized Dr. Marlene DeVilbiss, Alex Kolster and Jasmine Alcantara for their outstanding achievements.
And finally, the Mayor closed by reiterating, “I think once the word continues to get out, Raytown will quit being a well-kept secret and we will be recognized for the wonderful place we are.”
To view the speech in its entirety, go to the Raytown City Hall YouTube page.
