The Lee’s Summit City Council met December 17 to discuss these issues.

Toys for Tots Month Proclamation
Mayor Bill Baird issued a proclamation declaring December as Toys for Tots Month, recognizing the contributions of the U.S. Marine Corp Toys for Tots and the Lee’s Summit community who support them. Toys for Tots helps less fortunate children throughout the United States receive toys for the holidays with the collection of toys from local businesses and organizations. In 2023, over 64,000 toys were collected and distributed to children in the area.

Unified Development Ordinance Discussion
In a joint session with the Planning Commission, outside consultant Confluence, engaged to work with the City on updates to the City’s building design standards, presented project progress. Confluence presented the project scope and schedule, focus areas including updates to modernize the current design standards and reinforce the City’s appearance, design considerations like exterior building materials and awnings, initial public input and next steps. Confluence presented initial public input from local stakeholders including landowners, designers and architects and an open house focused on long-term quality, quality building materials, flexibility in design standards and alternative materials.

Following the presentation, discussion included flexibility versus standards and restrictions for overlay districts developing within the City, walkability within activity centers including future developments such as the PRI land, site layout design, windows and materials and signage. The consultant’s next steps are to bring back options and conduct another workshop with the council and Planning Commission in the future.

Vacant Council Seat
The Rules Committee will discuss the process for filling the District 4 vacant council seat during its next meeting on Dec. 19 and bring recommendations to the council in January.

The next meeting is January 7.