City Council - Regular Meeting

this team like a family away from home where everyone feels like everybody knows their name. A city that supports you. We see that with our benefits. A pension, vacation days, job security. Being able to be heard. We feel valued. We feel respected. Lee Summit is a very progressive city. It's growing. It's thriving. We have this drive towards not just doing a job, but doing it with a spirit of excellence. I had the opportunity to continue to grow regardless of 30 plus years doing this kind of work. It's more than just dollars and cents. We're here really to give back. Providing a service to better a community to go out and serve people

to be a part of something bigger than yourself. If I would have known what I know now years ago, I would have been here much sooner. Hello Lee Summit. I'm Jordan. Here's your flash briefing for the week of April 20th. Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd. Celebrate by getting involved in local events like Sweep the Summit, Recycle Fest, and Drug Takeback Day. All happening Saturday, April 25th. Find full details on the city's website, city of ls.net. There's still time to review and comment on the capital improvement plan. The comment period for the 2027 to 2031 CIP will be open until midnight on April 22nd. Find a link to review and comment on the city's website. And city council will meet for regular session Tuesday night at 6 in council chambers in city hall. Following the regular session, newly elected officials will take part in a swearing in ceremony. Meetings are open to the public or watch live on the city's YouTube channel. If you can't watch, catch the recorded meeting on demand on the YouTube channel or by subscribing to the council debrief newsletter, which breaks down three to four key agenda items. Subscribe on the city's website. Thanks for listening and have a great week. The city of Lee Summit has hundreds of traffic lights across its more than 1,000 lane miles, all managed by the city's public works traffic technicians. The work happens inside those metal boxes on the side of each intersection. Inside, technicians program a device called the controller. The controller communicates directly with each signal head via underground wires, telling each light when to turn on and off based on a program cycle. City traffic engineers designed this cycle to allow traffic to flow as efficiently as possible for that particular intersection. In order to best match current traffic patterns, they install something called a detection system. Detection systems have

taken many forms over the years, from sensors in the pavement to radar boxes. But in Lee Summit, they primarily consist of cameras which workers mount above the traffic signals. These cameras don't record video or your speed. Instead, they monitor the spaces at the front of the intersection and identify when a vehicle is present in a specific spot. Once a vehicle is identified, the detection system sends a message to the controller, which then adapts its standard cycle to best serve the cars that are present. The pedestrian button works in a similar way. When the button is pressed, the controller receives a signal requesting that it allow that section of the pedestrian walkway to go, which it then inserts into the signal pattern. Technicians also install something called a conflict monitor. The conflict monitor is a device in which they program all the potential patterns of lights that would lead to a collision. If the other systems mistakenly trigger those patterns, the conflict monitor sends the intersection into flash, causing all lights to flash red and directing drivers to treat it like an all-way stop. City traffic technicians implement and maintain these systems so effectively we rarely consider them. But every time we safely pass through a signal controlled intersection, it's all thanks to their work. So the next time you're waiting at a red light, remember the delicate coordination of super smart systems that move you through that space safely and efficiently every day.

Keeping 500 miles of public sewer. Shor lines flowing keeps utility costs low and our environment healthy. The Lee Summit water utilities operations team does this every day. Sewer lines can be blocked with everything from roots to flushable wipes to food grease. When a potential blockage is identified, teams use detailed mapping to locate access points. My camera's at 18038.

A camera truck parks at one end of the sewer line and a jet truck at the other. The camera truck carries a rover type camera which the team lowers into the manhole. The operator then drives the camera into the pipe where it views and records from its adjustable lens. Here it can identify the cause and precise location of the blockage. The jet truck will then use high pressure water to remove the blockage. Starting at the opposite end of the line, the operator inserts the jet head into the manhole. Pressurized water shoots out of the head, clearing out debris and propelling it forward. The camera observes this process, and the two operators communicate via walkie-talkie to coordinate movement.

Hold it right there. Go ahead and fire it up. Half pressure. I'm in front of you. Once the jet head has passed the blockage, the operator reels it back in. The camera can then inspect the pipe to see if the blockage is cleared.

Yeah, go ahead. Pull out. We're done. With the job complete, the camera is removed, cleaned, and returned to the truck, and the crew moves on to the next job. In addition to addressing identified problems, the team will systematically check every line in the city in a 5-year period, keeping costs low and our community healthy today and for years to come. Lee Summit has lots of local destinations, but where do you start? Green Street, a vibrant community space in the heart of downtown, is where Lee Summit comes together. Its three dynamic areas have something for everyone. Green Street Market is a modern event venue and home to the downtown Lee Summit Farmers Market. Green Street Lawn is a covered performance space hosting live music, family activities, and more. Green Street Grove is a mixture of gathering spaces, an immersive playground, and bold architectural features. And all three areas host community events year round. So the next time you set out to enjoy the city you love, remember, meet at Green Street. Officers in route 914 armed.

Heat. Heat. Keeping our city beautiful is a collaborative effort for all citizens. The city of Lee Summit supports these efforts with a set of guidelines or ordinances and the city's neighborhood services team helps put those guidelines into practice. These guidelines ensure grass stays trimmed, fences are maintained, home exteriors are kept up, and much more. We can all help out by first making sure our property meets these guidelines. If you notice a potential violation on a neighbor's property, first check the guidelines on the city's website. If it is a violation, the next step is to communicate with your neighbor directly. If that is not possible or if the problem persists, it can be reported through LS Connect. LS Connect is an online platform for submitting issues to the city. You can access it on the city website or by downloading the app through your mobile devices app store. Once you submit an issue, it is reviewed by the neighborhood services team. A neighborhood services officer will then visit the site for any violations found. The neighborhood services officer will leave a notice and speak with the property owner if possible. The officer's goal is to help the property owner solve or abate the problem as quickly as possible. After a 10-day period, the officer will inspect the site to see if the issue has been abaded. Normally, by this point, the issue has been resolved. If not, depending on the type of issue, an extension could be granted or the city might fix the problem at the owner's expense. In rare cases, if all other measures have been applied, the issue will be resolved in the municipal court. Neighborhood services officers work hard to resolve problems quickly and positively. They are here to support the

community as we work together to keep our city beautiful.

Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Well, welcome everyone. Would you please rise for the invocation and stay standing for the pledge of allegiance?

Dear Lord, as we gather this evening, for some of us for the final time, we ask that you be with each and every one of us. For those who are on our way out, I pray that you would continue to guide our steps and be with us on this new journey and purpose you have called us to, and to find comfort in knowing that we served our community well. For those that are incoming and that remain, would you guide them in the years to come in the direction that you would have them go that represents this community that you would give them wisdom, discernment, and conviction to lead well. Help them to always put their community first when making decisions. May we all always remember that we are only here because you have put us here and that we never take that for granted. Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be in this position. I am forever humbled and grateful to this community. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all again. Welcome everyone. I'm calling to order the city of Lee Summit siny die regular session number 69. Can I get a roll call, please? Council member Funk present. Council member Levelville here. Carlilele present. Council member Hodgees here. Council member Rder.

Council member Prior here. Council member Shields here. Mayor Prom Lopez here. Mayor Baird here. Okay. First thing on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. I have a motion to adopt the agenda by council member Hajes, seconded by council member Funk. Discussion. Seeing none, please cast your vote. Council member Carlo. I'm an I. Council member Level's an eye as well.

I council member Shields is an I. All votes are in. Please record the vote. It's unanimous. 88 80. Uh, next is the approval of the consent agenda. We have a motion to adopt the consent agenda by council member Hajes, seconded by council member Shields. Discussion. Seeing none, please cast your vote. Council member Carlile. I. Council member Levelville. I'm He's in. Council member Shield.

Okay. All votes are in. Please record the vote. That's also unanimous. Thank you. Next is council roundt. These are items of general interest interest, things going on in the community. Any anybody want to Yes. Council member Shields. Yeah. Um this Sunday there's going to be um a couple of different activities at Green Street, both yoga, which you guys are going to join me for one day, and a vintage fair. So hopefully folks will come out and enjoy our amazing uh community space. Thank you. Thank you. It has been fun watching that playground this spring. Oh, Council Member Carlo.

Thank you, Mayor. This Saturday, the 25th at 9:00 a.m. we are having recycle fest. So, if you need to know what you can bring, go online. It'll tell you everything you can bring. And it's over by the old um landfill. Thank you.

Thank you. All right, we have a couple of public commenters tonight. Uh, Coun, uh, see here, Miss Bellenweider, we allow three minutes for the public to speak for everybody else in the audience. Um, they're supposed to speak to items listed on the council agenda or general operations of the city. Uh, they get three minutes and um hopefully We'll get through the Miss Volen White's not here. She's

Yeah, Miss Fallen White, you're up. down. That's me getting out of the way of Jonathan Culie's car.

Are we leaving?

Okay. What do you want to meet? Teresa Volenwiter, 5201 Northeast Maybrook Road. Officer Culie used an armbar on me. I learned that after I read the report. I titled this I welcome the new council members and I wish them luck. I want them to succeed and I thank the old uh the outgoing council for their service. Uh it's something to be admired and I appreciate that. Uh what I want to comment on tonight is the government is the city budget. I learned today that uh by watching the the finance and budget meeting because it's such riveting television uh that we are in a big hole as far as the city is concerned. I won't go into a lot of uh detail on why that hole exists, but there's a big problem. There's a big shortfall in the city budget and and that's that's a problem that you'll hear more about from the

people who know how to discuss it more intelligently than I do. Um I don't want this to come off as being critical. It it will. But um I know that I cannot offer much help in that room. I'm not a finance guy. I'm not an accounting guy. I'm not a numbers guy. Now, if I was in that room with the budget, I wouldn't be much help except to maybe serve some drinks. But, uh, what I can offer is to promote some accountability, transparency, and leadership, uh, where the city budget and the responsibility for the good of the city is concerned. Um, so when I watched that meeting and I learned what the problems were and what the numbers were, I thought in any walk of life unless there is some immediate and tangible accountability then nothing will change. And so that's what I'm bringing to this meeting. Uh ultimately it is the city council's job to approve and vote on anything that is brought before the city and that includes a budget which might include uh contract negotiations and other things of that nature that include uh the numbers of the city. So, uh, in in a way of bringing accountability and transparency and leadership to the city council who voted on this stuff that resulted in us having this red number that we have without assigning individual blame. I would like for there to be some tangible accountability. I figure in my dead reckoning that each council member, excluding the mayor,

brings home about $800 a month for their services net. I think that at least one month should be donated to the charity of their choice as a miaulpa that got us where we are today. That I realize that the fence is hot. I see that there's some consequences. I'm going to own that and pay for that. And to that end, I'm willing to lead that effort. I have in my hand a check to Hi Homefront for $800 that I will donate regardless if anybody else does so just to lead the way in some accountability to the city council. And thank you very much.

All right. Thank you. All right. We're going to go to resolutions. Uh agenda item five. Miss Miss Fowler Curry, would you please read resolution number 26-04? Resolution number 26-04, a resolution canvasing and declaring the results of the April 7th, 2026 regular municipal election for the municipal officers for the city of Lee Summit, Missouri. Thank you. We have a motion to adopt bill number 26 or excuse me, resolution number 26-04 by council member Shield, seconded by council member Hodgeges. Discussion. Seeing none, please cast your vote. I Thank you.

I'm missing one vote. Thank you. All votes are in. Please record the vote. It passes 8. Next, we have committee reports. Anybody? It's tough. We're in the middle of a transition. So, committee reports is all right. Council member Shields.

Thank you, Mayor. I have a couple of items. Um, we had the Lee Summit EDC meeting today, uh, board meeting, and one of the items we discussed was a new policy that, uh, they ended up adopting regarding how they would, um, evaluate potential projects and then bring their evaluation to the city. So um and that could be at the planning commission level, the committee level, the council level, but to say if a project is in line with the targeted industries that the EDC supports, is in line with the um job goals that they have that they'll come and kind of present those facts to council is one um facet of a project that they consider when they make their decisions. So, I think that's a good way to keep those lines of communication open and they can make those recommendations upon um the request of the board or the request of the city or I think if a city council member wanted to ask them to come and and uh weigh in on something, I'm sure that they would. So, just something to keep in mind for the future. And then, um I also did want to say we had a finance and budget meeting uh yesterday. Um we are in a difficult um budget year and there are going to have to be some tough choices made. We had some really good discussion about how we're going to balance those priorities and um how we're going to make sure that we're meeting the needs of our citizens. And so I would really encourage especially our incoming council members if they have a chance to go and watch that um or at least look at the presentation. It'll give you a good idea of some of the challenges that we're facing this year and how we're going to try to to weigh those as we make sure that we're addressing the needs of our residents. So that is all. Mayor, thank you.

But you will end up with a balanced budget. Absolutely. Mr. Dunning, you're going to do a balanced budget, correct? That's our mission. Yes. All right. Thank you. Um, we are still on committee reports. Anybody else? All right. Council comments. We're not We're going to for council comments. We These are things that um um council members may want to discuss on future agenda items. Tonight, we're going to save our comments about each other until the very end. So like our outgoing people if you want to say something. Okay. No council comments. Okay. Um round table staff round table.

One quick item. Mayor uh the city's capital improvement plan. We refer to that as our CIP is coming up on the public hearing at planning commission on April 23rd this Thursday. The public comment portion of that closes tomorrow at end of business. Uh there is an executive summary that we've provided uh within the packet system just highle overview of the CIP. Just a couple highlights um the the fiscal year 27 CIP is going planned to deliver almost $136 million in improvements. Uh over the course of last year there were 28 projects completed uh totaling 139 million. Um so a lot of work going on in that space. And then in within this CIP, there's 20 new projects estimated at 52 million that will roll into the CIP. So, a lot of good information there. Encourage folks to look at it and if they feel inclined to offer uh public comment and and opinions, there's opportunities to do that. That's it. Mayor, thank you.

Thank you.

Okay. Um we are going to do some recognition of outgoing officials in a moment. Um we'll when we do we'll go down to the floor um and we'll recognize the people that will be coming off this dis um or at least off the this dis in their current position because one one's going to come back on the dis in a new position and that would be um right now he's the mayor elect uh Beth Lopez. So, um I'm going to allow the count the council members to um speak. Um and u council member Hodgeges has bravely bravely said she will go first.

Okay. So, bear with me. I'm going to try not to cry. Um and it would have been a lot longer if I would have talked about each individual person, but I didn't. Okay. So, for four years, it sounds like a long time until you reach the end of it. I will always be grateful and humbled. Oh jeez, guys. By the fact that people voted for me and had faith in me to serve them well. While I couldn't always make everyone happy all of the time, I can say with confidence that I served my community to the best of my ability. Even through the ups and downs, I have loved every second of being on city council. I have learned and grown so much as a person and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to that. I will say when I was running for this position and when I first got on, I had many people tell me that I would I would have a tough time because I didn't align politically with some of the fellow council members because of how conservative I am. But let me tell you, if we all had the same ideas, political beliefs, or personality, we would be a very boring group and we would not accomplish much of anything. And quite frankly, as much as people want to make this position out to be a left or right issue, it is not. It is filled with people who bring different strengths to the table that are unique to each one and each add value in different ways and ultimately reach a common goal, which is to serve our community well, which is what it is all about. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to the council members I have served with and the staff that has been so patient and willing to assist whenever asked. Council members, thank you for serving and thank you for making this community better than the way you found it. We don't always agree on things at the dis or in close session, but there is a beauty in having a group of council members and mayor who can respectfully agree to disagree at times and keep it professional and genuinely like each other. We can all be passionate about issues that are important to us and can come across strongly, but if we didn't, we wouldn't be doing our job well in my opinion.

Mayor, boy, have we had our disagreements. But the fact that in the end we could always come together and put aside our differences and work together, it speaks volumes. I have a huge amount of respect for you and how you led this council. I have seen so much growth in you over the last four years. You have become someone that I admire for your leadership ability and how passionate you are for the people you love and the purpose that you serve. I cannot thank you enough for the disagreements that brought growth, the passion in your work that fueled my own, and the ability to lead with drive, that encouraged me to stay the course and push through when things were tough. We don't always have to agree on everything in order for me to recognize your service to this city and to tell you how grateful I am to have served alongside you and to say thank you for all of it. I'm grateful to know you.

Thank you, fellow council members. It is hard to put into words just how truly grateful I am for the last four years with all of you. We have been through a lot and there isn't a group of people who I would have wanted to do this with more than all of you and those I have served with um my first two years as well. You all have taught me so much over the years and I'm grateful that we can not only serve our community and make some tough decisions together, but to be able to do it with people who can laugh and make the hard times enjoyable and create an environment that is pleasant to be around, it made it so much sweeter. Whether it was laughing at John's pink pants, which he actually has on tonight, they're salmon. They're pink,

or or Mia's uncanny ability to know everyone in this city, or laughing at the dis with Betho for the last four years. It created an environment that can be light-hearted in the midst of making important decisions for our city, which also created a closer relationship between all of us, which created more respect between all of us. So, thank you for all of it. It wouldn't be right to not at least address a specific council member in particular who has been my ride or die this entire journey. She was actually one that I was told I shouldn't talk to in the beginning because she was on the other side of things. So, this is your sign to never listen to those people. Talk to everyone that you can. Okay, I'm I'm sorry. It's okay to have things you disagree on, but there is a beauty in having those discussions and being able to agree to disagree. And as crazy as it sounds, walk away still loving that person. Mia, you are a gift to this city. I wish everyone could see you through my eyes because they would realize what a treasure you are and how you are the most selfless person I know. You have fought for so much good in this city that no one will ever know about and you will never get credit for it. But I see you and I know you don't do it for the credit, but this community deserves to know that you truly are the real deal and serve them so well. You are so honest and kind. Probably the kindest person I have ever met. If someone is sick, even if you don't know them, you offer some natural remedy no one has ever heard of or or

offer to bring them soup or do a porch drop off for anything they need. It amazes me how easily you serve and how little people realize the depth of what you do for this community. You have made me a better person through this journey and I thank the Lord every day to have you as one of my best friends throughout this entire journey. The Lord knew I needed you. The world truly is a better place with you in it and I feel so fortunate to know you. Lastly, to my family, thank you for being on this journey with me and your love and support through it all. I could not have done any of this without you. I am excited for what the future holds and the extra time I get to spend being intentional with my family. I pray that this new council can work together and create a healthy environment of respect and being able to agree to disagree. I wish you all the best and I am excited and hopeful for the future of this city. So, congratulations to all the new council members. I am so happy for you. Thank you.

That was wonderful. Thank you. Can you follow that, John Little?

Anybody can wipe these tears out of my eyes. Good gracious. Oh man. H as my four years on the city council comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our shared journey and to look ahead with hope and excitement to the future of our great city. I have lived in Lee Summit for more than 40 years. My father, Tom Levelvel, served as parks director from 1978 to 2018, helping build the parks and recreation system that so many of us enjoy today. I guess you could say public service has always been in my blood. So, when the opportunity arose to run for city council in 2022, it never felt like a choice. It felt like a civic duty. a civic duty to take my experiences as a 40 40 plus year resident, business owner, son, husband, father, and put that to work representing a city that has given me so much and I love so dearly. These four years have been both humbling and incredibly rewarding. I've seen firsthand how every decision on infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and quality of life touches real people and real families. To the residents of District 2 and to this entire community, thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I'm deeply grateful. My time here has only strengthened my conviction that to thrive in the decades ahead, we can bring the same practical results driven approach we use in business into city government. Real accountability, long-term focus, and the courage to think and act differently. We have tremendous opportunities in front of us. From smarter budgeting that builds modest surpluses for reserves and strategic investments to procurement processes that p prioritize proven performance and lasting value to thoughtful commercial development that creates timeless character, walkability, generous green space, and designs we can all be proud of for generations. Despite what some might say, the truth is our city cannot afford to stand

still. In government, business, and life, doing nothing is not an option. it leaves us behind. We must pursue continual improvement in everything we do, both personally, professionally, and civically. That means regularly examining how we operate and having the courage to adopt better ways forward, whether in development practices, budgeting, procurement, design standards, or creating new opportunities for our growing community. It's about being proactive, thinking outside the box, and not fearing change. It's okay to demand more from our public spaces, our streets, our buildings, and our partnerships. It's okay to use the tools we have available, like incentives, to achieve higher quality outcomes that benefit everyone. Dare I say, Carmel, Indiana. Inside joke. These past four years, I've tried to legislate from one mantra, strong opinions, but loosely held. That means coming in with clear convictions, but staying open to changing my mind when better evidence or arguments are presented. One of the most valuable practices I learned is to steal man someone's argument or position. That means making the strongest, fairest case for their argument before responding to it. Doing so leads to more honest, respectful, and productive debates and ultimately to wiser decisions in life. And for Lee Summit, to the new council and new mayor, I believe in this group. We should all want what's best for this for Lee Summit and that starts by letting go of the past election results and working towards one common goal, a better Lee Summit. Rather than being part of the problem, might we all be part of the solution, offering ideas, debating vigorously but respectfully while considering both intended and unintended consequences, but always from the perspective of preserving the long-term health and vibrance of our city. Lee Summit should be a hand up, not handout community. City government can provide the framework and infrastructure, but each of us, residents and businesses alike, must

take pride in keeping our own side of the street clean, both literally and figuratively. When we all step up and contribute, we build a stronger, more self-reliant city. I leave these chambers with immense gratitude for the citizens who trusted me to serve and for every colleague I've worked with alongside these four years. I wasn't perfect. Far from it, especially with email communication. But I am truly proud of how this council debated openly, honestly, and with respect. We brought different perspectives and different strengths. Yet, we always shared one common goal, doing what we believed was best for Lee Summit. So, to my fellow council members up here with me tonight, Faith, when I look at you today, four years after we first began this journey, I see tremendous growth. You jumped in head first with courage and openness, embracing every challenge, every learning curve, and every difficult decision that came your way. You never backed down. Instead, you've grown stronger strong grown into a stronger, more confident leader. Someone who listens deeply, adapts wisely, stands firmly on principle, and consistently voices thoughtful opinions with clarity and conviction. Most of all, your unwavering commitment to this community has been evident in every interaction. You've responded to your constituents with genuine care and accessibility, treating every concern as important and every voice is worthy of attention. That steady dedication paired with the quiet strength of your faith has been your true north, guiding you not only as a dedicated council member, but as a loving mother and wife as well. It has driven you to accomplish meaningful things for our city. And I truly hope this is not the end of your public service. I wish you and your beautiful family nothing but the best in whatever chapter lies ahead. Thank you for your heart, your growth, and your faithful service. Mia, you are truly one of my favorite human beings. I never quite know what's going to come out of your mouth next, but it almost almost always brings a smile to my face and lightens the moment in the best way. Your strengths complement my

weaknesses so perfectly that serving alongside you has been a genuine joy and privilege. No one has been more deeply engaged with our citizens than you. You've taken the time to truly listen, to hear every concern with an open heart, and to keep your finger firmly on the pulse of our city. That responsiveness, that genuine care has lift lifted me up more than you'll ever know, and I'm forever grateful. And yes, you even got us more chickens. What makes your service even more special is the beautiful way you show up as a mother. You're an incredible mom, pouring so much love, patience, energy, and devotion into your family every single day. It's clear that the same nurturing, protective heart is at the very core of how you serve our community. I know the next four years are in truly excellent hands with you. I deeply admire your willingness to step up and serve again. Thank you for all you do, and I wish you the best of luck. Cinda, I've known you since I was a child, and it's been a privilege to watch you build such an extraordinary legacy in our city. There's no doubt you will continue to add to that legacy in the years ahead. As a council member, you faced some of life's most difficult seasons and emerged even stronger. As a devoted mother, a successful businesswoman, and a deeply dedicated citizen, that resilience is inspiring. Even though the election didn't unfold as you'd hope, your voice and your perspective remain vitally important to this community. All perspectives matter, especially yours. In a time when it could be easier to stay silent, your strength, your clarity, and your willingness to speak with honesty and conviction are exactly what our city needs. Your unique viewpoint challenges us to think more deeply, to consider every angle, and to make better decisions for everyone we serve. That combination of wisdom, experience, and unshakable strength is a rare and precious gift to Lee Summit, and I'm grateful continue to shape our future. Hillary, sorry, a little is my time up.

Yes.

Sorry. You're next, Trish. Hillary, serving alongside you as a fellow council member has been one of the greatest surprises and deepest joys of my four years on this DAS. You quickly showed me that preconceived notions, political labels, and the differences people on the outside often assumed about us don't define who we truly are, how we can work together. You are incredibly well read, well-prepared, pragmatic, and deeply thoughtful. I always look forward to hearing your perspective because it came from a place of genuine understanding and careful study. More often than not, your insight served as my guiding light when making difficult decisions. I have a tremendous respect for your opinion. It carried real weight with me and helped me see issues more clearly. I'll never forget the C approval vote where I had voiced strong opposition. I was the only one, at least in my mind, that was opposing it. You immediately jumped in and stood right beside me in support. That moment cut through any pre preconceived perceived differences others may have seen between us and reminded me that at the end of the day we are both here for the same reason to do what we believe is truly best for Lee Summit. I know our city is always in excellent hands when you are involved. Wherever your path may lead next, whatever office or opportunity you pursue, know that there is at least one many people who would willingly give eight full years of their lives in public service on the city council, step away for two, and then choose to return to the work once again. That kind of sustained commitment speaks volumes about your deep sense of duty and your genuine love for this community. You bring a bold, colorful personality to every meeting, and you have a marvel way of using direct, colorful language to cut through the noise and make your point with clarity and conviction. Beyond that, what has always stood out to me is how smart, tenacious, and fair you are. You're never afraid to stand your ground, even when it would be easier to go along with the crowd. You've brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and hardearned expertise to this DAS, and the council has been

better for it. It's been an honor to serve with you, Donnie. Oh boy. truly are like a brother to me. Um, friendship we share means more than I could ever adequately express. Through the ups and downs of life, you've been a constant source of strength, loyalty, and encouragement. I can't imagine having served on this council without you. This election subjected you to some unfair challenges and scrutiny. But I know the man you are. I know the depth of your care for the city and the many sacrifices you make for your family, your business, and our community. The kind of quiet, steadfast dedication is rare and it's one of the re many reasons I respect you so deeply. I'm grateful beyond measure that our city will will remain in such capable and committed hands with you for the next four years. You've consistently showed up, listened with care, and fought for what is right with this city. I love you, brother. I'm I'm almost there, guys. Mayor elect Betto, you have given so much to this city. Eight years on council, your upcoming four years as mayor, and your previous time on planning commission. That kind of sustained commitment is rare, and it speaks volumes about your dedication. What I admire most is your steady, level-headed presence, especially in difficult situations. You have a remarkable gift for bringing people together from all perspectives, staying calm, and focusing on practical solutions that serve our city. You've always asked the right questions. Is this best for the city? Does this move us forward? That attit attitude will serve you well and all of us as mayor. Most importantly, your wonderful husband and a devoted father to your beautiful daughters. Your family and your faith have been your guiding pillars that shape everything you do. And I know they will continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead our city as mayor. You will make an outstanding mayor, and I couldn't be more confident in your leadership for the years to come. And finally, Mayor Baird.

No one in our city has endured more criticism, misunderstanding, or outright abuse than you have over the past several years. And yet, through it all, you never wavered in your commitment to us. You made the tough of often unpopular decisions that true leadership demands. choices that required real sacrifice, personal cost, and the courage to stand alone when it would have been easier to follow the crowd. You were willing to take the arrows to absorb the blows and to shield our community from pressures that could have done us real harm. That willingness to protect what matters most, even when it meant bearing the brunt of the backlash, is the unmistakable mark of a servant leader. You poured tremendous energy, love, care, and thoughtful stewardship into every corner of our city. You kept the doors open to every voice, no matter how critical, and you gave your time generously to anyone who needed to be heard. We haven't always seen eye to eye, but I always respected the integrity and perseverance you brought to the role. You are a good man who has overcome significant personal hardship through sheer hard work and quiet determination. You have been and remained a devoted husband and father who has modeled what it likes to serve others first. History has a way of eventually recognizing leaders who are willing to do the hard, thankless work in real time. I believe your legacy will be one of those quietly strong, deeply impactful, and far more enduring than the noise of the moment ever suggested. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've given to our community. You will be missed and you will be remembered with gratitude. God bless you and your family in the next chapter. And finally, none of this journey would have been possible without the love and support of my family. To my wife, thank you for your endless patience, your unwavering encouragement, and for being my rock through every long night and every tough decision. You have carried so much behind the scenes so that I could serve our city with a clear mind and a full heart. And to our daughters, you are the light of my life and the reason I show up every single day. Your smiles, your strength, and the future we're building

together have inspired me more than you'll ever know. You are the driving force behind everything I do. You are the motivation for every sacrifice, the compass for every decision, and the joy that makes every victory worthwhile. I love you more than words can say, and I'm grateful to have you by my side. That was really amazing and wonderful and I can't thank you enough, Council Member Level. Okay. Who would like to go next? Council member Shields.

Thank you, Mayor. I did my best to embarrass you, mayor, and and council member Hajes, uh, last week, but I will say again, um, I appreciate your leadership so much. I have learned so much, and I don't think I would have found my voice on this DAS without your encouragement.

You would have. I I appreciate you. You've done a lot for this city. Um, and we we would not be the council that we are without your leadership. Um, and council member Hodgeges, I told you last week, I have loved serving with you. I've loved seeing you grow. I think it's kind of amazing that uh I think we are probably the first two women to give birth on the DIS, which is pretty cool. Not on the Not on the DIS. Hey, that's usually my joke. Thankfully, not literally on, but we had two baby showers like during this term. It was cool.

And um I understand that you wanted to devote more time to your family and I I respect that, but we will miss you. And Council Member Levelville, I was going to make a joke about Caramel, Indiana, but you beat me to it. Um I have really enjoyed serving with you. I think you and I have had some of the strongest disagreements that I've had with anyone on this dis, but I have so much respect for you. Um, I always say if you don't come in here wanting to accomplish something and if you don't come in here with any opinions, why are you up here? And I you come in here with strong opinions loosely held and we have great discussions because of it and I learn a lot because of it and I'm going to miss you as well. So, I really appreciate your service and thank you for being here.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Shields. That was very, very kind. Council member Funk. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I can't thank this group of dedicated service servants. Um, their leadership has helped guide me through my first year as council, so I'm not going to be as long as council member level, but council member Hodes, I don't know if you remember the first time we met.

I do. It was at your council forum when you were first running for office. I introduced myself and I told you it would probably be best to go home and study the comp and strat plan and you will do great things. Sitting here today, I know you did and you've come a long way. You've answered every email, every phone call, and you've taught me to do the same. I can't thank you enough for all the discussions and guidance you have given me through my first year of council. Go enjoy your family. Council member Levelvel, try to keep this funny. My dear friend, thank you for always giving me your unbiased opinion, even when I didn't really want it. I am not sure who on this incoming council is going to be able to uphold your unwavering fashion and shoe style. Truly, thank you, my brother, for your guidance, sharing your friendship, your family, and your leadership skills with me. I know you will always be sitting outside the window looking in waiting for something good to happen. That's an inside joke. Also, I have a good feeling this isn't your last ride. I see your father sitting out there and he knows the same. But until then, enjoy playing golf with your beautiful family. Mayor Baird, public service is never easy. It requires long hours you put them in. the willingness to listen. You've always done that. And some tough decisions, even when opinions differ, you are always there to make them right. You've met all these challenges with integrity, purpose, but always keeping the best interests of this community at heart. Because of this, you've made all of us better prepared for the future. Thank you and your family for your leadership sacrifices you have made for this great city. I wish you all the best in your next chapter. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Donnie. Woo. Okay. Anybody else? I'm going to let Mayor Pret Lopez go last. So, um, out of respect for the incoming leadership, would you like to say anything? I can't. No. Okay. Would you like saying? No. Okay.

All right. Then Mayor Prom Lopez, uh, Mayor Elect Lopez, sorry. Thank you, Mayor. Um, before I make comments, we have a special guest um that uh had a tough time getting here, but he got here that uh I think it would be very special for him to come up and say a few words first before I speak. So, Dr. Buck, I saw you walk in. Wow. Come on up, everybody. This is superintendent of schools, Lee Summit schools, Dr. David Buck. Yep. Thank you.

So, I think I'm going to say the same thing you just heard both uh Council Member Hodes and Loveville say. Um, when I first met you six years ago, you said the same thing that I heard both them say. The citizens of our community want to see all of us work together for a better lease summon. And part of that is sometimes we disagree, but we do it in a respectful way and figure out a path forward for the best answer. And I think uh you've done that very well. Um and I appreciate all the different times that we've been able to work on things together and also watching from afar on how you've helped our city come together. So with that, as a token, got you a little war here that says uh thank you for your service uh to our city and I appreciate it. Appreciate you. on his own phone, right? very nice. Wonderful surprise.

Great. Thank you, Dr. Bug. Appreciate that a whole lot. I wasn't sure the school district would ever give me an award after my first run. Well, all the comments are very accurate and that's why um you're getting the gestures and the attention tonight. You deserve it. So, I get the honor of making u the last comments. Um, honoring actually, I get to make

Well, okay. Honoring honoring All right, stand corrected. Honoring our outgoing council representatives and the mayor. Um, and it goes without saying, um, I'll touch upon the mayor and I's role. Um, we have sered all eight years together and that's pretty unique and, uh, I will forever be grateful for that. um having that opportunity to serve alongside you um and though it didn't sit well with some people um for you to have chosen me as the mayor for Tim all eight years uh I will always be grateful for that and I think we understand the reasons why you did that amongst many many qualified and and and very intelligent colleagues that I've had in in the all eight years that I've served alongside you here on the council that could have been easily chosen as mayor proms. Um, I use that to not for my benefit, but to continue to serve this community and represent our community in in situations situations and in times when the mayor was not available. Um, and I I've done my best to do with the highest level of integrity um and and commitment and respect for our community and all of our citizens. Uh, but before I speak more about the mayor, um, I do want to acknowledge the outgoing council representatives. Um, you heard them speak. you you heard them uh talk about starting with council member Levelville start to my right here. Um I I had known council member Levelville prior to him being on city council. Um I didn't know him as well as I thought I did and uh and as the comments he made. I won't repeat some of the things he said. Uh I'm very grateful for his comments, but right back at you because you came in here um sacrificing a lot. We sacrifice a lot when when we make a decision to come up here and spend time representing our city um trying to work on policy that will keep all of us safe and help us keep the same quality of life that that we all love and cherish here in this community. But you came in and you

had different perspectives, but you were respectful and that respect, that integrity, that commitment to the city, that love for this city and the person that you are with at home with your family, your children, your wife. you brought that here and that is something that I I will always cherish and would will admire about you and I I also look forward to continuing our friendship and cons and considering you a friend forever. So I appreciate you a whole lot too. Thank you. Council member Hodes. Oh boy. So she came in on fire and uh and uh she knows I'm I'm I'm being sarcastic and facitious, but she came in knowing it all. she knew it all. And um as as she said um when you sit up here, it's a very humbling uh role and experience. Um we all come in convicted and come in with certain perspectives about all kinds of things here in the city. And what I respect and admire about her is that coming in with those perspectives and those convictions, she was also very open-minded to learning more. and she asked the questions and the mayor and I made sure she sat right next to me uh to make sure that she didn't get out of line.

No, no. You from getting out of line.

Yeah. What what was kind of dangerous was that she giggled for everything and then got me giggling and then that was a mess. So, but I'm going to miss that part of of of our relationship here on the dis. But as already has been said, um you as an individual, besides your elected role, what I've observed you is the person that you are as a human and and as a I'm not going to get choked up, but as just a human being and a and a wife and and a and a mom and a daughter, your commitment to your faith is something that um I've learned a lot from as well as your colleague. And uh that's the beauty of what doing what we do. Doesn't always work out, but you do make life long long life uh long-lasting friends uh with certain people that you serve with. And I completely admire a little unknown secret. Oh no.

I'll go ahead and say it. Um you see her features. She does not look any bit of any kind of ethnicity. Um she was very proud to tell me when she first met me that she's of Hispanic descent as well. we were the only two Mexicans on the dis and she reminded me of that often. So, and that's kind of an inside joke, but but but no, I'm very impressed with how she came in again. Um, she was willing to learn, kind of like council member Funk said, she was willing willing to learn and go do go do the research and go do her homework and and that's why she became an outstanding council representative. And it's and and it's disappointing to see her to for her to make the decision that she will no longer serve, but highly respect that decision as well as has already been stated. Her commitment to her family um is is top priority and and her faith and and um but you will always be remembered for a legacy that you left here on the council as well and for our city. Thank you very much. Um let's see. I think that's everyone. Mayor. All right. Here we go. Here we go. I promise I won't cry. Um, I said I made I made a statement and I I promise I'll make it brief. I made a statement at a recent the most recent mayor mayor's character breakfast um earlier this year in January. I had the opportunity to introduce the mayor as as the main speaker for this event, this uh character breakfast. Um I was honored when I was asked I I was honored to to to do that make that introduction um for a lot of reasons. As I said here a few minutes ago, um I am the only council representative that served all eight years with you and that's pretty unique. Um but I got to see firsthand um how different councils and and just the the characteristics of a council and the demeanor of a council changes every two years. We have new council people that come come and go. Um and uh during those times it's very challenging as a leader to to help navigate the different

personalities and the different interests that people come in with and has already been said. I won't repeat some of the the qualities and the ideas that that some people already mentioned but he has known how to navigate through that and and that's pretty unique and what I said at the mayor's character breakfast was that it's easy for a leader it's easy for a leader to lead when things are going well. The true test of a leader from my perspective is how you deal when things are not that well. Okay? And I'm going to read a few things here in a second. I'm normally not a script person. People that know me know that. But these things are things that need to be highlighted and brought up because because of his leadership during the good times and the tough times, these things were completed and were done. And that's what makes this city so special. Um, we're our city, every city has challenges, but we've positioned our community to be the fastest growing city in the state of Missouri and the best city. We have so much growth and positive uh progress in our community. And all of these projects and things that I'm going to list here in a second have his fingerprints all over them. And that's something that's the legacy that I told him several months back. His legacy has already been set in this community and no one will ever change that. And when people that aren't familiar with Lee Summit walk outside these doors and you see what's across the street, that's a perfect example of Mayor Bard's fingerprints all over it. All right, but I'm going to read a few things. Just keep these in mind whether you're from the city. I I have family here that that doesn't live in the community, but these are very significant accomplishments and initiatives that Mayor Baird was extremely instrumental in making sure they they were uh completed. The Ignite initially the Ignite community strategic plan, the new comprehensive plan, consolidation of the boards and commissions to align with with the strategic plan, specifically the wellness and cultural commissions, the haveent sales public safety tax, which was a bigger uh undertaking for our city, the use tax, the marijuana

tax, the the debt le the debt levy reallocation of operating levy uh bond, the 2019 and the 2023 no tax increasing bond initiatives, and that created 2019 in 2019 no increased bond initiatives of 19 $19.5 million that helped build two new fire stations stations four and five a police substation on the south part of the city uh we got aerial fire apparatus for our firefighters police incar video and body warn cameras network in infrastructure for our public safety personnel green street project that's the project if you're not familiar with Lee Summit just look outside the though that project was stalled. There was many great ideas, many many forefathers that that had the the the the concept that we needed a a true farmers market in our community, but it was stalled. And Mayor Bar led that charge to bring people together as already has been said. And just look how beautiful that thing is. And when you come anywhere near here during the day when the weather's nice and you see the children playing in that playground though, we spent a lot of countless nights working with the architects and the planners to come up with that concept. Um that's something you be you should be always very proud of. Um the our airport here in Lee Summit uh we went through a branding and a name change. It is now called the Kansas City Lee Summit Regional Airport. That airport brings over $50 million of tax revenue to this community. That wasn't the case eight years ago. Okay. He was directly has his fingerprints all over that. All the road improvements. The sign of a healthy community is when you see significant multi-jurisdiction road improvements. You have Chipman Road renovation, Coburn Road renovation, West Third Street uh improvements. And on top of that, we've restructured and continue to include be more

inclusive with the the partners that we have within the city, the planning commission, the park board, Lee Summit R7. He initiated joint joint session meetings with them because each one of those groups we share the same brand, Lee Summit Missouri, and it was it was somewhat people were kind of operating in silos in the past. He unified all these groups and that's what's made us stronger as a as a community. All of us being aligned together and he gets credit for that. We have ARPA funding during during COVID u that he was instrumental in in championing along with our city manager the car's act funding uh we have a processing plant uh first one in the state and let me talk about one of the most difficult times in the history of our country of the world this COVID period. You talk about everything that was going on. He kept calm and collective and kept the council focused on making sure that our citizens were always provided the best services and and and kept all of us safe. Working with all the different multiple jurisdictions and leading the charge when we had shortfalls with our county colleagues, Lee Summit took the lead on a lot of the car's act co uh procedures and keeping our community safe. He deserves a lot of credit for that. Most people don't really ever really knew about that. And so that's something important to point out. We have a landfill in South Kansas City that was a big controversy. He led the charge with all the all the leaders in in Jackson County to make sure that Lee Summit and the surrounding areas around the landfill were protected. Uh the quarry project, Lee Summit EDC 8 years ago was much different than it is now. not to dwell on the past, but we're on a path forward to continue to grow this community in the most highly responsible way. Economic development, um, we have a Costco coming. Okay, that project, that

site where the Costco's going was was in bankruptcy and because of his leadership, he again unified people and and got the previous owners, the lenders that were involved and we were able to generate revenue and funds for the city to help our overall budget. That's leadership. We have more commercial development than in the history in in any time of history of Lee Summit, Missouri. We have more light industrial facilities in Lee Summit. More off more jobs that have been created in Lee Summit than ever in the history of Lee Summit under his leadership. Discovery Park is the largest mixeduse development in the state of Missouri's history over by St. Luke's on on Douglas and Coburn Road. The mayor was completely instrumental in working with the developers there and the investors. As as we all know, we have the PRI land, the the Church of Jesus Christ and Latterday Saints. They own over 4,000 acres in the city of Lee Summit. This one we got a little lucky on. Um the the church owns quite a bit of land in the Kansas City area. Um the one the land they own in Lee Summit. For years, many of our predecessors, leaders, they they had they couldn't get the church to to move on that. It's over on the north side, uh, closer to the Lakewood area and on the south side closer to 291 and 150. Over 4,000 acres. That's bigger than a lot of of our neighboring cities around here. Um, so that's pretty significant. As soon as he becomes mayor, they announced that they want to go ahead and develop it. And so, but with that comes a lot of challenges. He's led that charge to make sure that that's done in the most responsible strategic manner. So it aligns and as council member Levelville said preserving the quality of life with the green space, the walkability and and and uh in the most responsible manner. He led the charge with the church along with our city leadership. Paragon Star, uh we're hopeful that that

project continues to progress and gets completed. He's been very instrumental in making sure that that project over on Buhigh and and 470 gets completed. And our community partners, our community partners, he's he's kind of led the charge with all the development that our downtown. If you have y'all been to our If you haven't been to our downtown, how do you like it? How how do you how do people like our downtown here? He he brought many of the groups that are involved in leadership in making sure this downtown is preserved and that charm and the character and the legacy that Lee Summit Missouri has. He has been completely instrumental in working with many of the of the groups downtown Main Street Group and the Chamber of Commerce and I already mentioned the EDC and th those things don't happen by luck or just by chance. that's intentional and he has been the leader that has brought all these groups together and and as I finish here uh I just want to say again that it's been a complete honor the complete honor to to serve along with you. Um I told you this several months back and I said it earlier when I start started speaking here a second ago. Your legacy is set in this community and it will never be forgotten. And you you and your family should always cherish that because you deserve it. And it's been a tough situation. There's been many ups and downs, but you kept this city steady during the entire time. And I was there witness along with you on for the ride. And many of us were out here too, witnesses of that. So very grateful for that. Thank you for everything you've done. On behalf of all of our former council colleagues that have served with us, our current council colleagues, our city staff, and all the citizens of Lee Summit, Missouri, thank you for your service to this community. It will never be forgotten. Thank you.

to cuss. I was for sure I wasn't going to get emotional tonight. My wife's not here because I didn't want to cry. When I talk about her, I cry. So, I'm like, just we'll just do this farewell thing next week or, you know, or after sometime. But, um, that's really, really nice of all of you. So, I do have to say a few words. Um, first I I didn't do any of those things by myself. Um, I had unbelievable council members helping me as you can see. They're amazing. And I love you all. I really do. Um, there is as dynamic and brilliant and smart as they just revealed to you. you can see how strategic and thoughtful and caring and compassionate they all are um and what integrity they all have. And I would just like to um I would like to say a couple words about each of them, but I just first I got to zoom in over here because they do all this work that make us look good. Um everything Mayor Elect Lopez just said uh that we've accomplished as a city has been because of these people. um because of the leadership of Mark Dunning, because of his communication skills, because of his work working his way up through the the city's departments, um he's been a phenomenal um civic leader and employee of the of the city, but also he's been a great uh person and friend to lean on. Um, we we work so closely together. And if you see cohesion up here, it's because, yes, we

all respect each other and we've we've learned to work together respectfully, but it's also because he helps us. He he fixes he fixes problems. He sees things and he says, "Here, let me help. Let me let me do this." Um, he is the ultimate team player. The ultimate team player is Mark Dunning. So, Mark, um, very much appreciate you. Um, Brian Heads right behind him. He's our city attorney and I can't even tell you the kind of conversations I've had to have with that man over eight years. So, um, legal expertise, yes. But also, uh, confidant and someone that I, you know, you just have to talk about things that you shouldn't be having to talk about sometimes. Um, but the city staff, Ryan Elim, you're amazing. Um, you're there for every council member. Um, I look around, I see, you know, I'm so proud of the police department and I see Deputy Chief Bunker Travis. Chief Forbes, is he not here tonight? Um, to give him my regards. I'll see him. Uh, Michael Park. I'm so proud of the infrastructure and everything you've done and the guidance and advice you give us. And Chief Snyder, there you are. Chief Snyder and Chief Eden, Assistant Chief Eden, and more. You guys are just amazing. Um, where's Joe Snook? There he is. Joe Snook. Um, we've come a long way with our relationship with the parks and the city. We're sister sister charter organizations and I feel like we've really um made our city proud with our relationships. Dr. Buck and our community partners. Dr. Buck, I I I love you. You're just you've been there for this for this group here. You've been there for the city. We did get you in the we finally you got you closed on some properties with the church and that was the goal six years ago. Um I know it took six years. Sorry about that. Um but we kept plugging for you. Um I know there's other community partners in the room and we do we do have joint meetings

with our different community partners. I see downtown. I see Donnie. Um and so many others. Um we we're working together with u we've started a tourism department and more. So, it's these community partners that really make this city so great and they do all the work and make the city look good. City council look good. But it's because they're engaging with us and it's because the council is engaging with them. Um, we have lots of boards and commissions. I want to thank all those citizens. I want to thank the citizens in general. You're all here tonight supporting us. And this gives us strength when you show up like this and you're here for your family. It gives us strength to do the hard stuff to to make the hard decisions to battle through the grind of the job. And let me tell you, the job is a grind. Um I think that I would like to just say a couple things. I'll try to be quick because I know you've listened to a lot of stuff about me, but um just about the council members. I'm going to go in order of tenure. So least tenure first. So that'd be council member Donnie Funk. Um, and I always call them by their last name, Council Member Funk, but I'm going to go ahead and call you by your first names. This will be the first time in 8 years I've done that. Um, I try to keep it super professional, but Donnie, you've impressed me this year with your work ethic and your determination and your just your overall approach. You have actually in one year become the unofficial liaison at times to building bridges between council members and other people in the community. Um, it's why you were such a strong leader on the planning commission all those years because you you you bring people together. You you you work on consensus and that's what we need. You were absolutely like council member Levelville said a professional during a contentious campaign. Um, and it showed what kind of person you are and what kind of character you have. And I I was just so extremely proud of you. Um, Cinda, uh, you know, she's she's been a

board member, a committee member, a commission member, planning commission, and and a city council member, and I was proud to be a part of appointing her to most of those positions uh, in my career. Um, and so I thank her for advocating for housing affordability and, um, to keep that as a top priority for our council. Um, and I thank her for carrying herself with professionalism on the DAS and in city hall. Um, Sean Levelvel is, you know, he's he's we go way back before council. We we've been dear friends for such a long time. I can't even look at him. He makes me laugh and cry. He's always making me laugh. He can he's the one guy that can get me to smile when I'm in the most intense mood. Um, and I do admire your business savvy and your pragmatism and your integrity. And most people um you know don't know you were right there for me in the schoolboard years and you were you always gave me confidence and strength when I needed it the most. And you know but the thing is about John you saw tonight it's it's not what I love most about him. What I love most about him is the fact that he loves his family and his friends and that's what I most respect about you. The way you treat them and treat us as as family. Um you're really a great role model for our community. Um, Faith. Um, boy, we we have had quite the experience together and I adore her. Um, uh, we are very similar personalities. So, uh, we're also truth seekers and you just truth seekers, you know, they are on a on a mission and relentless. So, but you've you've just so impressed all of us with your determination, dedication, hard work. you. We'll be having this long discussion and sometimes she'll wait and chime in later and then she just wraps it all up and summarizes it and I'm like, "Okay, she's she's arrived. She's she just summarizes

it perfectly. Let's get to the decision point. We've talked for an hour. It's time to it's time to go." And um you know I've told her personally her many times personally that yeah she's got all these wonderful things that are like me and relentless and she's tough and such but it's her values and ethics that I admire most about you and I keep saying that because it's true and it's what binds us and and bonds us. Um so thank you for your service and in the last four years. Uh Mia is a passionate advocate for the community. She um she fights for all the good causes um that are important for the health of the community and our citizens. Even if you didn't know that it was good for you, she's a she's going to find something to make you better. Um she's made so many decisions though in the last couple years that were very hard because of differing views in the community and she doesn't like to see people upset with each other and but she took it all the information in. You listened, Mia. You made the best decisions you could with the information you had. And when we didn't have solutions, you kept searching until you found one for us. She also is relentless in her own way. She's amazing and in that she's going to find a path. Um and so Mia, thank you for being a great elected official, community member, um listener, and uh and friend, too. So, um, Hillary, she really she really does make me proud. Um, with regard to I just have a lot of confidence in her talent, her analytical skills, decision-m ability, uh, your judgment. Um, but it's all the other stuff that the public doesn't necessarily know that makes you special because you just take on extra duties. You work with, you know, you'll do whatever it takes. You'll you've supported me. You've supported the mayor prom. Um you've you you've chaired the

finance and budget. Um which is not fun. Obviously, we heard about that tonight. Um you've done everything that I've I've ever asked. Um and there were so many times that you on this dis championed a topic but you found a way to include others in the conversation and you found a way to empower the other council members in the decision-m and you even would you were so passionate but then you would you would go to a compromise you would compromise your position and give so that we could find a a path forward that where we had stronger consensus and I just it just means everything and it reflects great great leadership So, I'm very proud of you. Thank you. Um, Trish, you have been a rock for this council in making good decisions my entire time as mayor. Yes, you took a little break in there because you you'd already served eight years, but you too, your analy analytical skills, your decision-m abilities are so highly valued by council members, by staff, by um the community, and by myself. though you've always brought logic, legal justification, pragmatism. Um, and it's not that you needed much help, but I truly I really did truly try to sometimes frame things because I knew you would come right in and lead the way if I just could set it up so that we'd have a conversation. And you always did. You're an amazing person. You're an incredibly hard worker. And yes, you are super charismatic and very humorous. And I've truly enjoyed getting to know you and working with you. And then with Betho, um, I don't know what to say. We didn't know each other eight years ago. Um, I think we were destined to get to know each other. Um, I always called him the glue that kept us all together because sometimes I did push and I would go forward and he would come in behind and say, "No, it's okay

everybody. We can do this. Let's work together." And he just kept doing that over and over. He kept pulling us together. He kept bringing in consensus. He kept saying, "No, we got to stick together as a team. Why wouldn't I pick him every year as the mayor prom?" He just that was his that's his gift and he'll use it as mayor and you're going to be successful because of this gift. And then you're going to have to deal with all the other ones that are pushing you. You won't have me to be a pain, but you'll have others and they're going to be pains. And just keep them together. And if you can keep this culture that we have now, you're going to have great success. And I know that you can. Um, I can tell you that we wouldn't have achieved all that list that he talked about. All those there's a lot of achievements there if we hadn't had this mindset of teamwork, support, um, advocacy. Um, it's just this shared championship mentality that we have. And so I do thank you for being the best mayor prom, but also the best community member, the best advocate, the best representative of what of what this city of what makes this city great. Um I I'm I'm very very grateful to you. Um and all those nice words were really were really wonderful. I think that again I would like to I'm not going to talk about the achievements. I'll let the record speak for itself. and he's mayor prom or mayor elect has already talked about all that. I won't and won't even touch that. I didn't plan on touching that. I just planned on telling everyone tonight that um you know it's we are now a regional leader in public safety. Um we are a regional hub for economic development. Um, we're we're a tremendous role model city on how to invest in our community, in infrastructure, and in our downtown where we have Green Street and the farmers market and the performance

venue. Um, but what has been most important to me, and this is my last little spiel here, this I wrote I wrote a a last little speech. It's only about a minute and a half. Um, but I went ahead and um wrote this out like I would give at the state of the city or something. And I just put and this this applies to all council members because I have never worked with a single council member that I did not believe was up here for the right reasons. They were all up here for the right reasons and especially this group. Um and yes, we have debate and we disagree, but it's because we're passionate. And here's what I would like to say is that the most important work I've done as mayor in the last 8 years isn't the work it's the work that you didn't see. You know, for eight years, I've held a position that many people believe comes with influence, opportunity, and access. And every single day, I and we made a choice. We took precautions. We set boundaries. We held ourselves accountable even when no one was watching. Because doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it's always necessary. Because integrity isn't situational, it's constant. We live in a time when it's easy to believe the worst. When accusations spread faster than truth. When public service is often met with doubt. But not all of us are what people assume. Some of us choose this path to serve, not to benefit. Behind the scenes, I've faced difficult situations. The kind you don't campaign on, the kinds you don't talk about, and I've handled them with as much compassion and care as I could and with as much respect for every person involved. But I needed strong people around me to be able to get through those tough times. And I've always been blessed to work alongside phenomenal elected officials like you

see here and a talented city staff. So, I've always believed that there are there are more there are many ways to give back to the community through volunteering, through service, through leadership, but the most impactful is the hard is often the hardest. It's using your voice to stand up for what's right, to support those who are unfairly targeted, to speak with courage even when it's uncomfortable. Because a healthy community depends on on more than growth or development. It depends on character. And when character is challenged by negativity, division, or by unfounded accusations, we have a responsibility to rise above it because what we protect as a community is what we become. And at the end of the day, the most important thing that we can be remembered for is our integrity. And it's the same for our community. what the integrity we protect today is what defines our future. And we can build a community that leads with integrity and stands for what's right. And I think that we're on the right path. So again, I do love you all. I really do. I'm I'm a I'm a you know, I'm going to miss this team. I I I want to be a part of this team continually and I will. So I'll stay involved. But um I've loved being a part of of this team up here and with you all and with all of you. So, with that, I think we need to give some um plaques and um say uh sign in the the new um or or swear in, I'm sorry, the new elected officials. So, thank you all for for coming. I think we'll start with um we'll the three of us will come down. Oh, no. for because Mayor Prom Lopez is about to become

Mayor Lopez and so he has to come down and get an award with the others that are coming off and then he'll come back up and be sworn in. So I just want to say if they gave an award for all of you, it's incredible the intelligence, the compassion, even the vocabulary, the things that you have just shared. all of you tonight. I'm a proud citizen of Police Center. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Everybody was uh Well, when she stood up, these they're so used to me getting that gabble ready. They thought I was going to gabble you. You know, my first meeting eight years ago, Mark Dunny had to watch it because we haven't done signy die. He hasn't been city manager since we did a signy die like this. And he's like, "Do you know that you had to get your gavl out the very first meeting?" And I was like, "Oh my goodness, yeah, probably." Okay. Where where are we? Okay, Mr. Dunning, do you want to say a few words? Sure. On behalf of the not only the organization but this community as a whole. Uh a lot of things set up here. I just to speak to the dedication, the amount of time, care, and effort that was gone into the work that you all put towards furthering this community is impressive. Uh, may Mayor Elect Lopez read off quite a list of accomplishments just over the last eight years. Uh, we've all been thankful to be a part of that. uh knowing that Mayor Bar, your leadership, your vision, your ability to carry a flag and get others to get behind it made a huge difference, but also being a leader, you must be a good follower, too. And so, there are times where you let others lead. Whether you realize it or not, you did, and others stepped up to the plate. And so, it's just a huge amount of kudos on behalf of

this organization on where we are today because of the leadership that you've all brought to us in doing our work, right? We take that vision, the guidance, the policies from you all and and it's just it's amazing. Quite quite honestly amazing. So we appreciate each and every one of you for your service to this community. All right. So I'm about to say something and then this meeting is technically adjourned but then we are going to have the uh new members that are going to be appointed uh come down. So everybody stay seated if you would. Um even though I'm going to say snee die uh that would be uh the adjournment of this meeting and then would the next offic the newly elected officials please go down the floor to be sworn in with their and families get ready. You got to take some pictures. And everyone thank you again for coming. We really appreciate it.

All right. Should we go down? Yes. Um I need um Mayor Elect Lopez to go down and uh Council Member Funk and then the new newly elect officials, please come forward. Mia's got Oh, Mia. Mia. Yes. You've got to be sworn in. Stay up here. I can. No. No. Okay. Thanks. Yes. Okay.

Well, I'm going to be first. Oh, for God's sake. Can you do mine like short again so I don't have to remember a lot? I'm actually going to do Judge Alteri. I'll do judge Ali first and then I'll do council members. Yeah, I don't have anybody here between us. So, you go first. I know. I'm so competitive. Since we didn't have an opponent, I called her that day and I don't like call her and challenge Mr. Give her the microphone least amount of That's how competitive she was. What? Okay. It made no sense. It doesn't matter that I won.

Deon, give her the microphone so she can say a few words. I was saying was, "Can you everyone hear me?" She made a reference about me beating her. And what that is, just because I'm competitive by nature, I called her that day, and it's not like I call Mia, you know, I said, "Neither of us have an opponent, so let's make it interesting and see who gets the least amount of writings." She's like, "Oh, okay." Like, "What is wrong with her?" And just got off the phone. And then I really was watching to see who got the least amount of ride in. And then I told her later, I said, "Hey, I won." She thought, "What is wrong with you?" But so that's it. My family is not here. This they're not excited by this right now at this point. So, but I am. And I beat Mia.

I'll let you keep I'll let you stand over there so we don't have to have me in your your official picture. Uh, yeah, sure. I'm so sweaty. I know. I feel like I'm so sweaty. All right, I'll just have you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, Dana Alter, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of municipal judge division 243 for the position of municipal judge division 243. that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the State of Missouri

the Constitution of the State of Missouri and provisions of all laws of the state and provisions of all laws of the state affecting constitutional charter cities affecting constitutional charter cities and the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of this city and that I will faithfully demean myself and that I will faithfully demean myself in the position of municipal judge judge in the position of municipal judge for which I was sworn for which I was sworn on this 21st day of April 2026. on this 21st day of April 2026. That's a mouthful. Thank you.

Do you get the one? Nope. You get to keep the pretty one. Yep. All right. You can sign it anytime. That's your pretty. Thank you. Sorry. Thank you.

All right. Council member Prior. Do you want to come up in here? Do you want to come up in here? Have your family come up? Whoever wants to come up, don't want to. One of my kids isn't here because John, come on up. Yeah.

John said, "Do you want to go to soccer or go watch mommy get sworn in?" And he's like, "Oh, definitely soccer. So, he's at soccer. If you had stand over that way so that I'm not in the the way. I'll read it slow to you. Okay. You can you can all stand together, but just so I'm not in your picture and Crystal can get a good picture of you. Oh, yeah. Oh. Oh. So, you want me to move? Yeah. Okay. Stay away from me. Okay. All right. Are you ready? Mhm. Do I need to raise my right hand? Yep. Raise your right hand. I state your name. I, Mia Prior, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of council member for district 1

for the position of council member for district 1 that I will support the constitution of the United States that I will support the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Missouri the constitution of the state of Missouri the provisions of all laws of the state the provisions of all laws of the state affecting constitutional charter cities affect affecting constitutional charter cities and the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of the city and that I will faithfully demean myself that I will faithfully demean myself and the position of council member and the position of council member for which I was sworn for which I was sworn on this 21st day of April 2026 on this 21st day of April 2026.

Thank you. I'll take this and you can find this one anytime and keep it pretty for you. Okay, perfect. Thank you. Congratulations again. I have a picture. Excuse me.

She's in later. All right, Miss Frasier. There you are.

Any family you can force up many people as can come. Absolutely. She wants her people to come up, please. She needs some help.

I appreciate my village. Good. I need you all. Crystal, Dana I'm sure there's more out there. Know that there's more. Mama Pernell,

pastor, Mr. Gray, Jen, and where's I think I see everyone. I know there's more and I'm sorry if you I'm gonna take pictures.

Okay, thank you. Wait a minute. There's somebody else. Hold on. I'm missing I won't call my fellow elect council members up because we were a team. So, um is Giani.

Okay. Sorry. I have to tell you the the little boy that I gave the speech about about the uh 8-year-old that ran home and said, "We're never leaving Lee Summit." Remember that? because um Long View Farm had an archery team and that he's in his third year at Missou. Here he is. He is one of my wise. So, what do I need? I think I'm All right, I'll have you stand closer to them so people don't have to look at me. Have you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, Sherry Frasier,

do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of council member for district two for the positions of council member for district two that I will support the constitution of the United States that I will support the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Missouri the constitution of the state of Missouri and provisions of all laws of the state and provisions of all laws of the state affecting constitutional charter cities affecting constitutional charter cities on the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of the city and that I will faithfully demean myself and that I will faithfully demean myself in the position of council member in the position of council member for which I was sworn

for which I was sworn on this 21st day of April 2026

on this 21st day of April 2026 Six. I I I forgot one thing and I'm so sorry. I I would be remiss. Some of you all that know we we I had siblings that came to Lee Summit before we came and who've been instrumental. You guys too have been instrumental in my journey. They decided that they wanted to go to Italy after the election. So, if they are watching, um I think it is 2:00 in the morning, uh Florence time. So, I love you guys. Um my brother is in Quantico watching because he could not be here today. My other sister that is in Virginia, um I love you guys. I love you. My mom Keep this one signing time.

Oh, thanks. Hold on.

Thank you. Congratulations. I'll see you tomorrow morning. You can keep this. Yep. Congratulations.

Miss Atkins She's very All right, raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, Melanie Atkins,

do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of council member for district three for the position of council member for district three that I will support the constitution of the United States that I will support the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Missouri the constitution of the state of Missouri on provisions of all laws of the state and provisions of all laws of the state affecting affecting constitutional charter cities affecting constitutional charter cities on the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of the city and I will faithfully demean myself and I will faithfully demean myself in the position of council member

and the position of council member for which I was sworn for which I was sworn on this 21st day of April 2026 on this 21st day of April 2026 Thanks.

Enjoy your vacation. Miss Craven. Are you ready?

Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, Jana Craravens, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law. That I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of council member for district 4. for the position of council member for district 4. that I will support the Constitution of the United States. that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Missouri, the Constitution of the State of Missouri, and provisions of all laws of the state and provisions of all laws of the state, affecting constitutional charter cities, affecting constitutional charter cities, and the ordinances of the city and the ordinance of the city, and that I will faithfully demean myself

and I will faithfully demean myself in the position of council member in the position of council member for which I was sworn for which I was sworn on this 21st first day of April 2026. on this 21st day of April 2026 everybody. She needs her people, please.

Yeah, I need her people. Miss Hawkins. Sorry.

Somebody share this. Hey, say door knock. That's good. One, two, three. Door knock.

Thank you. Thank you. All right, Mr. Funk. Yay! Donnie,

you ready? I state your name. I, Donnie Funk, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of council member for district 4 for the position of council member for district 4 that I will support the constitution of the United States that I will support the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Missouri the constitution of the state of Missouri and provisions of all laws of the state and provisions of all laws of the state affecting constitutional charter cities affecting constitutional charter cities and the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of the city and that I will faithfully demean myself and that I will faithfully demean myself

in the position of council member in the position of council member for which I was sworn for which I was sworn on this 21st day of April 2026 on this 21st day of April 2026 Thank you.

Thank you. and Mayor Alex Lopez. Are you ready? Ready. All right. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I bet. One second.

I'm so sorry. We'll start over in a second.

All right. Perfect. I state your name. I, Beth Lopez, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications required by law that I possess the qualifications required by law for the position of mayor for the position of mayor that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the State of Missouri the Constitution of the State of Missouri the provisions of all laws of the state the provisions of all laws of the state affecting constitutional charter cities affecting constitutional charter cities and the ordinances of the city and the ordinances of the city and that I will faithfully demean myself and that I will faithfully demean myself in the position of mayor in the position of mayor for which I was sworn for which I was sworn

on this 21st day April 2026 on this 21st day of 2026 april 2026

April 2026 just ask me if I want to say anything. Tonight is not about me. It's I want to I'm grateful to the outgoing to Mayor Baird and the other council colleagues and um I appreciate all the community support. I've said this many many times the last few months. No one will work harder than me to represent our city in an honorable and respectful manner and and I will prove that to everyone. So, thank you all for your support and the future looks great for our city. Thank you.

Out in the hallway. Reception in the out in the hallway everyone. And uh this concludes the swearing in. Thank you all for coming once more.

I'm so sorry. I'm trying to line you up. Heat. Heat. feel.