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Tuesday, Dec. 18 2012 5:39PM

Bond package to get a vote

rpulley@lsjournal.com

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Big decisions are slated for this week’s City Council meeting, including whether to put a $4.9 million bond issue on next April’s ballot.

Other issues on the agenda include:

Zoning for about 350 acres known as the Unity Annexation

A community improvement district for the Ritter Plaza Development, which would allow developers to collect an extra sales tax

The final vote for the Hearthview at New Longview Apartments

Approval of a pre-development agreement for a sports complex at View High Drive and Interstate 470.

An ordinance to support creating an enterprise zone in the city or economic development

The Dec. 20 meeting will give all council members their opportunity to weigh in on the mix of bond projects.

The Capital Improvement Projects Committee has recommended a package of projects for cultural arts and a road project.

But council members, such as Rob Binney and Bob Johnson, have questions about whether the increase in cost for adding about 300 parking spaces for the amphitheater is worthwhile.

That has raised early estimates for amphitheater improvements from about $900,000 to $1.68 million, with the additional parking. The enhancements would include a covered stage and storage. Other arts facilities included would be a $660,000 renovation of a historic post office for a community arts center and home for Lee’s Summit Historical Society and adjacent to it in vacant lot facing Market Street $600,000 for an outdoor performance and festival space.

The committee included $2 million for paved shoulders along Pryor Road from Longview to Hook roads.

Councilmember Allan Gray contends more parking is needed at the Legacy Park amphitheater to encourage success of the venue. He said customers for shows at the amphitheater wouldn’t want to use a shuttle service.

Another topic is whether there should be an election scheduled at all. Johnson says he would rather reserve the city’s bond capacity.

The sports complex is part of a proposal with Happy Valley Properties for development at View High Drive and Interstate 470. In the initial agreement to be considered by the council, the city and developers will be hiring consultants to do feasibility and economic impact studies of the proposed complex on about 76 acres of city property.

Happy Valley is to provide the city $15,000 to offset the city costs of the study.

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