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#TOGETHERLS

Welcome to the Covering COVID-19 Community Briefing

This weekly digest of information will help keep you up to date as we work together to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This briefing will provide:

  • state and county health updates and measures the City is taking to keep residents as safe as possible
  • reliable and factual information sources to use when seeking facts about this public health crisis
  • reminders about things happening in our community and ideas to keep you entertained

Guidance Following State Reopening

Last week, Governor Mike Parson announced the state would enter Phase 2 of its “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan on June 16. The state’s second phase removes the statewide health order and lifts all restrictions but grants further regulatory oversight to local officials and health departments based on local circumstances.

Although the state has lifted its restrictions, Eastern Jackson County will remain in Phase 2 of its recovery plan at this time. This decision was made based on local case numbers and population density. The Jackson County Health Department is closely monitoring the current number of cases and outbreaks in the area. They will continue to keep the community updated on decisions regarding the next steps of our recovery plan.

One thing that does change with Phase 2 of the state’s reopening is the occupancy of retail stores. The state previously limited occupancy to 25/10% based on square footage until June 16. Under Eastern Jackson County’s Phase 2, retail business can now operate at 50% occupancy.

COVID-19 is still in our community and continues to impact both healthy and at-risk individuals. As we return to enjoying outdoor spaces and events, we must keep working together to slow the spread of the virus.

Youth and Recreation Sports

Jackson County Guidelines

Phase 2 of Jackson County's Recovery Plan allows youth sports leagues and practices with limitations. Regular league play is allowed, but large tournaments are prohibited. Competition and travel teams should avoid traveling outside of the Kansas City metro.

As youth begin to return to leagues and camps, the Sports Medicine Team at Children's Mercy Hospital has prepared resources for parents on how to safely reintroduce exercise. Their website provides steps on how to gradually return and acclimate to exercise to reduce the risk of acute and overuse injuries.

The Sports Medicine Team has also provided a guide for returning to sports that includes guidance for different sports, age groups and vulnerable populations. Additionally they provide information on the infection risks of tournaments, camps, travel teams, and low, moderate and high risk sports.

TPDC: Know the Risks

It's important to assess the risk of contracting COVID-19 as we begin to participate in more activities outside of our homes. There are four easy questions to help assess the risks.

Time. Are you in a confined spaced (outside of your home) for more than 10 -15 minutes?

Proximity. Are you within 6 feet of others, or participating in activities known to more rapidly spread respiratory droplets such as talking, singing, or exercising?

Density. Are there a lot of people around you, especially in a confined space?

Contact. Are you sharing common objects, handing items back and forth, shaking hands, etc.?

If you answer yes to any of the TPDC scenarios you are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. These can be controlled with easy modifications such as:

  • Mask Wearing
  • Hand Washing
  • Screening yourself and your household for symptoms – and staying home if you or household members are ill

COVID-19 Testing Clinic

Testing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

Testing will be done using an NP swab (nasopharyngeal swab) and collected by a healthcare professional. This test only detects current infection with COVID-19. You do NOT need to be currently experiencing symptoms to get this test. However, this is NOT a test to detect if you've ever been exposed to COVID-19.

Individuals are not required to be a resident of Raytown to participate. To register, call 816.404.6416 or register online.

City Council Update

Emergency Dispatch Performance Audit. City Council heard a presentation detailing recommendations from an Emergency Dispatch Performance Audit conducted by Mission Critical Partners. The audit examined the City’s current emergency dispatch system, focusing on items such as organizational structure, staffing and training. Among the recommendations, consolidating services to improve performance and reduce costs; cooperative training; resolving pay disparities; and enhancing staffing.

Solid Waste Management. City Council was scheduled to hear a presentation discussing the long-term vision for solid waste management following the closure of the landfill. However, the presentation was postponed until the July 14 City Council meeting to allow more time to compile information.

Citizen's Leadership Academy. City Council recognized the graduates of the 2020 Citizen’s Leadership Academy. The academy takes place once a year and offers a chance for residents and business owners to learn about the inner workings of City government. Participants attend a total of seven sessions, two Saturdays a month, from 8 a.m. to noon in various City facilities. Sessions begin in January.

740 NW Blue Parkway CID. City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to appoint successor directors to the 740 NW Blue Parkway Community Improvement District. John Lovell, Bette Wordelman and Mark Dunning would serve from Jan. 26, 2020 through Jan. 25, 2024.

Get the Scoop in Two Minutes!

Your weekly flash briefing is here. Get a snapshot of what's to come for the week of June 15. Take a listen!

Congratulations Chief Snider

Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of Lee’s Summit Fire Chief Mike Snider to the Missouri 911 Service Board, effective June 8. The board’s function is to assist and advise the state in ensuring the availability, implementation and enhancement of a statewide emergency telephone number. The board consists of 15 members representing 911 experts from various sectors of the industry. Congratulations Chief!

Ready to IGNITE!

Lee’s Summit is launching the IGNITE Comprehensive Plan to fuel the City’s future.

The IGNITE Comprehensive Plan will serve as the foundation for economic development, quality residential growth and general improvements for the Lee's Summit community. It will include a series of goals, policies, actions and standards to define Lee’s Summit’s physical development and programs.

This exciting process sets forth a 20-year community implementation plan and will build upon the nearly completed Strategic Plan (five to seven-year plan), sharing the same vision, goals, objectives and critical success factors. The comprehensive planning effort is expected to continue through April 2021.

You Fuel Our Future

A successful comprehensive plan is community-based to reflect residents, businesses and other community stakeholders’ desires for future Lee’s Summit. The planning offers objective information and asks participants to provide thoughtful input to ensure Lee’s Summit is fueled to arrive at its chosen destination in 20 years.

Lee’s Summit wants you involved and is planning several ways to bring you into this important process. During this time of physical distancing, you can expect invitations to digital engagement opportunities such as:

  • virtual small group conversations
  • online surveys
  • conversation kits available for download
  • social media

Can’t Wait to Get Started?

Visit the Ignite Foresight Hub to find a repository of articles related to comprehensive planning, trends and information on a variety of topics.

Summit Art Virtual Exhibit

Lee's Summit Cultural Arts

A new art exhibit is up at City Hall featuring members of Summit Art. Thanks to the City's Cultural Arts Division, you can enjoy this entire exhibit virtually while City Hall continues to have limited public access!

Lee's Summit Public Disposal Area

The Resource Recovery Park created a short video explaining the items they accept. Great information to have if you find yourself cleaning out the house or doing some lawn work.

Legacy Park Sculpture Installation

Legacy Park Amphitheater received it's very own sculpture this morning. Craig Snyder's sculpture "Twisted Sister" was installed as part of the "Sculpture on the Move," a program designed to foster relationships between communities and artists and grow art appreciation.

"Sculpture on the Move" will have approximately 20 sculptures installed for prominent display in outdoor, public areas around the state of Missouri.

Craig's sculpture will be on display until 2022! Go check it out.

Mid-Continent Public Library Tools

In addition to continuing curbside pickup, Mid-Continent Public Library branches are adding limited technology services including access to public computers, Wi-Fi, fax machines and copiers starting today!

Did You Know?

The Jackson County Health Department is live on Facebook every Thursday at 11 a.m. to give updates and answer community questions. Watch last week's Facebook Live on COVID-19.

Across the Country

N.Y. Gov. Cuomo gives OK for US Open to be held in August without fans.

All SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operations will be open with limitations as of June 19.

US extends border closure agreements with Canada, Mexico into July.

Airlines ban alcohol on planes in response to Covid-19.

2020 Firework Regulations

Fourth of July is just around the corner. Each household is required to have a 2020 Fireworks Use Permit to discharge fireworks within the city limits. Please note the updated dates and times fireworks are allowed.

COVID-19 Information Resources

COVID-19 information is rapidly changing and we encourage everyone to visit the following websites to get reliable up-to-date information and guidance.

A 24/7 hotline is available at 877.435.8411 for residents and providers seeking guidance.