April 8 election primer: City issues

sample-ballotYou have a week to get up to speed on school and special election issues before its time to vote on April 8. Today, we outline the city issues on the ballot. Tomorrow, we’ll outline the school board elections. (See the links at the end of this post for previous posts on the various issues).

sample ballot

Here are the Midtown issues on the ballot:
Question #1: Waterworks revenue bonds  

Shall the City of Kansas City, Missouri issue and sell waterworks revenue bonds in the principal amount of $500,000,000.00 for purposes of extending and improving the waterworks system of the City including, but not limited to (1) the continued expansion of the water distribution system, (2) replacement of water mains, (3) rehabilitation and expansion of water treatment plants, pump stations, and other water facility improvements, (4) ensuring a reliable water supply to include intake modifications and/or supplemental ground water supplies, and (5) protecting and safeguarding the waterworks system, with the principal and interest of said bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived by the City from the operation of its waterworks system, including future improvements and expansions thereto

  • Yes
  • No

Question #2: Hotel and motel inspections 

Shall the city of Kansas City be authorized to establish the following fees for permitting, inspecting and regulating lodging establishments such as hotels and motels for the purpose of protecting the public health and safety?

Application fee of $100 for initial lodging establishment applications or modifications of particular requirements and conditions embodied in permits. (see more details)

  • Yes
  • No

Question 3: Election Dates

Should the Charter of Kansas City be amended by moving election dates from late February and late March to early April and late June and beginning terms of office on August 1?

  • Yes
  • No

Questions 4: Financial and administrative matters

Should the Charter of Kansas City be amended by updating financial reporting and procedures; providing for submissions of the annual budget by the City Manager to the Mayor and Council based on a required five-year financial plan; expressly permitting the Mayor to work with other governments if the interests of the City can also be advanced; renaming recognized emergency ordinances as ordinances with an accelerated effective date; permitting elected officials to serve in non-City appointive positions not inconsistent with their public office?

  • Yes
  • No

Question 5: Organizational Flexibility 

Should the Charter of Kansas City be amended by removing the requirement that certain operational Charter departments be listed in the Charter but retained until modified by the City Council and requiring the existence of a Health Commission?

  • Yes
  • No

 

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