KC City Council approves zoning change to allow bowling centers, awards sewer and planning contracts and appoints Jim Crossland as city manager

The KC City Council on Dec. 18 adopted a zoning text amendment to permit bowling centers in the city’s C‑3 (Central Commercial) district and approved a slate of contracts and administrative moves, including the appointment of Jim Crossland as city manager.

Staff told the council that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the text amendment (Ordinance 2024‑13) and that no members of the public spoke for or against the change. "Staff recommends moving forward with the zoning change to allow bowling centers in the C 3 District," staff said during the second reading. The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: Planning staff said allowing bowling centers in C‑3 would help entertainment venues adapt to modern trends by permitting combined uses such as arcades and restaurants alongside bowling. The change alters the schedule of uses and off‑street parking requirements in section 6.6, table 2 of the zoning code (second reading adopted).

Contract and budget actions: The council awarded the phase‑1 contract for the 6 Mile Creek Sewer Interceptor Rehabilitation Project to SAK Construction for the amount stated by staff, $1,085,515, using an RIA (rural infrastructure authority) grant to cover most costs. Staff said the grant will cover $814,136.25 and the city’s share is $271,370.78 to be drawn from the water and sewer capacity reserve fund. "Staff recommends the project be awarded to SAK Construction in the amount of $1,085,515 and authorize the interim city manager to execute the said contract," staff said.

Council also approved a $195,000 service agreement with Stewart Engineering Incorporated to update the city’s zoning ordinance and land development regulations, work staff said is overdue after more than a decade since the last comprehensive update. Funding for that contract will come from designated ARPA funds.

The council approved an interagency agreement with the city utilities department to complete ARPA‑funded chlorination improvements in‑house (not to exceed $290,547) and unanimously approved reallocating $82,392.42 in ARPA funds originally set aside for a timekeeping software purchase to allowable administrative costs for federal award oversight after staff reported that no satisfactory commercial system had been deployed.

Appointments and personnel: The council reappointed Dave Capps to the events committee and Mike West to the planning commission. Following an executive session on legal and personnel matters, a council member moved "I make a motion that we appoint Jim Crossland as the city manager," which was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. Crossland later told the council he would brief command staff the following day on the police chief search.

Roll calls and vote totals: For each listed action the roll call in open session recorded unanimous 'Yes' votes from Mayor Pro Tem James, Council member Thomas, Council member Sachs, Council member Carter and the Mayor. The transcript records the roll calls by name but does not provide a separate numerical tally beyond the roll call confirmations.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with contract execution and project implementation per the approved motions; the city manager said he will provide follow‑up briefings on personnel matters as appropriate. The council adjourned after completing the agenda.

Sources: Proceedings and motions as recorded in the council’s Dec. 18, 2024 meeting transcript.