Raymore reports rise in single-family permits; emergency management readies CERT and spring severe-weather messaging

City staff told the council that development activity in February included 15 new single-family building permits and that residential and commercial activity was spread across neighborhoods including Alexander Creek, Parkside, Prairie View and Creekmore.

"We did finish last month with 15 new single family permits around the city," Mr. Gress reported during the development services update, adding that two commercial projects closed and two new commercial projects received permits (including a chiropractic practice near City Hall and a used-car dealer on Madison). The staff report invited questions and said staff is available to follow up on permit details.

Emergency Management staff provided a winter-weather recap and spring preparedness reminders. "We really just had the one big snow and cold event over the weekend of January. We got about 4 and a half inches of snow here in Raymore," Mr. Baldwin said; he reported no requests to open warming centers and that the city monitored power outages without significant impacts. Baldwin described routine preparedness steps — know your shelter location, assemble an emergency supply kit and get a weather radio — and noted the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) meeting planned for March 26 at Centerview will cover home hazards and fire safety. Baldwin also said staff is planning a children-focused CERT event to increase family preparedness.

Staff also noted the city's outdoor warning siren test schedule (first Wednesday of each month at 11:00, subject to weather) and that staff will coordinate construction-project timing to avoid the morning commute on key corridors.

The reports were informational; no council action was required beyond acknowledgement and routine follow-up by staff.