Friday Greetings,

• Mayor Jesse Smith is inviting residents to take a few minutes to complete a survey and share their honest feedback on his first year in office. Residents’ candid responses will help measure progress and guide where the Mayor will focus his efforts in the year ahead.  https://forms.gle/KRij3KQV2KAqcGmc9

   

• On Saturday, the North Kansas City Community Enrichment Advisory Committee hosted an Earth Day clean-up event across NKC.  Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped remove trash from our community. Special thanks to Andy Staver for the photos!

   

• Also on Saturday, we celebrated the NKC High School Centennial Celebration, bringing together generations of Hornets to honor 100 years of tradition, pride, and community. It was incredible to see so many Hornets return to North Kansas City to celebrate this milestone together!

   

• On Tuesday night, the newly elected City Councilmembers were officially sworn in. Councilmembers Saper, Magrone, Alvarez, and Larson each took their Oath of Office.  We also recognized Yvonne Salinas for her dedication and leadership to our community—thank you for your service!  Mayor Jesse Smith, with approval from the Council, appointed Michael Wells to fill the vacant Ward 4 seat.  Welcome to our new and returning Councilmembers—we’re excited for the work ahead!

   

• Additionally, several community members were recognized for completing the Clay County 250 Citizen Challenge and receiving their Challenge Coin. We encourage others to take the Challenge and join us at a future Council meeting to be recognized: https://claycounty250.org/citizen-challenge/

   

• Huge thanks to our Public Works crews for their quick response overnight, addressing storm-damaged trees across North Kansas City. Their work doesn’t stop there—crews will continue throughout the coming days to clear debris and manage tree damage caused by the storms.

   

• Congratulations to Jim Gorski on his well-earned retirement after more than 32 years of dedicated service to our community!  As a wastewater lab technician, Jim played a vital role in protecting public health and the environment. His work—operating, monitoring, and maintaining critical treatment systems—helped ensure our city consistently met important environmental standards. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact has been felt by every resident and business in North Kansas City.  Thank you, Jim, for your commitment, expertise, and decades of service. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 

   

• This past week, four of our firefighters—Gabe LaVar, Creston Witte, Lotu Ahomana, and Eli Wilhite—traveled to Fairland, Indiana, to participate in a live fire combat training hosted by Fire Department Training Network.  Designed to replicate real-world emergency conditions, this scenario-based training provides hands-on, response-driven experience for firefighters at all levels—from company officers to chiefs. By immersing participants in realistic fireground situations, the program helps sharpen decision-making, coordination, and overall readiness. 

   

• The Parks Department took possession of the new MAX169 mobile LED screen on Tuesday, April 21. This high-quality screen will support a wide range of City events, providing a dynamic way to bring the community together. It will play a key role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup watch party on Saturday, July 11, as well as other gatherings, celebrations, and public events throughout the year.

   

• In honor of Earth Day, the SWT Design team—landscape architects for River Forest Park—spent the day volunteering in the soon-to-open park, removing invasive honeysuckle to support a healthier natural environment.  They also began cataloging native plants, giving City staff valuable information to guide future projects and ongoing stewardship.

   

• The NKC Police Department teamed up with the Northland Assistance Center to host a food drive during Coffee with a Cop as part of Starbucks’ “Month of Good” on Friday morning.

   

• Join us for the City’s annual Shred and Donation Event THIS Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Additional services will include electronic recycling, tire disposal, and the collection of gently used clothing and household items. The event will be from 9 a.m. to Noon at the YMCA overflow lot at 1999 Iron Street. Additional information is in the attached flyer.

   

• J. City and the World Mercado Band will take the stage for a FREE Community Concert at Macken Park’s Festival Shelter on Saturday, April 25, from 5–7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of live music in the park with friends, family, and neighbors!

   

• We hope to see you at the annual Native Plant Sale THIS Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Macken Park!

   

• Free rabies shots for pets of residents of North Kansas City will be available at City Hall on Saturday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m.  At that time, residents can also get their annual pet license.  Licenses are free for all spayed or neutered pets; otherwise the cost is $5 per pet.  Other vet services are available for a fee, no checks are accepted.

   

• NKC Residents can purchase discounted passes for the Gorman Pool at City Hall.  (Proof of residency required.)  Located at 1101 NE 47th Street, the Anita Gorman Pool features a 50-meter outdoor pool perfect for recreation and lap swimming.  For more information, visit www.nkc.org/our-city/community-resources/anita-gorman-pool-pass-program.

   

• Join the NKC Neighbors Ad Hoc Committee for a Happy Hour on Thursday, May 14, from 6–8 p.m. at Up North Brewery. New and longtime residents alike are invited to stop by, meet their neighbors, and make connections.

   

• The Citywide Garage Sale will be on Saturday, May 16.  We encourage you to take advantage of this event to clean out your homes and maybe even make a little money in the process.  The Citywide Garage Sale does not require a permit to participate.  In the event of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, May 23.

   

• Join us for the Civic Canvas Public Art Dedication and Art Walk on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at City Hall.  This community celebration will showcase newly transformed utility boxes throughout North Kansas City, featuring artwork created by local students and artists.  Each piece turns everyday infrastructure into a colorful “civic canvas” for the entire community to enjoy.  After a brief dedication, attendees are invited to walk the route along Armour Road and experience each piece up close. 

   

• The next Northtown Supper will be a community picnic on Saturday, March 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Macken Park! We will bring the hamburgers and hot dogs; you bring sides for your family.  Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!  Northtown Supper is a welcoming community meal for North Kansas City residents. Whether you’re new to the community or have lived here for years, this is a chance to connect, build relationships, and enjoy a community meal in a relaxed, friendly setting. All residents are invited, and all are encouraged to come as they are—pull up a chair and build a stronger, more connected Northtown. Kids are welcome and encouraged!

• Current City job openings are listed below.  To apply, please visit www.nkc.org/jobs.
• Accountant
• Maintenance Worker – Buildings & Grounds
• Maintenance Worker – Facilities & Buildings
• Municipal Services Superintendent
• Utility Maintenance Worker
• Parking Control – Part-time

Upcoming Meetings and Events:  

• Community Shred & Recycle Event – Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to Noon, NKC YMCA
• Native Plant Sale – Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Macken Park
• Animal Vaccination Day – Saturday, May 2, 2-4 p.m., City Hall
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 5, 6 p.m.
• Planning Commission – Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.
• Community Enrichment Advisory Committee – Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m.
• NKC Neighbors Happy Hour – Thursday, May 14, 6-8 p.m., Up North Brewery
• Citywide Garage Sale – Saturday, May 16
• Civic Canvas Public Art Dedication & Art Walk – Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m., City Hall
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m.
• Dagg Splash Park Opens – Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.
• Memorial Day – City Facilities Closed – Monday, May 25
• Northtown Supper Picnic – Saturday, May 30, 5:30-8 p.m., Macken Park