Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency
Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird has issued a proclamation extending the City’s state of emergency through May 15 in response to COVID-19. The initial 30-day state of emergency declaration was set to expire April 16. The declaration allows the City to expedite emergency response efforts, quickly procure needed resources and alter policies and processes in order to protect public health and safety.
“I’m so proud of the way our City has come together during this challenging time. By staying at home and practicing social distancing, we’re already witnessing our efforts making a difference,” said Mayor Baird. “We cannot risk overturning the sacrifices we have already made by abandoning these efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 too early. When this crisis ends, we will look back and be proud of our community and the way in which we handled this public health emergency.”
The state of emergency declaration includes modifications to the City’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide relief to the development community. The City is extending the deadlines associated with development approvals and other processes. It’s also suspending the requirement to conduct in-person neighborhood meetings to discuss proposed land-use applications. These modifications to the Unified Development Ordinance will end May 15, unless extended further.
Mayor Baird also issued a second proclamation to allow for the curbside sale of alcohol at certain businesses. This emergency order will be in effect through May 15.
The City of Lee’s Summit remains under a Stay-At-Home Executive Order issued by Jackson County through May 15. Individuals are required to stay at home except for essential services or activities, such as getting food, caring for a relative or receiving necessary health care.
All City facilities are closed to public access until further notice. Residents and business owners are encouraged to utilize online resources available on the City’s website, which include bill payment, business license application and permit application. Parks and trails remain open.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the City’s website, cityofLS.net/coronavirus. Other sources of reliable information include the Centers for Disease Control, Jackson County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which has a 24/7 hotline available at 877.435.8411.