Two UG committees to meet tonight; Homefield bond issues on agenda

Two Unified Government standing committees will meet tonight.

The UG Economic Development and Finance Committee will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, April 4.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $160 million in sales tax special obligation revenue bonds is on the agenda. The bonds would be for the Homefield development in Village East Project areas 2B, 3 and 5.

Also on the agenda is a resolution of intent to issue up to $65 million in industrial revenue bonds to finance the cost of acquiring, constructing and equipping the Homefields sports building, a multi-use recreational and commercial facility. The location is at the northeast corner of 94th and State Avenue.

A cost-benefit analysis for the project will be submitted. According to the analysis, a 150,000-square-foot building will be used for sports training and associated activities, plus outdoor artificial turf fields for various sports. The project is expected to produce 134 new jobs. The analysis stated the main benefits from this project will be in bringing visitors to the area and their associated retail spending.

Another resolution on the agenda is an intent to issue up to $45 million in industrial revenue bonds to finance the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping the Homefield baseball complex. The youth baseball complex would have at least 10 lighted fields with technology to enhance individual and team training, according to a report in the agenda. It would create about 125 full- and part-time jobs.

As with the other IRBs, the main benefit of this project would be to increase the amount of retail sales in the area from visitors who come to the Homefield complex.

If the Homefield items pass the EDF Committee, they are recommended by staff to be “fast-tracked” to the full UG Commission this week for a vote on Thursday, April 7.

Also on the EDF Committee agenda are a report on the fourth quarter 2021 cash investments; a report on the fourth quarter 2021 budget revisions; and a reporet on the fourth quarter 2021 budget vs. actuals.

In addition, a presentation on WyCo Works and small business development programs is scheduled.

The UG Neighborhood and Community Development Committee will meet after the EDF Committee.

On the NCD agenda is an ordinance to adopt a proposed building and fire code updates. The UG is discussing adopting the 2018 codes.

Also on the agenda is a resolution of support for Neighborhood Business Revitalization organizations, including in Edwardsville and Bonner Springs.

Land Bank option applications are also on the agenda, including:

New construction, single-family homes, three homes:
• 1 N. 80th Terrace, Darrick and Jamie Shipley.
• 1960 N. 6th St. Gordillo Ramon Hernandez.
• 2007 S. 19th St., Arthur Babick.

New construction, multi-family, 30 units:
• 2110 N. 51st St., Raj Bhatia, 24 units.
• 928 New Jersey Ave., 934 New Jersey Ave., 936 New Jersey Ave., Samuel Roark, three duplexes.

New construction, garage, three:
• 1948 N. 17th St., Cristina Rodriguez.
• 909 Ann Ave., Leandro Chavez.
• 216 N. 12th St., Martha Ochoa.

The standing committee meetings will be on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81064400742?pwd=MVVZWEtHWUlaK0h4SUp1cWJZd3o1UT09.

The passcode is 877464.

The toll-free phone number is 877-83-5257 or 888-475-4499.

The public also may go to the City Hall lobby at 701 N. 7th St. to watch the meeting.

The meeting also is expected to be on UGTV cable channels and on YouTube.