I received the following in an e-mail from Jim Hix, City Councilmember in Ward 5, Overland Park, KS.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Annexation: The City is holding a public hearing this coming Monday evening, January 7th, at 7:30pm at the City Hall to hear comments from the public concerning annexation. The city staff has recommended the Council petition for annexation of 4.7 square miles of land. The annexed area would be south of the current city limits to 167th, between Metcalf and Quivira. From 167th to 183rd, the annexed area would be between Metcalf and Antioch. The proposed annexed area contains 451 parcels of land which includes 134 single family residential units. The Council is expected to vote on the annexation petition following the public hearing. If they vote to annex, the City petitions the County Commissioners to approve the annexation.

Wal-Mart Follow Up: As you have probably read in the newspapers, the Council voted 7-3 to approve the application by Wal-Mart for a super center at 159th and Metcalf. The Council approved the application with a stipulation that Wal-Mart would need to obtain all necessary permits from the Corp of Engineers regarding water on the property. My understanding is that as of last week Wal-Mart has not yet filed an application with the Corp of Engineers for a permit.

Following the Wal-Mart vote there was some use of the Internet to challenge the character and integrity of some of the Council members and the Mayor. Although I voted against Wal-Mart and was disappointed with the final vote, I believe the attacks on the character and integrity of the Council and Mayor were without merit. Part of the process of a representative democracy is understanding that reasonable and intelligent people can interpret things differently. That is why we elect a governing body rather than a dictator. Although I disagree with their decision, I believe those who voted in favor of Wal-Mart did so because they believed that their decision was in the best interest of the citizens of Overland Park.

151st Street Corridor - Stanley: The City staff has developed a "Design Concept Plan" for the 151st Street corridor between Antioch and Nall. They will be meeting in January with the landowners in the area. Hopefully, this will be a positive step toward resolving a very difficult land use situation.

Street Construction: Remember, 119th Street will be widened this year between Nall and Riley (2 blocks west of Metcalf.) Also, construction will start on Metcalf between 135th and 151st.

City Budget & Traffic: The Council has been advised that over the next five years, $35 million needs to either be cut from the budget or added as additional income. I have taken the position that traffic is a major concern for the residents in Ward 5 and that is would be short sighted to cut back on thoroughfare and street improvements.

Count our Blessings: Sometimes it is easy to dwell on things that are not perfect. The new year may be an appropriate time to remember how fortunate we are. Other people notice what a nice place Overland Park is to live. Here are a few awards we have received:

• Ranked first in America on a "Composite Quality-of-Life" Index by County Economic Research Institute, Inc.
• Top Ten list of the Ladies Home Journal's study of "America's Best Cities for Women"
• National Arbor Day Foundation named O.P. a "Tree City USA" city for 22 consecutive years (only 14 cities have received)
• Ranked 1st in America on the "Kid Friendly Cities Report Card" by Zero Population Growth's Kid Friendly Cities Study.
• Named "second 'smartest' city in the country by Applied Geographic Solutions
• Ranked as the 10th best city in America for doing business by "Business Development Outlook"
• Johnson County Library system was ranked second best in the nation in a 1999 study
• Overland Park is one of only 14 cities nationwide to receive a AAA Bond rating from all three major bond rating firms
• Overland Park has the lowest property tax mill rate of any first-class city in Kansas

Happy New Year,

Jim Hix
Councilmember
Ward 5
Overland Park, KS"