Shawnee homeowners and landowners are now allowed to plant trees within public right-of-ways, the areas between the street or curb and their adjacent private property lines. The Shawnee City Council voted 5-2 to approve new city code and regulations that give city staff administrative discretion to allow, prohibit and/or relocate proposed street trees. The new codes apply to residential properties for both new and existing homes.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Prairie Village and Leawood are joining Overland Park to be the first cities to enter agreements with Johnson County allowing the county to enforce its latest COVID-19 public health order regarding social distancing, mass gatherings and required closing times for businesses within the cities’ boundaries. The Prairie Village, Leawood and Overland Park city councils all approved the agreements at their meetings Monday night. Prairie Village passed the measure 8-3, Leawood 5-2 and Overland Park 9-3. The agreements stipulate that the county, not the cities, will enforce the order through its codes department. The cities’ police departments will help by responding to complaints, educating violators, reporting repeat violations to county code enforcers and testifying if asked by the county.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Lenexa City Manager Beccy Yocham recently named long-time staff member Logan Wagler as the city’s next parks and recreation director. Wagler, who recently served as deputy director, replaces Gary Ristow, who is retiring after 12 years working with the city. The Lenexa City Council celebrated Ristow’s contributions to the city at a recent council meeting. Wagler’s first day was Nov. 30. “From a personal standpoint, this is like a dream come true,” Wagler said. “I had a lot of experience within parks and recreation as a kid, all the way through college and around sports. I almost felt like it was a calling.”
Source: Prairie Village Post