Title
An Ordinance Approving a License Agreement Between Merriam North Bell LLC, Station Merriam I-35/63 LLC, Summit Fair Investors 2025, LLC, Papa K&M-SF, LLC, DeSoto Farms, LLC, Compton Farms LLC, and the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri, for the Operation of a Lee's Summit Police Department Substation at Summit Fair, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement. (F&BC 9/15/26)
Body
The proposed ordinance approves a License Agreement between the City of Lee's Summit and the property owners of Summit Fair for the use of approximately 500 square feet of commercial space as a Lee's Summit Police Department substation. The agreement provides the space at no rental cost in exchange for continued police foot patrols within the shopping center, with patrol scheduling remaining at the discretion of the Police Department. The substation will enhance police visibility, improve accessibility for businesses and visitors, and support public safety operations within the Summit Fair area. The only expenses the City would be responsible for are utilities (fixed at $150.00 per month) and approximately $2750.00 in security upgrades.
Issue/Request:
Approval of a License Agreement authorizing the City to operate a Lee's Summit Police Department substation within Summit Fair. The agreement provides the City approximately 500 square feet of commercial space at no rental cost for an initial twenty-four (24) month term, with automatic annual renewals thereafter, in exchange for periodic police foot patrols within the shopping center.
Key Issues:
• Establishes a Police Department substation within Summit Fair.
• Provides approximately 500 square feet of commercial space at no rental cost.
• Initial term of twenty-four (24) months with automatic annual renewals unless terminated in accordance with the agreement.
• Police Department will conduct periodic foot patrols, which are already part of normal department operational patrols, within the shopping center as consideration for the license.
• Patrol scheduling and frequency remain at the sole discretion of the Police Department and will be conducted consistently with departmental policies and operational needs.
• Improves police visibility, accessibility, and engagement within one of the City's primary commercial districts.
• Increases opportunities for business outreach and community interaction while enhancing operational efficiency and potentially reducing crime.
Background:
The Lee's Summit Police Department has worked collaboratively with Summit Fair ownership to identify an opportunity to establish a police substation within the shopping center. The proposed substation will provide officers with a centrally located operational workspace that supports patrol activities, report writing, community engagement, business outreach, and other law enforcement functions.
Rather than requiring a traditional commercial lease, the property owner has agreed to provide the space through a license agreement at no rental cost. In exchange, the Police Department will conduct periodic foot patrols within the shopping center. The agreement specifically provides that patrol scheduling and frequency remain under the sole discretion of the Police Department and will be conducted consistent with departmental policies and operational priorities. It should be noted that the police department already conducts routine foot patrols in retail areas, including Summit Fair, throughout the city as a matter of departmental operations.
The agreement provides approximately 500 square feet of space for an initial twenty-four (24) month term, with automatic annual renewals unless terminated pursuant to the agreement. The property owner will install a new entrance door to the space, while the City will be responsible for routine utilities, communications services, and interior operational needs.
The substation will enhance police visibility, improve accessibility for businesses and visitors, strengthen relationships with commercial stakeholders, and provide officers with a convenient location from which to support public safety operations within the Summit Fair area.
Impact/Analysis:
Approval of the License Agreement provides the City with a cost-effective opportunity to establish a permanent police presence within one of Lee's Summit's largest commercial developments.
The agreement does not require the payment of rent. City costs are limited primarily to utilities, communications services, furnishings, and normal operational expenses associated with occupying the space. Utility reimbursement to the property owner is capped at $150 per month.
The substation will improve officer visibility, reduce travel time associated with routine patrol functions, provide a location for report preparation and community contacts, and strengthen partnerships with businesses located within Summit Fair. The facility will also support increased foot patrols and community-oriented policing initiatives while maintaining operational flexibility for the Police Department.
The agreement appropriately limits the City's obligations to those associated with its use of the space and provides a stable initial occupancy period of twenty-four months.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the License Agreement between Merriam North Bell LLC, Station Merriam I-35/63 LLC, Summit Fair Investors 2025, LLC, Papa K&M-SF, LLC, DeSoto Farms, LLC, Compton Farms LLC, and the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri, authorizing operation of a Lee's Summit Police Department substation within Summit Fair.
Proposed City Council Motion:
First Reading: I move for first reading of an ordinance approving a License Agreement between Merriam North Bell LLC, Station Merriam I-35/63 LLC, Summit Fair Investors 2025, LLC, Papa K&M-SF, LLC, DeSoto Farms, LLC, Compton Farms LLC, and the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri, for the operation of a Lee's Summit Police Department substation at Summit Fair, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same.
Second Reading: I move for adoption of an ordinance approving a License Agreement between Merriam North Bell LLC, Station Merriam I-35/63 LLC, Summit Fair Investors 2025, LLC, Papa K&M-SF, LLC, DeSoto Farms, LLC, Compton Farms LLC, and the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri, for the operation of a Lee's Summit Police Department substation at Summit Fair, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same.
Presenter
Major Brian Wilson, Police Department
Travis Forbes, Police Chief