By Kathy Feist
Productive is a word that best describes the monthly Martin City Community Improvement District meeting held Thursday, January 9th at Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse. Guest speakers, new members, and approved projects extended the meeting beyond its typical hour-long timeframe. CID Manager Vicki Wolverton presided over the meeting.
Federal Printing purchased
Martin City Marketing has purchased Federal Printing, a screen printing company specializing in t-shirts and other apparel, formerly located in the basement of the Martin Event Center. Greg Young, Director of Print & Graphic Design for MCM, said that they were in the process of finding new clients including corporations, businesses, schools and organizations.
Federal Printing is able to print as few as five shirts to as many as thousands, according to Young. The company has 10 designers available to help create artwork.
Martin City Marketing started out as an internal marketing division of Cable-Dahmer automotive group. Five years ago, it became its own subsidiary operating out of the Cable-Dahmer body shop building at 13700 Wyandotte St. Young said Martin City Marketing has grown from eight clients to around 50 and now has overtaken most of the two-story building.
Free Tree Planting
The second speaker was Jesus Valenzuela, community forestry coordinator with Heartland Tree Alliance. The nonprofit organization installs free trees within the public right-of-way (5 feet from the street) for businesses and residences. In addition to planting the trees, volunteers add mulch and leave a bag of water for the first week’s watering. The property owner is required to water the trees weekly. The value of the free service is around $400.
Heartland Tree Alliance is a subsidiary of Bridging the Gap, an organization dedicated to making Kansas City sustainable. Heartland Tree Alliance has contracted with the City to hit its goal to plant 10,000 trees by 2026. Volunteers are always welcome.
Economic Development representative
Jenna Scott introduced herself as the newest Business Development Officer for the Economic Development Council representing south Kansas City and the Plaza. The previous representative left the position in May. Scott, hired a month ago, said she was excited to help large businesses in the area learn how to expand.
New board member
Danny Lake, owner of Mac N Seitz Baseball and Softball, accepted the nomination to become the newest Martin City CID Board Member, replacing Howard Barewin, former owner of Volleyball Beach. Lake’s membership was approved by the board.
New signage
Martin City will finally have signage at 135th Street and 150 Hwy. The v-shaped sign will let travelers know they are entering Martin City and will include the city name, new logo and date of establishment. The sign will be approximately 6 feet tall. The board approved the final contract with Signarama.
5K Run
There was discussion of reviving the 5K Whiskey Run next year. The run has been organized under the auspices of the Martin City Businesses Community Association, but the organization has dwindled to only one member. The CID was given the go-ahead to take over the event.
Brad Ziegler, Chairman of the CID and with KC Running Company, said there was serious consideration for KC Running Co. to have a wine-themed 5K in Martin City. It would replace the Oktoberfest 5K. This news raised concern from some board members. While all liked the idea of a wine-tasting 5K, they did not like the loss of the Oktoberfest. Ziegler stated that Martin City businesses had not provided enough support for the Oktoberfest, which attracts around 600 participants. He said KC Running Co. was considering moving the event to Lee’s Summit.
Sales
The Sutherland property at 135th and Holmes has been sold to Cable Dahmer. The automotive dealership reported they have no immediate plans for the property.
Dos de Oros has sold the P.S. Coffee property, 131st & Holmes, to Pegah’s Family Restaurant for a breakfast, lunch and dinner drive-thru with minimal seating. Pegah’s has four other locations in the metropolitan area.
St. Patrick’s Parade
The St. Patrick’s Parade will be held Sunday, March 16, this year.
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