KC's bad sidewalks--a plan?

The KCStar has an article about a new plan proposed by KC auditor Mark Funkhauser to improve Kansas City's currently terrible sidewalk conditions:

Kansas City has an embarrassing array of dilapidated and long-neglected sidewalks. They are badly cracked, overgrown with grass or have been lifted up by bulging tree roots.

These sidewalks are unsightly blemishes on neighborhoods throughout the city. Some are downright hazardous. Repairs, when they are done at all, sometimes take years.

Once again, City Hall has taken poor care of a basic city asset. And not just recently but for many years.

In a recent report to elected officials, City Auditor Mark Funkhouser offered nine sensible recommendations to improve the city’s sidewalk repair and inspection programs. City Manager Wayne Cauthen and Public Works Director Stan Harris agreed with the conclusions.