Board approves police labor agreements, first reading of ordinance allowing UTVs

     The Board of Aldermen met January 24th, approving labor agreements finalized with the Fraternal Order of Police, approving the purchase of three patrol cars, and approving the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to neighborhood vehicles and utility terrain vehicles (UTV).
     The Board approved labor agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police for sworn officers and sergeants through December 31, 2024. The agreement establishes a step plan for officers and sergeants, with the initial "swearing in" salary for officers set at $20.45, an annual equivalent of $42,542.19. 
     The Board also approved the purchase of three patrol cars and equipment at a cost of $124,354.68. The purchase is a budgeted capital item in the FY22 budget.
     In other business, the Board approved the first reading of an ordinance allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTV) on City streets. Due to the increasing popularity of UTVs and the recent addition of two recreational vehicle dealerships in the City, Chapter 386 of the Grain Valley municipal code underwent a full review in the Fall of 2021.
     Although golf carts and low speed vehicles have been legally allowed to operate on City streets since April 8, 2013, other recreational vehicles have not been legal. Police Chief James Beale reported citizens have expressed interest and inquired more about expanding the permissibility of which recreational vehicles which can be operated on City streets.
     The proposed ordinance seeks to allow certain types of recreational vehicles, as defined in this chapter, to operate within our city limits with safety and traffic regulations similar to those required for golf carts. 
     The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be a workshop at 6:00pm on February 7, 2022 at City Hall.