Board of Aldermen meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer
 
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, May 13, for its only meeting in the month of May. This meeting consisted of a proclamation of National Public Works Week, a police officer oath of office, one item under previous and new business, a presentation from the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, five new resolutions, and three ordinances.
 
To start the meeting, Mayor Mike Todd and the board recognized the public works department, issuing a proclamation designating the week of May 19 to May 25 as Public Works Week.
 
Next, new police officer Matthew Shull took his oath of office.
 
The board then moved into previous business, regarding on-street parking along Main Street. Todd said that the city has received numerous concerns and complaints over visibility for parked cars on Main Street.
 
In response, the city has blocked off a few spots in that area prompting concerns from businesses whose spots have been taken away. These business owners contend that the blocking of these spots hinder the goal of revitalizing downtown. They also said this makes it more difficult for patrons to get to their storefronts.
 
The city will explore and research options for the area and bring this item back at a later date.
 
Next, the board moved into new business regarding the Grain Valley Fair Beer Garden on September 8-9 hosted by MO Country. The board approved MO Country’s plan and they will need to move forward with the necessary steps to obtain a catering license.
 
Following this, the board heard the annual report from Cory Unrein with the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. Highlights from the past year for the Chamber include its rebranding from the Grain Valley Partnership to the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, a new website, new program offerings for member businesses, and the first Heart of Grain Valley awards.
 
The board then moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved was to reappoint Mike Switzer, Adam Hoover, and Lisa Limberg to the Parks and Recreation board for three-year terms.
 
The second resolution allows the city to purchase a 2024 Ford F-350 truck for the parks division. This was identified as a need during the budget cycle and will be replacing a 2012 Ford F-250 that was over the limit in years and mileage.
 
The third resolution allows the city to execute change order number two with All Pro Asphalt & Maintenance LLC for the 2024 pavement maintenance program. This will provide an edge mill and asphalt overlay from Sni-A-Bar Boulevard to Laura Lane and Laura Lane from Graystone Drive to the North end.
 
The next resolution allows the city to execute change order number one with Quality Custom Concepts Inc. for the 2024 concrete replacement and paving program. This will replace damaged curbs and update ADA ramps on Graystone Drive and Laura Lane.
 
The final resolution allows the city to enter into an agreement with Vance Brothers Inc. for micro seal paving. This will micro seal the pavement on various roads throughout the city.
 
Following resolutions, the board moved into ordinances. The first resolution was the first and second read of a bill that would reappoint Susan Watkins as Municipal Judge for the Grain Valley Municipal Court. Both of these readings were approved by the board.
 
The next ordinance was the first reading of a bill that would amend Chapter 215 of the city code in order to be more comprehensive. City Administrator, Ken Murphy, said that this is a language clean-up in order to be more in line with the state’s laws. The first read of this bill was approved and it will be brought back at the next meeting.
 
The final ordinance was a bill that would repeal ordinance 2447. This is an ordinance regarding discussion of after-hours work that was discussed at previous meetings. This would add the policy of requiring permits for after-hours work to the city code. The first read of this bill was approved and it will be brought back at the next meeting.
 
Next, the board heard city staff reports starting with Community Development Director Mark Trosen. Trosen said that the annual spring clean-up event will be held at the public works facility on Saturday, June 1, at 2 pm.
 
The senior pickup for this event is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31. In order to get on the schedule for pickup, residents must contact public works at 816-847-6274 by Friday, May 24.
 
Parks and Recreation Director, Shannon Davies, then noted that the pool will be opening for the season on Saturday, May 25.
 
In the mayor’s report, Todd brought up the recent tragic vehicle accident on Jefferson. He noted that the city has received concerns over adding guardrails to that road. Todd said that that roadway is controlled by MODOT, but they have been in talks with MODOT to see what they can do on that road.
 
The board then adjourned into executive session. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Monday, June 10, at 6:30 pm at City Hall.