Board of Aldermen meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer


​The City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met briefly for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 25. The meeting included a ceremonial oath of office for new police captain Joseph Christiansen, a public hearing on the property tax levy, one new resolution, and action on three ordinances.
 
Though the board held a public hearing in the August 28 meeting for the property tax levy, the city received new numbers from the county that has changed the amounts a bit. The previous total levy was 1.4494. With the new numbers, the proposed total levy would be 1.0781. After no discussion from aldermen or public comments, the public hearing was closed.
 
Under resolutions, the board discussed a proposal by Alderman Ryan Skinner to declare and affirm a vote of no confidence in Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr.’s ability to serve the county’s residents due to the management of the 2022 real property tax assessments process. The board approved this resolution unanimously.
 
For ordinances, the board heard three bills. One was read for its first and second read and the other two were brought back for second reads.
 
The first ordinance was read to set the city’s tax levy for the upcoming year as previously discussed in the meeting. While discussing the bill, Alderman Dale Arnold said that the city is doing their part in making sure that residents are not paying more than they should with their updated property tax assessments. The first read of the bill was approved and it was immediately read for its second read. This bill was passed unanimously and the tax levy will be set at 1.0781.
 
The second ordinance was the second read to amend chapter 215 of the city code regarding marijuana in order to align with the state laws. This bill was passed unanimously.
 
The final ordinance discussed was the second read of a bill calling to amend chapter 425 of the city code. This would remove language referring to “medical marijuana facilities” and replace it with “comprehensive marijuana facilities” in order to be consistent with state laws. After no discussion, this bill was passed unanimously.
 
Following ordinances, was the city staff reports. In his report, Police Chief Ed Turner, expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in National Night Out. Turner said it was a great opportunity to interact with the community and it was a great time.
 
In his mayor’s report, Mayor Todd reported the city recently striped some parking spots along Main Street downtown in order to have the correct sight distances for people to safely move in and out of those spots. He also noted the issues at the intersection in front of City Hall with the ongoing construction. Todd said that the city is aware of issues that are happening with the traffic lights and they have taken the steps necessary to alleviate it, adding that the construction is getting close to wrapping up.
 
The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will take place at City Hall on Monday, October 9 at 7 pm.