Board of Aldermen meeting recap

 by Cole Arndorfer
 
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The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on December 11th. This meeting included an oath of office for police officer Justin Pereria, recognition for three members of the VIPS program, three new resolutions, one ordinance, and city staff and mayor’s reports.
 
Grain Valley VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) James Garcia, Wayne Morey, and Kelli Schuette were recognized by Police Chief Ed Turner and Judge Susan Watkins. The VIPS program allows citizens to get involved with the police department and the community by volunteering their time for different projects and events within the community.
 
Watkins said that Garcia, Morey, and Schuette are among the most active in the program and they could not do the work they do without their help. Each of them was presented with a plaque to recognize their service.
 
After the recognitions, the board moved into resolutions. First, the board approved a resolution to write off outstanding balances from utility accounts deemed uncollectable. This particular set of balances equals about $12,000 and is from 2019.
 
Next, the board approved a resolution to amend the 2023 budget. This was the final amendment of the 2023 budget and is done yearly in order to accurately reflect the actual expenditures and revenue of the city throughout the year.
 
Finally, the board approved the final resolution, allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Andrews Technology. This agreement will provide a web-based attendance system for city employees.
 
Under ordinances, the board passed the only bill on the agenda. This bill went along with the second resolution and confirms amending the 2023 budget. The vote was unanimous at 6-0.
 
City staff reports started with Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies. Davies said that the department will be offering their tree disposal site again this year. Citizens can drop off their real trees from December 26-January 11 at Armstrong Park, next to the baseball fields. Davies also said that the 2–5-year-old playground at Armstrong Park has recently been removed in order for the new all-inclusive playground to be put in early next year.
 
Police Chief Ed Turner reported the department will be doing their yearly Shop with a Cop event on December 20. Turner said that the event offers a great opportunity for the department to engage with the community and that 25 children are signed up to participate.