Board of Aldermen meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer

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The Board of Aldermen briefly met for their second regularly scheduled meeting for the month on Monday, October 23. The meeting consisted of two resolutions and the first read of one ordinance.
 
With no public comments and the consent agenda approved, the board moved directly to resolutions.
 
In this section, the board discussed two new resolutions. The first, introduced by Alderman Knox, would appoint Robert Headley to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term. Headley would be filling a position vacated by a member stepping down. The resolution was passed unanimously.
 
The second resolution, introduced by Alderman Mills, called for the reappointment of four members, Debbie Saffell, Craig Shelton, Elijah Greeene, and Chriss Bamman, to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term. All four of these members terms were up and all have stated that they would like another term on the commission. This resolution was also approved unanimously.
 
Next up was the first read of one ordinance, calling for an election in the City of Grain Valley on April 2, 2024. City Administrator Ken Murphy explained this is the official administrative step the city must take in order to hold its general municipal election. This election would entail voting for alderman positions in Wards I, II, and III as Alderman Arnold, Alderman Knox, and Alderman Skinner’s terms are expiring.  Mayor Todd’s term is expiring, so the April 2024 election will also include a mayoral race. The first read of this ordinance was approved and it will be brought back, by title only, during the next scheduled meeting.
 
During city staff reports Community Development Director Mark Trosen noted that on Tuesday, November 7th from 5:30-7:30pm, the city will host an open house in order to share the design of the shared trail from Blue Branch to Nelson. The open house will be held at the new library off of Buckner Tarsney.
 
Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reminded board members that the city’s Downtown Spooktacular is being held on Friday, October 27 from 6:15-8:30 pm. The event kicks off in Armstrong Park at 6:15pm with the Witches and Wizards Walk. Once the walk hits downtown, the event officially opens up. As of now, 34 local vendors have signed up to pass out treats and other goodies. A fireworks display will close out the event. Main Street will be shut down during this time.
 
The next Board of Aldermen’s meeting will take place at 7:00pm on November 13 at City Hall.