Board of Aldermen meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer
 
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, September 23rd, for its only meeting of the month of September. The meeting consisted of a public tax levy hearing, a public hearing regarding an ordinance concerning parking regulations in backyards, one resolution, four ordinances, and city staff and mayor’s reports.
 
First, in the public comment section, two residents spoke regarding an ordinance on the agenda regarding the parking regulations in the backyards of homes. Both residents spoke against the ordinance, citing infringement on civil liberties to do what they wanted on their own property.
 
A public hearing was also held over tax levy rates. The proposed rates are as follows: 0.4092 for the general fund, 0.5530 for debt service, 0.0904 for parks and recreation, and 0.0360 for public health, making the total proposed tax levy 1.0886.
 
The board approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a contract with Hoefer Welker LLC. This will allow the city to begin the planning process for designing and constructing a new community center and pool, city hall, and maintenance facility.
 
Under ordinances, the board approved both the first and second read of the tax levy rates that was discussed earlier in the meeting.
 
Next, the board approved the first and second reads of an ordinance that allows the use of escrow funds to pay a portion of outstanding general obligation bonds.
 
Third, the board approved the first and second reads of an ordinance that authorizes the purchase of property owned by L&B Development. The property includes approximately seven acres of land at the northeast corner of Duncan Road and Dillingham Road. This land would be used for municipal purposes including parks and recreation uses.
 
The final ordinance discussed was the one that had been discussed much of the night, regarding the limiting of parking in backyards of homes. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously held a public hearing and recommended the board pass the ordinance limiting residents to no more than two of any of these vehicles: boats, unloaded utility trailers, all-terrain vehicles, non-motorized camper, or lawn mowers.
 
After some discussion, the board voted down the ordinance.
 
In staff reports, Community Development Director Mark Trosen announced the date for the city’s annual hazardous waste clean-up event has been set for Saturday, October 5th. The event will start at 8:00am and end either when the trucks are full or around 12:00pm. The event will be held at the Jackson County Public Works facility at 34900 East Old US 40 Highway.
 
Trosen also announced that the city has applied for funding for three projects through the Federal Highway Administration. The projects are open for public comment, which is available through October 4, and the link can be found on the city’s Facebook page.
 
In his report, Mayor Mike Todd thanked the city staff for their help with the fair held at the beginning of the month.
 
The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held at City Hall on Monday, October 14 at 6:30pm.