Board of Aldermen meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer
 
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, June 10 for their first regular meeting in the month of June. 

To start the meeting, two new police officers, Jason Eyerly and David Harrison, took their oath of office.  

During public comments, the board heard from a citizen concerned about traffic in the Rosewood Hills subdivision. This prompted a conversation about unlicensed golf carts and underaged drivers around the city and what can be done in regard to this issue.

Possible solutions include reeducating parents and the public on the ordinances surrounding these golf carts, having overtime officers stop by neighborhood pools to make sure everyone is following the rules, and better documenting interactions and outcomes between the officers and violators of these rules. 

Next, the board moved into new business starting with mayor pro-tem and board liaison appointments. Alderman Brian Bray was appointed mayor pro-tem.

The board then looked at liquor license renewals for 2024-2025. The police department reviewed licenses from Agaves, B&B Theatres, Captain’s, Caseys, Price Chopper, Dollar General, El Tequilazo, Valley Speedway, Iron Kettle, El Maguey, Nicotra Vineyards, MO Country, QuikTrip, Temp-Stop, Discount Liquor and Smokes, and Valley Moments. All of these businesses are in good standing with their current licenses and were all approved for renewals, pending the receipt of their outstanding requirements.

The board then considered and approved a series of resolutions. The first resolution allows the city to execute an agreement with Jackson County anti-crime tax (COMBAT). This allows the city to recoup costs for anti-drug and anti-violence programs.

The next resolution allows the city to execute an agreement with Burrell Inc. Comprehensive Mental Health Services. This will improve services and outcomes when individuals with mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders come in contact with law enforcement.

The third resolution allows the city to enter into an agreement with MoDOT for grant funded overtime with DWI enforcement and hazardous moving violation enforcement. This secures grant money to provide overtime pay for law enforcement officers to enforce these laws.

The final resolution allows the city to enter into a cooperative agreement to provide continued support to the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Moving to ordinance, the board first considered the second read of a bill amending chapter 215, section 215.200 Sexual Misconduct, and repealing section 215.216 of the city code. This bill was approved unanimously.

The next ordinance was also a second read of a bill adding Community Development’s long-standing policy of approved construction hours and the need of after-hours work permits. This bill was approved unanimously.

The final ordinance was the first read of a bill authorizing the sale of city owned property and allowing the city administrator to execute all documents associated with said sale. This sale would include the two vacant lots on the east side of Main Street between the auto repair shop and strip mall at 203 Main. The developer, Dr. Cathy Dowd, intends to build a retail office space on the site. Dowd's current business, Grain Valley Chiropractic, would be the main tenant in the space, with additional space available for office/retail use. 

The first read of this bill was approved and will be brought back for its second reading by title only at the next meeting.

In staff reports, Community Development Director Mark Trosen invited community and board members to the annual public works event on June 13th from 5-7 pm. This will be held at Armstrong Park and will include a bouncy house, drawings, live equipment demonstrations, and an appearance from KC Wolf.

The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Monday, June 24 at 6:30pm at City Hall.