​     Returning to Council Chambers after holding several meetings virtually, the Board of Aldermen moved through several resolutions and ordinances, including an ordinance which would have approved a conditional use permit to operate a portable asphalt plant on approximately 14.3 acres located at the northeast corner of McQuerry and Seymour roads.      
    Capital Paving, the business requesting the permit, reported trucks would be turning at a rate of 125 turns every 24 hours, meaning 125 trucks would have entered and exited the site in a 24-hour period, 7 days a week.
    Citing concerns over the wear and tear to McQuerry and adjoining roads, and disruption to nearby residential areas, no member of the board seconded the motion to allow the resolution to move forward for a second reading. City staff had not recommended approval, and the Planning and Zoning Commission had sent the resolution to the Board with several recommended conditions.
     In other business, the Board approved fireworks permits for the Grain Valley Band Parents Association and the Grain Valley Partnership and approved an amended resolution appointing James Hofstetter to the Grain Valley Planning and Zoning Commission to fill an unexpired term vacated by Paul Loving.
     The board will meet for its next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
 

​     If spring cleaning your medicine cabinet is on your ’to do’ list, Grain Valley Police Department is providing an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unneeded or expired medications on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
     GVPD’s Drug Take-Back event will be held on April 24th from 10:00am—2:00pm in the GVPD parking lot, 711 Main.
     The event is free to all for safe disposal of prescription and non-prescription medications. No syringes will be accepted.
     For more information, call 816-847-6250 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
 

     At its March 22nd virtual meeting, the Board of Aldermen considered a full slate of agenda items, with a resolution authorizing Food Truck Friday events to be held on City property monopolizing a good portion of the meeting.
     The Board reviewed and adopted the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), outlining a schedule of large-scale improvements and major purchases, which includes several projects slated for 2022. Projects on the schedule for 2022 include a $400,000 project to upgrade playground equipment at Armstrong Park, and $10,000 to resurface the loop trail at the park. $526,830 is slated in 2022 for pavement maintenance, and a $317,000 water extension on Buckner Tarsney is also planned.
     Prior to the approval of the CIP, Mayor Johnston raised several concerns regarding a resolution to allow Food Truck Friday events on City property from April – September 2021. The event, held on Friday evenings last year at the lot next to the post office and later on the lot behind the Community Center, is sponsored by the Grain Valley Fair and the Grain Valley Partnership.
     Johnston stated that allowing the event on City property is in conflict with City code which prohibits concessions or merchandise sales on City park facilities, and park property. City Administrator Ken Murphy reminded Johnston the Code allows for exceptions to be made by the Board, citing a motion approved earlier in the meeting allowing the Purple Peace Foundation to utilize park property for a charity car show. The City Attorney concurred, stating that there did not appear to be an issue.
     Johnston mentioned Valley Speedway had been offered as an alternative to utilizing City property. Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership, attended the meeting by phone and stated the Partnership and Fair committee appreciated the offer, but outlined several reasons why the venue would not be ideal.
     Johnston also questioned the cost of insurance for the event, stating he had contacted the Partnership’s insurance agent and was told the cost to insure the food truck events exceeded $8,000.
     Lindsey disputed the amount quoted by the mayor, indicating the cost to insure the event was just over $1,000, and expenses such as insurance are covered by sponsorships.
     The resolution allowing Food Truck Fridays to be held in the lot behind the Community Center passed 6-0.       
     Reached for clarification on the insurance premium amount for the food truck event, Grain Valley Partnership Executive Director Tasha Lindsey confirmed the amount she stated in the meeting was correct.
     “The insurance amount was misquoted by the Mayor for the Food Truck event. The correct price was the price that I mentioned at the meeting, $1026.00 for the season.  We will be presenting that amount at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. Since the amount was released in a public forum, we wanted it to be retracted in the same public forum,” Lindsey said.  
     “The Grain Valley Partnership and the Grain Valley Fair are very excited about Food Truck Fridays this year. The support we have received over social media has been tremendous. The trucks all see that, and that is what makes Grain Valley one of their favorite places to visit. Right now, we have over 40 different trucks scheduled to come out over the season, with several trucks that were favorites from last year plus several new trucks that have never been out to Grain Valley before. It looks like we will also have some special non-Friday nights as well this year where some trucks will come out because we have some businesses in town who want to have trucks come out to their parking lots,” Grain Valley Fair committee member Mike Todd said.
     “Our first Food Truck Friday is April 9th and then they will go every Friday up until Fair weekend, which is September 10th and 11th. The times will be 4:30pm – 7:30pm each Friday until June, and then we will extend it a half hour and go till 8:00pm. We are planning on trying to bring in some live bands once summer gets here.”
     The board also approved a resolution renewing an agreement with Ray County to provide secure detention services for adults arrested on municipal charges, and a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Jackson County for distribution of $75,000 in COMBAT funds. Funding will be used to assist the City in defraying costs of its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.
     In other business, the Board approved the appointment of James Hofstetter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term.
     The Board plans a workshop in late March to continue discussions regarding facility needs, and its next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, April 12th at 7:00pm.
 

​     Grain Valley voters will elect an alderman in each of the City’s three wards on April 6th. In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver is running for re-election. Dale Arnold is also running for the seat. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton faces challenger Darren Mills. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass faces first-time candidate Kristen Rising.
     Valley News reached out to each candidate to share information on their background, experience, and thoughts regarding the current challenges facing Grain Valley.
 

​
Ward 1: Dale Arnold
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):
     I have served the community for just over 30 years as a firefighter with Central Jackson County FPD. I have been active in many local organizations and boards. I have served as a member of the former Grain Valley Optimist Club, currently known as FOCUS and as a Past President. Also active with school programs as a member of the Band Parents Association of which I was a Past President. 
     I have served on the citizens advisory committee for the Grain Valley School District, as well as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Grain Valley.  I help wherever there was a need. I have also been involved with the Grain Valley Police Dept. Night Out Against Crime, the Haunted Hayride, the Grain Valley Fair Days, Trail for Treats and the Historical Society. For this service I have been recognized as a Pillar of the Community in 2005 by the Grain Valley Chamber and as Citizen of the Year by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation for 2010.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
     With my experience in the community and knowledge of its history, I feel I have much insight to make informed decisions.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley?
     Growth! How we meet the growth and how we shape it into what the community wants. Efforts on economic development needs to be refined and updated to meet the goals set by the community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?
     I have a vision that differs from some on the board. I agree there is a need, how to meet that need is up for debate. My vision is that the Community Center and Library be located on the old Sni A Bar Farms. This would include a water splash park rather than a pool. Splash Parks give more opportunity for involvement and exercise. This vision also includes walking trails and picnic areas.
     Also some basketball court, baseball, and soccer fields for local children to play games. Keeping that area as a park for family activities. This would not require all of the land available. Some of the land surrounding the park could be sold to developers for more homes and neighborhoods, recouping some of the cost of the park. With the move of the community center to the south it would allow for the old Community Center to be renovated with a small addition to the rear of the building to meet the needs of the police. 
    Now that the police are no longer occupying half of City Hall, the building is now large enough to meet their needs for a number of the coming years. There is much more that I envision, but there is not enough space here to share. This concept would reduce cost greatly and avoid abandoning the investment of past tax dollars.
     There had been discussion to build a new police facility on the site of the baseball fields on James Rollo. While an option, it takes away from much needed youth activities fields that fall short of meeting our needs.
 


Tom Cleaver—Ward 1
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have been in Business to Business sales for almost 30 years, working with Cities and MFG. Companies all over Kansas City. I volunteer once a month for the Grain Valley Assistance Council  and have lived in Ward 1 for 15 years. I have served my first term of two years as Alderman Ward 1.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
     I love our community and want to give back to it. I feel my experience in business will help guide our City forward for the future.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The facility needs for City Hall, Police Department, Community Center, Streets and also attracting and retaining Police officers for a growing community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     This is a complex situation, one the current Board is exploring diligently. It is my job as Alderman to bring several good and different ideas to the voters that will both address our current needs and our needs for the long term.
 


Darren Mills—Ward 2
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have been a resident of Grain Valley since 2012 and I also work in Grain Valley.  I am employed at Lifestyle RV's where I have received the honorable award of Salesman of the Year back to back for 2019-2020.  Selling fun and adventure to my fellow residents of Grain Valley is what I love.  
     I have been a member of the Grain Valley VIPS ( Volunteer in Police Service) for the last 3 years.  I currently hold the position of President and I am one of five residents who were appointed to the Police Advisory Board. I enjoy my time as a faithful partner of Crossroads Church here in Grain Valley.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
     As your Alderman I will work hard to improve safety on Eagles Parkway by working with staff to find funding for much needed sidewalks that will also connect to the new trails. I will work for funding for additional streetlights in the Winding Creek subdivision and the newer parts of Ward 2 that are still without them.  
     I enjoyed my time serving our country in the United States Navy and I look forward to serving our community and being your voice for a better Ward 2 and continued growth in Grain Valley.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     Some of the biggest problems I feel facing Grain Valley is “division”. As a community and a small City we need to get find a common ground for our residents and elected officials.  I want to be that voice for my Ward and work with whoever may be in office and push forward for a better Grain Valley from street repair, growth, better budget and focus on public safety retention.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     I feel this city has outgrown its current City Hall, Police Station and Community Center. If elected I would want to inform our residents of all options available and truly listen to the input and concerns of residents and city employees.
 


Nancy Totton—Ward 2
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have served on the Board since 2010, and am very active in the community, helping families in need.
 
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
    I enjoy helping people, and learn from the things my residents have been going through. An alderman should be there to listen to a problem, find out how to help, and get back in touch with them. People call me at all hours, and I am happy to help them out.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The lack of residents learning about the issues and showing up to meetings to learn about things. More people need to get involved in their community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     It is a complicated issue, and it is going to take a good bunch of us to figure out the problem. There is no doubt they need more space at City Hall and the police station. There is an officer  with a little desk in a closet for an office, and that is ridiculous.
 


Shea Bass—Ward 3
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):
     I have been privileged enough to serve on the board for a little over one full term (2+ years) as Alderman in Ward 3. Prior to serving on the board, I spent time on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the city. I have volunteered my time in a number of organizations around Kansas City throughout the past few years as well. 
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
     I want to serve on the Board of Aldermen to be an honest, truthful, and hard-working representative for the citizens in Ward 3. I enjoy interacting with members of the community and I want to help our city keep its strength as we grow. We have great citizens, fantastic employees, wonderful businesses, and strong schools. I’m excited for the next chapter of growth in our city. 
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The biggest challenge right now is trying to nail down exactly what we are going to do with City Hall, the Community Center, Police Department, and other city departments for the next chapter of city growth. The issuance of city bonds for building the municipal complex in a single build failed on the last ballot, so figuring out exactly what the citizens want and balancing that with facility needs, location, and overall schedule poses a challenge in the coming future. 
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?
     As I eluded to a bit in the previous question, I unfortunately don’t think there is a clear cut answer on this yet. The ballot measure for building a new complex in one single shot failed on the last ballot, so I propose the city gains more credible feedback from its citizens regarding what they would like to see in this manner.
     I personally think there are multiple solutions that work well for city needs, including a hybrid scenario where we utilize both the Sni-A-Bar Farms site and the land the city currently owns at/near the existing City Hall and Community Center site. 
 


Kristen Rising—Ward 3
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):  
     I am a small business owner in the construction industry.  Community service: participate with the Veterans Community Project to help homeless Veterans, provide educational services-we adopted a classroom to help offset the cost of a teacher.  I have no past experience in politics. If I secure a seat, it will be the first one.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?  
     To make a difference.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley?  
     Not having enough small business in our community, i.e. sit down restaurants.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?  
     Honestly, not sure.  I do not have the whole back story of those items and with out that information I can not provide my opinion.  I do know that some changes need to take place because in my opinion, what we have working is not a well oiled machine. 

     The Board of Aldermen met virtually Monday, March 8th, approving two resolutions to complete 2021 budgeted repairs as a part of the City’s pavement maintenance program. The first resolution authorized an agreement with Superior Bowen Asphalt Company to provide edge mill and asphalt overlay to streets identified in the City’s CIP plan and 2020 Pavement Management Analysis Report at a budgeted cost of $909,142.50. The second resolution authorizes an agreement with Quality Custom Construction to complete 2021
budgeted concrete replacement and repairs at a cost of $190,000.
     Central Jackson County Fire Prevention District (CJCFPD) Chief Jeff Grote presented information on an April ballot issue requesting approval of bonds to build a new fire station on the north side of Grain Valley.
     Tasha Lindsey with the Grain Valley Partnership and Michael Todd with the Grain Valley Fair board presented information on the proposed continuation of Grain Valley Fair Food Truck Fridays, set to resume in April pending Board approval.
     The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00pm.
 

     Grain Valley Parks and Recreation has opened reservations for its Community Garden for residents, located in the heart of downtown Grain Valley, on the northeast corner of Walnut and Main.
     Four by twelve foot (4’x12’) garden plots may be reserved for $10, and include the bed with garden soil and irrigation.
    Gardeners provide their own plants and tools, and are responsible for maintaining the plot throughout the growing season.
     Everything you harvest in your plot is yours to keep.
     To reserve a garden plot, call or visit the Grain Valley Community Center at 713 Main, or by phone at 816-847-6230.
 

     Our community has grown exponentially in the last two decades. This growth has provided Grain Valley with many opportunities, including the addition of new businesses and amenities that we enjoy. Due to this growth, City staff saw the need to set goals for our future to ensure that decisions are made that will be in the best interest of citizens and will meet the anticipated challenges that also come with rapid growth.
     The 2021-2025 City of Grain Valley Strategic Plan is a culmination of work from all city departments. There are three areas of focus for this plan including community sustainability, economic development, and brand identity.
     The strategic plan is a five-year plan which will be reviewed by each department biannually with new short-term goals set to ensure progress is made towards reaching the long-term goals.
     Community sustainability includes the ability to move forward into the future, adapting to changes, while maintaining the foundations that have built Grain Valley to what it is today. One of the key components to sustainability is through City communications. It is imperative that citizens have access to information regarding City functions, such as Board of Aldermen meetings and reporting concerns.
     This also ties into improvements in technology (another facet of sustainability) such as the addition of our City of Grain Valley app and improvements made to the website, including the addition of an email sign-up so citizens can receive City news and information directly.
     Technology for infrastructure and systems will also be analyzed and updated as needed. One example of improved technology within the Community Development Department is the implementation of the Neptune Fixed Water Meter Reading System by June 2021.
     This system enables residents and staff to have easy access to their water meter readings, which will allow staff time to complete other projects. City planning standards will improve so that developments that are added are of good quality. The City intends to improve employee retention with programs and consistent employee appreciation. General fund revenue sources will be diversified to reduce the percentage that property taxes currently make up within the fund.
     Economic development is important to our community because it is, in part, how we attract new, quality businesses to Grain Valley, which can improve the overall standard of living for citizens with added conveniences and opportunities available locally.
     The planning process for growing the business community is set forth so that investments the City makes will improve the landscape in the long term for both current and incoming businesses. The increase in businesses will in turn increase general fund sales tax revenue, which will allow the City to be less reliant on property taxes.
     The City will be able to enhance the services that they provide and add staff as needed. Additionally, the City commits to increase the average length that a local business remains open. The Administration Department will work closely with the Grain Valley Partnership to actively recruit businesses that are suited to our community.
     The Police Department will determine the potential needs for a Public Safety Sales tax in order to improve upon their ability to protect and serve.
     Grain Valley is unique for many reasons including the small-town feel that it has maintained despite the rapid growth. There is a need to define the brand identity or face of the City of Grain Valley. The brand identity is made of several components including what sets this community apart from others in the region and what best represents the values, services and personality of it. 
     Place branding must be identified to link varying aspects of the community such as economic development, travel, education and civic pride. The ultimate goal with place branding is to project a defined image and perception of the City. By June 2021, the Administration Department will have collected information that will determine the next steps in obtaining a new brand identity. 
     The complete Strategic Plan may be viewed at www.cityofgrainvalley.org. For more information, please send a message to info@grainvalley.org or call 816-847-6200.
 

     The recent frigid winter weather, which closed schools and businesses and caused headaches for many home owners with frozen pipes and rolling blackouts was on the mind of the Board of Aldermen during their regularly scheduled meeting, held virtually via video conference on February 22nd.  
     During the individual reports and comments portion of the meeting, each alderman and Mayor Johnston took the opportunity to praise the public works department for their efforts to keep the streets cleaned and water main problems tackled during the polar vortex, which gripped most of the nation the week of February 14th.
     Public Works crews responded to a water main break on February 14th on Old 40 Highway, and another on February 16th on McQuerry Road. Road crews plowed roads as snow fell February 15th through February 16th.
     The Board approved a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Lamp Rynearson for engineering design of the Old 40 Highway water main replacement from Main Street to Sni-A-Bar Creek. The 2021 budgeted project has an estimated cost of $27,190.
     The Board passed two resolutions addressing Public Works needs, including a resolution to purchase a coldplaner attachment for road maintenance and repair, and a resolution to purchase a 10-foot stainless steel salt spreader for snow and ice control.
     The Board also approved a resolution to continue a lease agreement with the Grain Valley Assistance Council, located at 513 A&B Gregg Street in Grain Valley. The space is provided at no cost to the organization, which provides emergency assistance to residents of Grain Valley.
     The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Monday, March 8th at 7:00pm in the council chambers at Grain Valley City Hall.
 

     ​GVPD Officer Matthew Arends was honored this week with the Mid-America Regional Council Grain Valley Police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year award.
     “Officer Arends received this award for his involvement and coordination of the Grain Valley Police Department CIT program. CIT trains officers in working with individuals who are dealing with a mental health or other type of crisis, by giving officers insight into the factors that contribute to crisis, and resources for treatment, counseling and other services. CIT is important as it helps officers recognize situations and behaviors that can be more appropriately handled by resources outside of law enforcement, such as health care or mental health providers,” GVPD Captain Jeff Palecek explained.

     With students at home learning virtually and several businesses closed due to this week’s winter weather, many residents are able to stay in and watch the snow and mercury fall from the comfort of their homes. Not so for the ten employees who make up the Grain Valley Public Works department.
     On Sunday, February 14th, Public Works Team A worked a 12-hour shift, applying a salt treatment and then plowing snow. 
     During the day on the 14th, a water main break occurred on Old 40 Highway which required other Public Works staff to be called in to repair the water line.
     On Monday, February 15th, Public Works Team B worked a shift plowing snow and treating streets. The work continued Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th, as snow continued to fall. 
     Crews responded to a second water main break on Tuesday, February 16th on McQuerry Road.
     Over the last three days, the Public Works staff repaired 40 frozen residential water meters.
     Reached for comment on the recent work by the department, Community Development Director Mark Trosen was quick to praise the work of the City employees.
     “The Public Works staff goes above and beyond each day to serve our community but over the last three days due to frigid cold temperatures and snow conditions, that call to service has intensified. Public Works only consist of 10 employees that have worked tirelessly these last few days to ensure that residents have water in their homes and safe streets to drive on,” Trosen said.
     Work on water mains and residential meters continue as problems arise, and the road crews continue efforts to keep the streets clear.
     “Grain Valley is divided into three snow districts, for operational purposes, with each district assigned a minimum of one truck. Streets in each district are classified as Priority One/ Emergency Snow Routes (arterial streets), Priority Two (collectors), and Priority Three (residential and cul-de-sacs). Priority one streets are the first streets to receive attention,” Trosen explained.   
     “Whenever the Priority One streets are deemed safe for travel during or after a snowfall, the City’s plow trucks begin operations on the Priority Two streets while maintaining Priority One streets. After these streets are completed, trucks will move to Priority Three, or residential streets and cul-de-sacs. If during plowing operations on Priority Two or Three streets it begins to snow again and priority one streets become dangerous, trucks will be dispatched back to these streets as needed.”
     Public Works crew members are divided into A and B team rotations, rotating weekly to be the first responders. Each team consists of 3 drivers, 1 crew leader and 1 dispatcher per 12-hour shift. The crew leader can salt and plow complaint areas or fill in for a driver that may become ill during shift. 
     Contact Public Works if water is not functioning in your entire home. This may indicate a frozen water meter. They can be called at 816-847-0091, or 816-990-1990 after hours.