​     The filing period for mayoral and aldermen candidates ended January 21st, with only one minor change since Valley News last reported on candidates.
     Ward II incumbent Yolanda West originally filed for election but has withdrawn. Voters in Ward II will now choose between Joey Burgett and Rick Knox.
     In Ward I, incumbent Jayci Stratton has filed for re-election and remains unopposed. In Ward III, Bob Headley has filed for re-election and will run unopposed.
      Two candidates have filed to challenge Mayor Michael Todd, who is up for re-election in April. Jeff Craney and Chuck Johnston have both filed as candidates for the mayoral race.
     The election for both City candidates and school board candidates will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020. In order to be eligible to vote you must be registered at your current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election in which you wish to vote.
     Residents may register in person at the Jackson County Election Board office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050 or any one of the authorized locations in this jurisdiction. Locations in Grain Valley include the Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley branch and Grain Valley City Hall. Residents may also print and complete the Missouri Voter Registration Application form found at the Election Board website, www.jcebmo.org, and deliver in person to JCEB or mail to Jackson County Election Board, P.O. Box 296, Independence, MO 64051.
 

​     Valley News will feature a candidate for City or Grain Valley School board in the weeks leading up to the April election. Information is provided by the candidates and edited for space and clarity. This week, we profile Chuck Johnston, candidate for Mayor.
 
     I have been married to Diana since 1981. We have two sons, 8 grandchildren, and 1 one great granddaughter. I served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971.We built a home in Grain Valley in 2001 and have lived here ever since. I have worked at OOIDA since 1988; the first 25 years as manager of the insurance claims department. I retired in 2014, and within 7 months found out retirement wasn't something I was good at or really wanted to do. I went back to work at OOIDA in 2015 and still work there.
 
Background:
2006 Grain Valley Citizen of the Year
2008 Pillar of the Community, Grain Valley
24 Years operated the GV Santa Bus (My favorite activity)
10 years Alderman Ward II Grain Valley
1-year Mayor Pro Tem Grain Valley
6 Years Board of Directors State Bank of Missouri
15 Years Grain Valley Economic Development Council
10 years volunteered as cook for Night Out Against Crime Grain Valley
10 Years Board of Directors Grain Valley Assistance Council
7 Years Treasurer of Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce
10 Years held every officer position in the Grain Valley Lions Club
5 Years Board of Directors Grain Valley & Oak Grove Police Dept. Victims’ Rights Committee  
 
     I have taken an active role, as my history shows, in this city since I started working in Grain Valley. I care deeply about his community and want to see it prosper. I feel the city needs to take a different path on its past spending practices. We need to do more to repair streets, curbs and infrastructure that have been overlooked too long. We need to stop investing tax dollars in properties that don't directly benefit the city.
     I have a well-rounded background that I feel makes me the best candidate available to guide this city in those endeavors as your next Mayor. I'm asking for your support, the voters of Grain Valley, to help me get this city back on the right path. 
 

​     The April election topped the January 13th Board of Aldermen agenda. The board passed an ordinance to place two questions on the ballot authorizing a total of $38,850,000 in bonds for the purpose of building a community campus at the old Sni-A-Bar Farm property.
     The ordinance, authorizing a City election to be held on April 7, 2020 to consider two ballot questions for the purpose of approving General Obligation Bonds to fund the municipal complex building project passed with Aldermen West as the only no vote. The first question would authorize $23,500,000 worth of bonds while the second would approve $15,350,000 for a total of $38,850,000.
     State law permits a city to incur up to 10% of the City’s assessed valuation for general purposes and an additional 10% for infrastructure improvements, for a total of 20%. The city would utilize most of its current bonding capacity for each purpose. The term of the bonds will be 20 years which is the maximum allowed.
     The city plans to host an open house at the current city hall on January 30th to give residents an opportunity to view current facilities for city staff and the police department. Reservations will be required as space is limited; information regarding the open house will be posted soon on the City website.
     In other business, the board voted a resolution to continue an agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District to provide a Household Hazardous Waste collection service to the residents of the City of Grain Valley. The Board also passed a resolution to renew an agreement with Ray County Sheriff’s Office to provide detention services for persons arrested by Grain Valley Police Department, pending release by court or bond.
     A resolution to contract with the Grain Valley Assistance Council for home delivered meals and a resolution continuing OATS bus service in Grain Valley were also passed.
     The board also approved a $25,000 payment to the Grain Valley Partnership for economic development services. This is the second year of a three year agreement with the Grain Valley Partnership.
     The next meeting of the Grain Valley Board of Aldermen will be held  at Grain Valley City Hall on Monday, January  27th at 7:00pm.
 
    
 

​     Candidate filing for mayor and board of aldermen positions with the City as well as the Grain Valley school board began December 17th, and a number of new candidates have filed in the new year.
      Two candidates have filed to challenge Mayor Michael Todd, who is up for re-election in April. Jeff Craney and Chuck Johnston have both filed as candidates for the mayoral race as of January 13th.  Additional candidates in Ward II have also filed since December. In Ward I, incumbent Jayci Stratton has filed for re-election. Ward II incumbent Yolanda West will face two candidates: Joey Burgett and Rick Knox. In Ward III, Bob Headley has filed for re-election.
Candidates for city positions may file for such offices during normal business hours (8:00am—5:00pm Monday through Friday) starting until 5:00pm on January 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 711 Main Street, Grain Valley.
     Three positions are open on the Grain Valley school board and five have filed as of January 13th. Candidates include Janice Reding (incumbent), Tisha Homfeld (incumbent), Jeff Coleman (incumbent), Jeff Wolff and Justin Wulff. The top three vote earners in the April election will be seated as School Board members for three-year terms beginning in April.
     The election for both City candidates and school board candidates will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020. In order to be eligible to vote you must be registered at your current home address by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election in which you wish to vote.
     Residents may register in person at the Jackson County Election Board office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence, MO 64050 or any one of the authorized locations in this jurisdiction. Locations in Grain Valley include the Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley branch and Grain Valley City Hall. Residents may also print and complete the Missouri Voter Registration Application form found at the Election Board website, www.jcebmo.org, and deliver in person to JCEB or mail to Jackson County Election Board, P.O. Box 296, Independence, MO 64051.
 

​Valley News will feature a candidate for City or Grain Valley School board in the weeks leading up to the April election. This week, we profile Jeff Craney, candidate for Mayor.
     “I've been a resident of Grain Valley for close to 11 years, my spouse is Joey Burgett. I am a retired USAF member and currently work at Whiteman AFB as a civilian employee for the 442nd Fighter Wing over seeing all facilities for new construction, remodels, and airfield maintenance and repair.  
     We have two daughters Bridgette and her husband Craig residing in Independence, Kaitlin and her husband Don with our grandson James who live in Windsor Missouri. I am running for mayor for the following reasons: I want to see a more transparent government, I support a more supportive community for all military citizens, both Active Duty, Reserves and Guard.  More communication between the city and residents of our community is necessary.  I have extensive experience in budgets, fiscal responsibility, administrative, and management of personnel and resources. 
     I want to hear from all residents of the city. My contact information is bridgenkatesdad@gmail.com.”
 

​     Candidate filing for open mayor and alderman positions have been light, with only one candidate each filing for the position of mayor and aldermen seats in Ward 1 and Ward II as of Monday, January 6th. No candidates had filed for the Ward III alderman seat as of Monday, January 6th.
     In Ward 1, Jayci Stratton’s current seat is up for election and Stratton has filed for re-election. In Ward 2, Yolanda West has filed for re-election as well. In Ward 3, Bob Headley’s seat is open for election.
     Mayor Mike Todd has filed for re-election; no other candidates had filed as of Monday, January 6th. Former aldermen Chuck Johnston indicated on social media he planned to run for mayor. Reached for comment, Johnston stated he planned to file and is in the process of compiling necessary paperwork.
     Candidates for City offices may file for such offices during normal business hours (8:00am—5:00pm Monday through Friday) until 5:00pm on January 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 711 Main Street, Grain Valley.
   The election will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
 

​by Mike Russell, City of Grain Valley Building Official
 

     I have served as Building Official for this fine City for the last six months.  The amount of growth in this community makes it an enjoyable and exciting place to work, for sure.  We have issued more than 100 residential home permits in 2019.  Taco Bell and Temp Stop opened their doors last week.  QuikTrip has broken ground and will be open sometime in Spring 2020. 
     I’d like to take this opportunity to address a pretty “hot topic” amongst citizens.  I’ve worked in municipalities for more than 15 years, and across the board, there’s a common misunderstanding about the work that our Codes Enforcement officer does. 
     I supervise this division and think it’s important for you to know that the purpose of codes enforcement is to protect citizens and safeguard properties throughout the city. 
     The majority of code infractions that the Code Enforcement Officer checks into have been reported to him from other concerned citizens.  We are not out to get you or picking on you, but serving you by ensuring that properties are kept to the standards as specified in the municipal code. 
     The Community Development Department did not write the codes that govern the laws of Grain Valley.  However, we have been tasked with enforcing them.  We do not get to handpick the code that we enforce. 
     All suspected violations are investigated with equal diligence to ensure resolution.  If you are cited for a code violation, you will be given written notice and a specific time frame in which you are expected to correct it. 
     If you are unable to correct the issue within the requested amount of time, simply contact the Codes Enforcement Officer to request an extension.  We are here to serve you and will work with you whenever possible, as long as you are maintaining open communication with us until the matter is resolved. 
     We encourage citizens to submit complaints and questions regarding city code to info@cityofgrainvalley.org or call 816-847-6227.  The municipal code can be viewed at www.cityofgrainvalley.org.
 

​     Candidate filing for City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen, Mayor, and the Grain Valley R-5 School District Board of Education begins December 17th.
     The office of Mayor is open for candidates as are aldermen positions in each of the City’s three wards.
     In Ward 1, Jayci Stratton’s current seat is up for election. In Ward 2, Yolanda West’s seat is open, and in Ward 3, Bob Headley’s seat is open for election.
     Candidates for City offices may file for such offices during normal business hours (8:00am—5:00pm Monday through Friday) starting at 8:00am December 17th until 5:00pm on January 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 711 Main Street, Grain Valley.
     The opening date for filing a declaration of candidacy for the Grain Valley R-V Board of Education will be December 17, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. and the closing deadline will be January 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Filing a declaration of candidacy may be done in the District Offices located at 31606 E. Pink Hill Rd. in Grain Valley, Missouri during regular office hours. The district offices will be closed on December 23, 2019 – January 3, 2020, and January 20, 2020 therefore, will not be accepting candidates filing on those dates. The district office will be closed, and filing will not occur on days in which the district is closed due to inclement weather. Three positions with three-year terms, currently held by Jeff Coleman, Tisha Homfeld, and Jan Reding, are up for election.
     The election will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
 
 

     The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to approve Ken Murphy as Interim City Administrator and Theresa Osenbaugh as Interim Deputy City Administrator during their meeting on Monday, December 7th. This vote shifted both Murphy and Osenbaugh’s titles from acting to interim administrators.
     Among the resolutions unanimously passed by the board was R19-48, which adopted the Grain Valley Community Campus Master Plan as prepared by Sapp Design Architects.
     The board subsequently unanimously passed resolution R19-52 which authorizes the Interim City Administrator to enter into a contract amendment with SAPP Design Architects for services related to a schematic design for a municipal complex. This moves the city into phase II of the planning process at the Sni-A-Bar Farms property at the northwest corner of Sni-A-Bar and Buckner Tarsney Roads.
      The board also unanimously approved the 2020 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule for the City of Grain Valley as well as a conditional use permit for a concrete crushing and recycling facility. The facility would sit on 14.3 acres that is generally located at the northeast corner of McQuerry and Seymour Roads.
     A public hearing was conducted to allow any Grain Valley resident to come forward and speak for or against the conditional use permit before being voted on by the board. No one from audience elected to come forward and speak.
     The permit will grant Metro Recycle Concrete use for ten years in Grain Valley at the identified location. The company largely turns the crushed concrete into rock for roads and driveways along with recycling the steel rebar pulled from the concrete. The city also identified through the permit that hours of operation for the facility would be from 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday.
     Presentations given to the board included a YMCA Grain Valley feasibility study. YMCA representatives Mark Hulet and Gary Lynn presented study results and answered questions from the board. The study surveyed 300 households and found that 83% would support developing and funding a YMCA as part of the community campus at Sni-A-Bar Boulevard and Buckner Tarsney Road (assuming no tax increase).
     Hulet and Lynn shared that anticipated operating performa would include the need for 1,652 membership units across a two year ramp up period for the proposed 42,000 square foot facility.
     Other study objectives listed by the YMCA included market penetration levels for like service providers, Grain Valley Community Center and outdoor aquatic center usage, utilization of new Community Center/YMCA including of specific features and amenities (survey respondents identified cardio equipment, indoor pool, and walking track as three things they most wanted), demand for programs and services, importance and use of medically based programs, and community support of funding new development based on no increase in taxes.
     “One of the things that we are looking at is getting as big as draw as possible (for the city). The thought is having the partnership with the YMCA might broaden the base that would use the facility. There’s a price tag that comes with a proposed facility like this and there’s a needed membership to back that up,” Murphy said.
     The YMCA’s presentation to the board included a base indoor pool option for the facility as well as a secondary larger pool option. Both Grain Valley High School boys and girls swim teams currently practice at what was the Blue Springs YMCA. The facility was purchased by the Blue Springs School District and closed October 30th.
     “Through this whole process, Dr. Snow (Superintendent of Grain Valley Schools) has been on one of our steering committees for the Community Campus. We are all using the same tax dollars from the citizens of Grain Valley so we are trying to make sure that we are best using those dollars in working with the school district to see if there’s something we can do to accommodate them to where they are not using the Blue Springs facility indefinitely,” Murphy said.
     The base leisure indoor poll option would have zero entry and two water lap lanes and as one body of water that is family friendly. The other option presented that would increase price was a leisure pool and a separate four lap lane pool with a diving board and well. The second option would keep the two bodies of water at separate temperatures and add approximately 3,600 square feet to the building design.
     With phase one of the plan completed, Murphy and City staff look forward to the details to be worked out in the next phase of planning.
     “We have done phase one which is the layout and the site master plan. The next phase is seeing what those buildings might look like and what it would mean layout wise. The architects currently have only provided a footprint of a building. It’s about getting enough in a plan to educate moving forward without spending money that could be wasted,” Murphy said.
     The next scheduled meeting of the Grain Valley Board of Aldermen will be at City Hall on January 13, 2020 at 7:00pm.
 

     The December Senior Citizens’ Luncheon will be held Wednesday, December 4th at the Grain Valley Community Center. Menu will include BBQ brisket, roast chicken breast, scalloped potatoes, green beans, hot roll, and assorted desserts.
     Allen Lefko of Bank of Grain Valley and Jan Reding are the hosts of this month’s luncheon. Reservations are requested by Friday, November 29th by calling 816-847-6293 or emailing info@cityofgrainvalley.org. A suggested donation of $3 is welcome.
     Bingo will follow the luncheon; bingo cards are $1 for the first card, $.50 for the second card.
 

Photo credit: Valley News staff

​     Ousted City Administrator Ryan Hunt requested and received a public hearing to share his version of the events leading to his termination in October. In the 10 minutes granted for his remarks, Hunt detailed accomplishments during his 10 years of service with the City, his perspective of the events that led to his termination, and detailed the three causes listed in his termination letter that led to the City terminating his employment.
    As previously reported, Hunt was terminated during a closed special meeting on October 24th. Hunt’s last day was October 25th. Former Deputy Administrator Ken Murphy was announced as Acting City Administrator during the City’s Community Campus meeting on October 29th.
     After detailing his length of employment with the City, including his tenure as City Administrator since 2014, an employment record during that time with no written or verbal reprimands, and his accomplishments and growth of the city during his tenure, Hunt claimed discrimination due to a disability and retaliation on the part of the Mayor and City due to investigations he pursued in summer 2019.
     “The City’s termination of my employment was reckless as a steward of the public trust and wrongful for a myriad of reasons,” Hunt said.
     “Suffice to say, there are causes of actions being considered against the City.”
     Hunt claimed discrimination due to a disability and claimed City staff and elected officials discussed the disability internally and with the public. Hunt did not disclose the nature of his disability in his remarks.
     “I am a person with a disability. Notwithstanding my disability, I gave my exceptional performance to the City. The board, Mayor, police officers, and City employees have discussed my disability with each other and members of the public. In 2019, a City police officer that is married to a member of the board began making negative and disparaging statements about me, including statements about my disability. This officer represented that he had the influence over the board to have me terminated. An internal affairs investigation intended to examine the officer’s conduct appears to have placed me somehow at the center of the investigation. Numerous statements were made about my disability including speculation,” Hunt said.
     “Based on the information and the discrepancies that were presented to both the Mayor and I, this influenced the nature of the investigation and I suggested to the Mayor that a neutral third party come in and reexamine the internal affairs investigation.”
     Hunt also claimed he became aware of conduct by City staff that violated the law and claimed he reported the conduct to the Mayor. Hunt indicated he requested an opportunity to present findings to the Board of Aldermen, and a special session was scheduled for August 1, 2019.
     “Approximately two hours before that meeting Mayor Todd contacted me and told me I had been barred from the meeting. Rather he was going to handle it. That was retaliatory. On September 24, 2019, I was issued a written disciplinary letter for breaching the confidentiality of the City. While simply trying to perform my duties.”
     Hunt also stated the disciplinary letter accused him of “playing unprofessional games”.
     Hunt requested a 30-day paid administrative leave on September 29th, which was authorized on September 30th.
     “On October 3rd, the City held an additional executive session and voted to revoke my previous authorization of leave and place me on a four week leave of absence without pay. Additionally, I was revoked all physical and electronic access to the City. My city credit card was canceled, and I was deprived of rights related to my contractual employment by the city attorney. This too was retaliatory,” Hunt said.
     “I submitted a written complaint to the mayor on October 16, 2019. Wherein I set forth about the disability and discrimination and being barred from board meetings and how the city’s actions during my leave were retaliatory in nature. To which he never acknowledged. I was scheduled to return to work on October 28, 2019.”
     According to Hunt, the mayor hand delivered his termination letter on October 25th following recovery of his city vehicle, which he stated was stolen from his driveway in the early morning hours of October 25th.
     “My city vehicle was stolen from my driveway around 2:30am on October 25th. Later that day, the mayor contacted me and told me the truck had been recovered. He asked me to meet him at the Oak Grove Police Department for the recovery. And when I arrived the Mayor handed me a letter of termination with cause and said nothing except I was not getting the truck back and I was not entitled to my severance package. When I asked what the cause was, he told me he would not discuss it with me, but the letter would explain the cause,” Hunt said.
     Hunt referenced the termination letter he received, listing three causes for his termination, and refuting each cause listed.
     Hunt indicated the first cause listed as “failure to obtain educational requirements set forth by my contract by accepting raises for educational credit.” Hunt claimed the mayor and City officials were aware that he had not obtained additional education during his term as City Administrator and denied he received any raises for educational credit.
     “I have never taken a raise for educational credits. In fact, since I became the City Administrator I have not gone to any more college. And that was well known amongst the board, or at least Mayor Todd represented that. Rather it was standard cost of living or merit raises specifically included in the budget and approved by the board. Additionally, I have concrete evidence that Mayor Todd represented that the board was not requiring me to meet the 3-hour educational requirement,” Hunt said.
     Hunt identified the second cause in the termination letter as “failure to rectify disharmony at city hall” and the third cause listed in the termination letter as “gross negligence by refusing to complete education in 2019,”. Hunt claimed his agreement required he complete six hours of credit in 2019, which he claimed he was scheduled to complete in fall 2019.
     In concluding his statement, Hunt claimed gross negligence on the part of elected officials and expressed his thanks to residents, business owners, and City staff.
    “I am very disappointed in those responsible for my termination and I do not understand the gross negligence they have performed as officers of the public. I planned on retiring from this City. But instead, I was systematically defeated by secrecy and dishonesty.”
     “To the business owners and the citizens, thank you for the time I had in Grain Valley. Thank you for your support, for being here tonight, for always having my back. To my staff members, I enjoyed working with you guys. It was a joy working with all of you.”
     “Thank you, Alderman Bass, for opposing my termination. I sincerely appreciate that. To staff and citizens, I am most regretful of the circumstance and what may come.”
     Alderman Jayci Stratton is married to Grain Valley police officer Willie Stratton, the officer referenced in Hunt’s statement. Willie Stratton denied Hunt’s version of the events and was adamant an investigation conducted this summer was found to be unfounded.
     “I would like to comment as a citizen that the statement he made is entirely false, and I was investigated and had nothing to do with any disability he had, and I’ll leave it at that. At this point, I am going to seek counsel because what he just stated was not the truth. My investigation was found to be negative and it had nothing to do with her (Alderman Stratton),” Willie Stratton said.
     Alderman Stratton declined to comment further.
     Mayor Mike Todd was approached for comment and declined to comment further at this time, calling on City Attorney Joe Lauber to assist with a statement.
     “We typically don’t make a public thing about personnel matters and as he indicated we are under a threat of litigation. Our common approach is not to talk about all that,” Lauber said.
     “There’s obviously differences between his perspective on the issue and ours. We are working to resolve those, and we hope that we can get there.”
     In other business, the Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance calling for an election on April 7, 2020. One item planned for the April ballot is the proposed Community Campus, which would include a new city hall, police department, community center, and library. Representatives from SAPP Design presented an update to the campus project and rendering of the most popular design of three proposed to resident in a variety of community  events.
     The Board also approved the first reading of the 2020 budget. The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held at 7:00pm on December 9, 2019 at City Hall.
 

​     Ousted City Administrator Ryan Hunt requested and received a public hearing to share his version of the events leading to his termination in October. In the 10 minutes granted for his remarks, Hunt detailed accomplishments during his nearly 10 years of service with the City, his perspective of the events that led to his termination, and detailed the three causes listed in his termination letter that led to the City terminating his employment.
    As previously reported, Hunt was terminated during a closed special meeting on October 24th. Hunt’s last day was October 25th. Former Deputy Administrator Ken Murphy was announced as Acting City Administrator during the City’s Community Campus meeting on October 29th.
     After detailing his length of employment with the City, including his tenure as City Administrator since 2014, an employment record during that time with no written or verbal reprimands, and his accomplishments and growth of the city during his tenure, Hunt claimed discrimination due to a disability and retaliation on the part of the Mayor and City due to investigations he pursued in summer 2019.
     “The City’s termination of my employment was reckless as a steward of the public trust and wrongful for a myriad of reasons,” Hunt said.
     “Suffice to say, there are causes of actions being considered against the City.”
     Hunt claimed discrimination due to a disability and claimed City staff and elected officials discussed the disability internally and with the public. Hunt did not disclose the nature of his disability in his remarks.
     “I am a person with a disability. Notwithstanding my disability, I gave my exceptional performance to the City. The board, Mayor, police officers, and City employees have discussed my disability with each other and members of the public. In 2019, a City police officer that is married to a member of the board began making negative and disparaging statements about me, including statements about my disability. This officer represented that he had the influence over the board to have me terminated. An internal affairs investigation intended to examine the officer’s conduct appears to have placed me somehow at the center of the investigation. Numerous statements were made about my disability including speculation,” Hunt said.
     “Based on the information and the discrepancies that were presented to both the Mayor and I, this influenced the nature of the investigation and I suggested to the Mayor that a neutral third party come in and reexamine the internal affairs investigation.”
     Hunt also claimed he became aware of conduct by City staff that violated the law and claimed he reported the conduct to the Mayor. Hunt indicated he requested an opportunity to present findings to the Board of Aldermen, and a special session was scheduled for August 1, 2019.
     “Approximately two hours before that meeting Mayor Todd contacted me and told me I had been barred from the meeting. Rather he was going to handle it.  That was retaliatory. On September 24, 2019, I was issued a written disciplinary letter for breaching the confidentiality of the City. While simply trying to perform my duties.”
     Hunt also stated the disciplinary letter accused him of “playing unprofessional games”.
     Hunt requested a 30-day paid administrative leave on September 29th, which was authorized on September 30th.
     “On October 3rd, the City held an additional executive session and voted to revoke my previous authorization of leave and place me on a four week leave of absence without pay. Additionally, I was revoked all physical and electronic access to the City. My city credit card was canceled, and I was deprived of rights related to my contractual employment by the city attorney. This too was retaliatory,” Hunt said.
     “I submitted a written complaint to the mayor on October 16, 2019. Wherein I set forth about the disability and discrimination and being barred from board meetings and how the city’s actions during my leave were retaliatory in nature. To which he never acknowledged. I was scheduled to return to work on October 28, 2019.”
     According to Hunt, the mayor hand delivered his termination letter on October 25th following recovery of his city vehicle, which he stated was stolen from his driveway in the early morning hours of October 25th.
     “My city vehicle was stolen from my driveway around 2:30am on October 25th. Later that day, the mayor contacted me and told me the truck had been recovered. He asked me to meet him at the Oak Grove Police Department for the recovery. And when I arrived the Mayor handed me a letter of termination with cause and said nothing except I was not getting the truck back and I was not entitled to my severance package. When I asked what the cause was, he told me he would not discuss it with me, but the letter would explain the cause,” Hunt said.
     Hunt referenced the termination letter he received, listing three causes for his termination, and refuting each cause listed.
     Hunt indicated the first cause listed as “failure to obtain educational requirements set forth by my contract by accepting raises for educational credit.” Hunt claimed the mayor and City officials were aware that he had not obtained additional education during his term as City Administrator and denied he received any raises for educational credit.
     “I have never taken a raise for educational credits. In fact, since I became the City Administrator I have not gone to any more college. And that was well known amongst the board, or at least Mayor Todd represented that. Rather it was standard cost of living or merit raises specifically included in the budget and approved by the board. Additionally, I have concrete evidence that Mayor Todd represented that the board was not requiring me to meet the 3-hour educational requirement,” Hunt said.
     Hunt identified the second cause in the termination letter as “failure to rectify disharmony at city hall” and the third cause listed in the termination letter as “gross negligence by refusing to complete education in 2019,”. Hunt claimed his agreement required he complete six hours of credit in 2019, which he claimed he was scheduled to complete in fall 2019.
     In concluding his statement, Hunt claimed gross negligence on the part of elected officials and expressed his thanks to residents, business owners, and City staff.
    “I am very disappointed in those responsible for my termination and I do not understand the gross negligence they have performed as officers of the public. I planned on retiring from this City. But instead I was systematically defeated by secrecy and dishonesty.”
     “To the business owners and the citizens, thank you for the time I had in Grain Valley. Thank you for your support, for being here tonight, for always having my back. To my staff members, I enjoyed working with you guys. It was a joy working with all of you.”
     “Thank you, Alderman Bass, for opposing my termination. I sincerely appreciate that. To staff and citizens, I am most regretful of the circumstance and what may come.”
     Alderman Jayci Stratton is married to Grain Valley police officer Willie Stratton, the officer referenced in Hunt’s statement. Willie Stratton denied Hunt’s version of the events and was adamant an investigation conducted this summer was found to be unfounded.
     “I would like to comment as a citizen that the statement he made is entirely false, and I was investigated and had nothing to do with any disability he had, and I’ll leave it at that. At this point, I am going to seek counsel because what he just stated was not the truth. My investigation was found to be negative and it had nothing to do with her (Alderman Stratton),” Willie Stratton said.
     Alderman Stratton declined to comment further.
     Mayor Mike Todd was approached for comment and declined to comment further at this time, calling on City Attorney Joe Lauber to assist with a statement.
     “We typically don’t make a public thing about personnel matters and as he indicated we are under a threat of litigation. Our common approach is not to talk about all that,” Lauber said.
     “There’s obviously differences between his perspective on the issue and ours. We are working to resolve those, and we hope that we can get there.”
     Valley News will have a full report on the November 25th board meeting in the November 28th online edition.