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by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, December 8 for its only meeting in the month of December. After opening the meeting, the board moved into public hearings, starting with a presentation over rezoning from Steven Warger of Creekside Village. City Administrator, Ken Murphy, also gave a presentation to the board over the Grain Valley Marketplace TIF plans. After no public comments the public hearing was closed and the board moved into resolutions. Under resolutions, the board approved the 2026 wage scales for officers and sergeants in the Grain Valley Police Department. These scales are in accordance with bargaining agreements for both the officers and sergeants and are updated yearly. Next, the board heard two ordinances. The first ordinance the board passed approves the 2026 city budget and comprehensive fee schedule. The board then approved both the first and second readings of an ordinance to amend the 2025 city budget in order to more accurately reflect the actual revenues and expenditures by the city. The board moved into city staff reports, hearing an update on the Front Street project from Community Development Director, Patrick Martin. Martin said that with the weather the project has run into some delays, but the crews are working additional hours and the base layer of asphalt should be down by the end of the week. The meeting was then adjourned. After the second meeting for December was canceled, the next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on January 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall. The community is invited to welcome the holiday season at Armstrong Park on Thursday evening beginning at 6:00pm.
In addition to the mayor's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, activities will include: - Christmas carols by GVR5’s Fourth/Fifth-Grade Choirs - Visits with Santa - Free holiday movie in the park - Complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and more! For more information, visit Holiday Festival | Grain Valley. by Cole Arndorfer and Grain Valley News staff
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, November 24 for its second meeting of the month. After opening the meeting, the board moved into public comment. Grain Valley Santa Bus operator Chuck Johnston approached the board to request a motion to approve the use of a city vehicle by a VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) volunteer to accompany the Santa Bus as it makes its rounds in Grain Valley. Alderman Knox made a motion to allow the use of the vehicle, but without meeting the city’s requirements regarding insurance and planning channels, there was no second to that motion. Chief Turner outlined the timeline of conversations and options presented to Johnston, stating that each option and opportunity to complete a safety plan in a timely manner as directed in 2024 was not followed. In a winding conversation among Johnston, the board, Mayor Mike Todd, and Police Chief Ed Turner, the city’s requirements and efforts to develop a safety plan with the Santa Bus were reiterated and frustrations were expressed on all fronts. Johnston contended that the bus has operated for 30 years without incident and that should be sufficient evidence for the city to allow for use of a city vehicle for safety and traffic control. The city attorney reiterated that the city opens itself up to liability if a city vehicle is used, necessitating that a safety plan be agreed upon and implemented in advance of an event. When questioned about insurance coverage for the event, Johnston stated he had vehicle insurance but admitted he did not have event liability insurance. Johnston had also been presented with the option of purchasing a red and blue magnetic light to be used on a personal vehicle at a cost of under $60. This recommendation also received pushback from Johnston according to Chief Turner. Alderman Sole offered to purchase the red and blue light and donate it to the Santa Bus, and Johnston did not appear to accept this offer, walking away from the podium and stating “I’m sorry the city doesn’t think kids are worth protecting.” Johnston returned to the podium after a few steps, and stated, “I’m asking for the City’s help to protect the children of this town…”. Mayor Todd interrupted, “We are offering it. The problem is apparently you are not wanting to follow what the Chief of Police is recommending.” Todd began down the list of requirements, starting with insurance for the event. Johnston admitted he did not have event insurance. “I don’t think it is unreasonable what the Chief is asking in order to have the vehicle,” Todd said. The offer was once again extended from Alderman Sole to purchase and donate the red and blue light for the Santa Bus. Johnston appeared to decline the offer, arguing about the compatibility with the power source in the vehicle. “This stuff just seems common sense,” Alderman Ryan Skinner said, referring to the list of requirements outlined. “Don’t sit here and blame it on us for ruining the event when you can’t do the basic stuff. We sat here a year ago and had this same conversation a year ago and we bent over backwards to help you. And said don’t let it happen again. Work with the Chief and get this stuff done. And here we are, it’s almost December and we’re here again. We had this same conversation right here last year. We should be having this conversation in June/July. Instead you’re going to walk off and say ‘you guys are going to ruin Christmas for the kids’. What are you talking about, Chuck? We’ve had a year.” Johnston interjected, “I’m just disappointed.” Skinner interrupted, “I’m disappointed that we’re sitting here having this conversation. You had an entire year. If anybody’s to blame for this, Chuck, look in a mirror.” Johnston then said something unintelligible as he left the microphone, and the board continued with the meeting. As previously reported, Johnston was directed to work with the police department on a plan well in advance of the beginning of the 2025 Santa Bus schedule following a social media dustup started by Johnston in 2024 after requests to work with the police department were not followed. (https://www.grainvalleynews.com/news/board-of-aldermen-meeting-recap4009199) The City posted a statement to its website on Tuesday, outlining the steps taken by the police department to work with Johnston this year and Johnston’s pushback or lack of follow-through on each option provided. An Update on City Involvement with the Santa Bus - City of Grain Valley, Missouri The board moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved allows the city to execute an agreement with Microman Industries LLC to purchase a full set of equipment and install it on a new 2025 Ford Explorer to add to the police fleet. The second resolution the board approved adopts a new purchasing policy for the city. This moves the requirement for a purchase order from $500 to $2000. The board also approved the second reading of an ordinance to approve a conditional use permit for a concrete mixing plant within the city. The next ordinance the board approved is the official step to call for an election within the city on April 7, 2026. The board also approved the first and second readings of an ordinance to amend chapter 225 of city code to include graffiti in its language. The final ordinance the board approved is the first reading of an ordinance to approve the city’s 2026 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule. This will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. The board then moved into city staff reports beginning with Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies. Davies provided the board with an update on the new shelter construction at Armstrong Park, sharing that the roofs are up on all three of the new shelters, there is currently power to two of them, and he is hoping the third will follow within a couple of days. The biggest issue they have seen is the rainy weather delaying the concrete drying time. Mayor Todd then gave his report, noting the Mayor’s Tree Lighting event in Armstrong Park on December 4. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on December 8 at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall. by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, November 10 for its first meeting in the month of November. This meeting consisted of one public hearing, three new resolutions, and three items under ordinances. Following the opening of the meeting, the board moved into a public hearing for Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales. The hearing is for a conditional use permit for the company to open a concrete mixing plant. After no public comment, the hearing was closed. The board then moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved allows the city to execute an agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly to construct a new water tower in the city. The second resolution approved by the city allows the city to write off doubtful utility account balances. This accounts for the uncollectable or bankrupt accounts and more accurately reflects the city’s accounts receivable. The final resolution the board approved allows the city to purchase one police rated Ford Explorer from Shawnee Mission Ford. The board then moved into ordinances, beginning with the second reading of a conditional use permit for a marijuana dispensary within the city. This ordinance was unanimously passed. Next, the board heard the first read of an ordinance to approve the conditional use permit for the concrete mixing plant at Big O’s Equipment Rentals and Sales. This was approved and will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. For the final ordinance, the board heard the first reading to call an election in the city on April 7, 2026. This was approved and will also be brought back by title only at the next meeting. After some brief reports and some discussion on graffiti issues near Dollar General, the meeting was adjourned. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at 6:30pm on November 24 inside City Hall. Bob Headley, former Grain Valley alderman, is planning a run for mayor in 2026. Headley served eight terms as alderman, with his last term ending in 2022. Headley currently serves as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. During his service as alderman, he also served as liaison to the Park Board. In 2022, he was honored as the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Citizen of the Year for Grain Valley (prior reporting: Quick News - Grain Valley News). Headley, a Navy veteran and long-time resident of Grain Valley, has two grown sons who both graduated from Grain Valley Schools. In an interview with Grain Valley News, Headley said that continuing his service to the community as mayor was something that he has wanted to do for a number of years. Talking about his decision not to run for another term as alderman in 2022, Headley said he was changing jobs at the time and decided it was time for a break. “It was good to step away and know that there were other people that came in and have done a good job since. I liked the direction we were taking as a city, and many of the things you see now, such as the new police station and continued expansion of our parks and trail system, can be attributed to a lot of hard work and decisions to the past boards I was privileged to serve on.” “I am at a point in my life where I have a little more free time. I’ve always wanted to give back to my community, and I believe I am ready to get back into it and think I can do a good job in taking the city to the next level.” Asked about his priorities if elected mayor, Headley pointed to two key areas of focus. “In light of the political environment in general, all of us in Jackson County have felt the impact of the property tax issue. A key priority at the city level is to continue to maintain fiscal responsibility with the funds that come into the city. It is amazing what they (the Board of Aldermen and City staff) have done over the past 3-5 years. The levy has gone down significantly while services to residents improve and increase. There are a lot of people at City Hall doing a good job of stewardship of tax dollars. There can be debate ten ways from Sunday, but Grain Valley is in far better position financially than other communities around us,” Headley said. Headley points to infrastructure and working with MODOT on roadway issues as a second area of focus over the next few years. “There are also a number of projects partially in flight with our parks and trails system that we can support to keep progressing. These are great opportunities to create spaces for our residents and others in surrounding communities to come and have a place to enjoy,” Headley said. Filing for the position of mayor begins in December; the election will be held in April 2026.  Spooky fun awaits visitors to the Downtown Spooktacular event this Friday, October 24th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in downtown Grain Valley. In addition to trick-or-treating downtown, courtesy of local businesses and organizations, music will be provided by sponsor Party It Up Entertainment. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show over downtown. There is no cost to attend the event, which is open to the public. Please note the following street closures: - East Walnut St. closed at Main (5–8:30 p.m.) - West Walnut St. from Gregg to Main (4–8:30 p.m.) - West Front St. from Capelle to Main (4–8:30 p.m.) - Main St. from Yennie to Front (5–9 p.m.) For more information, visit www.gvmoevents.org   by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, October 13 for its only meeting for the month. Officer Josiah Alexander took his oath of office as a new officer with the Grain Valley Police Department. Robert Ball, Brett Thompson and Shannon Carr were also recognized for their promotions to the rank of Sergeant. The Board then moved into a public hearing for a conditional use permit for Elevation Onyx Dispensary, which would be located near the QuikTrip just north of I-70. After one concerned citizen spoke against this permit citing the influence on children, safety and federal laws, the public hearing was closed. The Board moved into resolutions, approving the first resolution to appoint Darren Mills to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a five-year term. The next resolution the Board approved appoints James Griffin to the Planning and Zoning Commission. This fulfills the unexpired term of former commission member, Scott Shafer. The Board also approved a resolution allowing the city to execute an agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly for the Minter Road water main replacement. A resolution was also approved allowing the city to enter into an agreement to replace the duct heater in Council Chambers at City Hall. The final resolution involved the first reading of a resolution to approve the conditional use permit for Elevation Onyx. After some discussion regarding operating hours, smoke shops in general, and advertising laws around marijuana, the first reading of the ordinance was passed and it will be brought back by title only at the next scheduled meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies gave an update on the progress of replacing the shelters at Armstrong Park. Davies said that staff had begun tearing down the structures and next week the reconstruction process would be underway. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held at City Hall on November 10 at 6:30pm. The Board of Aldermen met Monday, September 22nd approving the tax levy for 2025. The meeting began with a public hearing regarding the proposed tax levy for 2025. No citizens requested the opportunity to speak, and the public meeting was closed. The levy was presented for a vote later in the meeting and the first and second readings of the bill were approved unanimously. The levy will decrease, with a total tax levy of $.9605, broken down as follows:
The Board then approved three ordinances. The first ordinance authorizes the City Administrator to renew the annual software and hardware maintenance and support agreement with Neptune Technology. The second ordinances authorizes the City Administrator to execute an agreement with Gades Sales Co. Inc. for a traffic signal camera upgrade. The final ordinance authorizes the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Heartland Traffic Services, Inc. for pavement markings. This is the last phase of the pavement maintenance program to stripe the remaining roads this year. During staff reports, Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported that Armstrong Park improvements are taking place to include milling and repaving and striping the parking lots. Next week, the department will begin demolition of shelters 1, 2, & 3. New structures will be erected following demolition. In other business, Park Board member Norm Combs was recognized on the occasion of his 90th birthday and thanked for his continued service to the city. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Monday, October 13th at City Hall. The Grain Valley Police Department is inviting the community to come together for its annual National Night Out Against Crime on Thursday, September 25, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The free, family-friendly event will take place in the field behind the Grain Valley Community Center and will feature a wide range of activities designed to promote safety and strengthen community connections. Highlights of the evening include K9 demonstrations, bomb squad equipment displays, and a special helicopter landing that is sure to capture attention. Attendees can also enjoy a safety presentation and take part in a security raffle with prizes. Free food and drinks will be provided throughout the event. No registration is required to attend. For more information, contact the Grain Valley Police Department at (816) 847-6250 or email [email protected].  by Sara Unrein and Grain Valley News staff The Planning and Zoning Commission met Wednesday evening, approving a conditional use permit for a marijuana dispensary and denying a change of zoning request that would have allowed a convenience store and gas station to locate near Hoot Owl Estates at Duncan Road and Buckner Tarsney Road. Elevation Onyx Dispensary was granted a conditional use permit for a proposed marijuana dispensary with drive-thru on an approximately 1.37-acre lot. The property is zoned District DTZ (Downtown Transition Zone). The 1.37-acre proposed marijuana dispensary is generally located a quarter of a mile west of Buckner Tarsney Road, on the south side of Jefferson Street, just west of the Quik-Trip. The bulk of the meeting consisted of residents voicing opposition to a proposed rezoning request to allow for a convenience store and gas station DBL Architecture, Inc. requested a change of zoning from District C-1 “Central Business” to C-2 “Central Business District” and R-3 “Multifamily residential district” for a convenience store with fueling station and two lots proposed as R-3. This property is located less than a quarter mile south of Duncan Road on the east side of Buckner Tarsney Road near the Hoot Owl Estates subdivision. Residents expressed a number of concerns over approximately 30 minutes of public comments, including environmental and health concerns, lighting and privacy disruptions of residents bordering the proposed business, as well as concerns over increased traffic and crime. The Commission ultimately voted to deny the rezoning request. Board of Aldermen meeting recap The Board of Aldermen met briefly Monday evening for their regularly scheduled meeting. The Board appointed Ellen Greenberg-Jacobs as the new prosecutor. The Board also approved the second reading of a bill allowing the city to take donation of a lot located at 513 NW Gregg in the alleyway behind downtown businesses located on the west side of Main Street. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held at City Hall on Monday, September 22nd at 6:30pm. The Grain Valley Fair returns this weekend at Armstrong Park with a full slate of activities planned for Friday and Saturday. The Fair opens at 4:00pm Friday with a carnival, vendors, and food trucks, The beer garden opens at 5:00pm, with musical entertainment from bands Crazy Arms (5:30pm) and Misty River Band (8:00pm). Mike Todd with the Grain Valley Fair Committee said the fair has something for everyone to enjoy. "We are very excited again this year for our lineup of bands. Thanks to our sponsors we are able to bring in what we feel is one of the best lineups of any Fair around. We have also moved some things around, which allowed us to add more vendor spots. We have around 200 total vendor spots this year, which is up over 30 spots from last year. Make sure to check out our schedule for all the new kids things we have added such as Mr. Stinky Feet and the High Tops, an exotic petting zoo, and foam party. We listened to feedback from last year and added those things so families can make a day out of it on Saturday right after the Parade," Todd said. The Grain Valley Fair Parade will be held Saturday, September 6th at 10:00am. The parade route begins and ends at Grain Valley High School, first heading east on Eagles Parkway to Main, down Main to Walnut, heading west to Kirby, and then returning to the high school. Free bingo, hosted by the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the Grain Valley Community Center starting approximately 11am. The last game will wrap up around 4:00pm. Activities on Saturday include a carnival, exotic petting zoo, a performance by the Mr. Stinky Feet Trio at 12:30pm, foam party at 4:00pm, a visit from KC Wolf at 5:00pm, and a full slate of musical and dance performances starting at 2:30pm. For more information on the Grain Valley Fair, visit GRAIN VALLEY FAIR - Home.  Jackson County, Grain Valley and Oak Grove will host a collection event at Jackson County Public Works - Grain Valley, 34900 E. Old U.S Hwy 40, Grain Valley, MO 64075, for household hazardous waste on Saturday, September 6th from 8:00am - Noon. Mobile collection events are a convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste in a safe and responsible manner. This event is open and free of charge to members of participating communities. Proof of residency may be required at mobile events. Below is a list of accepted items:
by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, August 25 for its second meeting of the month. After opening the meeting, Alexander Rowe took the oath of office as a new officer with the Grain Valley Police Department. In presentations, the board heard reports from auditor Troutt Beeman & Co. and Infrastructure Management Services on the pavement condition assessment for the city. Following reports, the board moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved authorizes the city to enter extend its agreement with Crawford Murphy and Tilly Inc. for on call professional engineering services. The second resolution the board approved allows the city to sign an agreement with Infrastructure Management Services to provide a comprehensive pavement condition assessment. The last resolution the board approved allows the city to enter into an agreement with Gerard Tank & Steel to construct a new 1-million-gallon elevated water tower. Next, the board moved on to ordinances. First, the board approved the second reading of an ordinance that establishes a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interest for certain city officials. The second ordinance was a bill that would approve a real estate donation agreement and acceptance of property located at 513 NW Gregg on behalf of the city. The first reading of the ordinance was approved and it will be brought back for its second reading at the next meeting. The board then turned to city staff reports. Community Development Director Patrick Martin, noted that the city will be cohosting the annual household hazardous waste event Saturday, September 6 at the Jackson County Public Works Facility. Mayor Mike Todd reminded the board about the upcoming Grain Valley Fair September 5-6, as well as the parade that will be taking place on the morning of the 6th. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at City Hall on Monday, September 8 at 6:30 pm. by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, August 11 for its first meeting of the month. Following the meeting’s open, the board immediately adjourned into closed session citing legal actions and causes of action of litigation. After 38 minutes in closed session, the board returned and resumed the meeting. The board approved the only resolution item of the meeting, allowing the city to renew its cooperative agreement with the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. The board approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal courts. This would be to remain in compliance with rules compiled by the Missouri Ethics Commission. This ordinance will be brought back for its second reading at the next board meeting. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held at City Hall on August 25th at 6:30pm. by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, July 14th for its first meeting in the month of July. This meeting consisted of two police officer oaths of office, two resolutions, and action on two ordinances. To start the meeting, the board witnessed officer Sohail Bhatti and officer Emmalynn Rogers take their oaths of office. The first resolution approved by the board allows the city to enter into a contract with Next Move Group LLC in order to search for qualified city engineer candidates. The second resolution approved by the board allows the city to execute a contract for repair on RD Mize Road storm lines. The board approved the second reading of an ordinance allowing the city to enter into a Transportation Alternative Program funding agreement for the Sni-A-Bar Boulevard Trail. This will construct a ten-foot wide, shared use trail on the north side of Sni-A-Bar boulevard and east side of Cross Creek Drive extending from Buckner Tarsney Road to the Blue Branch Creek trailhead. The board then approved the final ordinance, allowing the city to enter into a Surface Transportation Block Grant funding agreement to improve Eagles Parkway from Buckner Tarsney to SW Cross Creek Drive, including the intersection at E.E. Kirby Road. The next Board of Aldermen’s meeting will be held at 6:30pm on July 28th inside City Hall.  |
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