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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.
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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.  Four individuals were arrested the evening of July 4th in the 400 block of Woodbury. Officers responded to complaints of fireworks being discharged after the 11:00pm cutoff in the area of Woodbury. Officers had already advised residents in the 400 block of Woodbury to stop, but a subsequent violation was observed.
Reached for comment, the Grain Valley Police Department (GVPD) reported that when officers contacted the individuals involved, they became argumentative and disorderly. During the attempted arrest, GVPD stated officers were met with resistance and interference from family members and neighbors. A call for assistance was made, and officers from multiple agencies—including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Buckner, Oak Grove, and Blue Springs Police Departments—responded. Social media posts by one individual claiming to be one of the individuals arrested indicated she was tased as officers attempted to make the arrest. GVPD stated that force was used to safely effect arrests on three individuals who were actively resisting and intoxicated. A fourth individual was taken into custody by JCSO after attempting to assault a deputy. Four adults were arrested with at least nine city ordinance violations issued, including charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, June 9 for its first meeting of the month. This meeting consisted of an oath of office for new police officer, Timothy Maybell, a promotion recognition for Sergeant Breedlove, one item of previous business, one item of new business, seven resolutions, and three ordinances. Following the opening of the meeting, the Board witnessed new officer Timothy Maybell take his oath of office. Sergeant Breedlove was then recognized by Police Chief Ed Turner and the Board on his recent promotion. Under previous business, the Board approved a new liquor license for JC Arandas as well as the renewal of liquor licenses for 18 businesses within the city. The Board then moved into resolutions. The first resolution the board approved allows the city to purchase a new 2025 Ford F-350 for the Public Works department. The next resolution approved by the Board allows the city to make a payment to Vance Brothers Inc. for surface treatment and road markings on Argo Road. Next, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the city to execute an agreement and change order number 1 with Advanced Asphalt Paving & Concrete LLC to provide edge mill and asphalt overlay to streets identified within the CIP plans. The fourth resolution approved by the Board authorizes the city to execute an agreement with JM Fahey Construction Company for the Front Street roadway storm and water improvements. The Board then approved the next resolution to enter into an agreement with Vance Brothers Inc. for micro seal paving. The next resolution the Board approved adopts the new multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The last resolution approved by the Board authorizes the city to purchase ballistic shields from Baysingers Uniforms to outfit patrol officers. Moving on to resolutions, the Board approved the first and second readings of a resolution to terminate the designation of the Mall at Sni-A-Bar Redevelopment Project Area as a redevelopment projects. This dissolves the special allocation fund for the area and closes out the tax incremental financing plan. The Board then approved the first reading of a resolution that would allow the city to enter into a Transportation Alternative Program funding agreement for the Sni-A-Bar Boulevard Trail. This ordinance will be brought back for its’ second read at the next meeting. Next, the Board approved the first reading of the final ordinance of the meeting, this ordinance would allow the city to enter into a Surface Transportation Block Grant for the Eagles Parkway Road improvement. This ordinance will be brought back for a second read at the next meeting. During his Mayor report, Mayor Mike Todd noted that a few members of the board would not be in attendance for the June 23rd meeting, which was subsequently canceled. The meeting was then adjourned. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at City Hall on July 14 at 6:30pm. Free Worlds of Fun ticket for Blood Drive donors at Grain Valley Community Center on June 16th6/12/2025
The American Red Cross will host a Blood Drive at the Grain Valley Community Center on June 16, 2025 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm. Donors will receive a ticket to Worlds of Fun for their participation while supplies last. CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.   |
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