​     The Board of Aldermen approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with candid, LLC for branding services as outlined in the City’s strategic plan during its July 26th meeting.                
      “The main deliverable of the project is a ‘brand position’ which in its simplest form will define how Grain Valley differs from other cities and how we can stand apart, while making sure we portray the most accurate image of the city as possible,” Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh said.                
     A new logo and tagline for the City, related marketing materials, along with branding guidelines for staff are included in the overall package. Osenbaugh emphasizes these elements are but a piece of how the City’s brand will be communicated.    
     “The brand position will largely be formed from the qualitative and quantitative research which will include the direct input of the community. As we look to attract more businesses, amenities, residents and travelers, it is imperative that Grain Valley communicates exactly what makes us the best choice for relocation or tourism.”
     The contract with candid, LLC, a Lee’s Summit based firm, totals $33,500; $19,400 to be paid in 2021, with the balance paid in 2022. Research and key messaging sessions will begin in August, with the targeted completion date of March 2022.
     In other business, the Board also approved a resolution to continue construction of phase 2 of the pedestrian trail at Blue Branch Creek. Phase 2 will provide connectivity between the Sni-A-Bar Farms neighborhoods and the high school campus and downtown corridor.
     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be Monday, August 9, 2021 at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
 

    Local officials, in an effort to combat a  significant rise in virus cases and hospitalizations in the region, have begun instituting mask mandates and vaccination efforts. In Eastern Jackson County, the 14-day percent positive has tripled since June 6 and case counts have quadrupled.
     Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced July 28th the City will reinstate its indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status, effective 12:01am on Monday, August 2nd.
     Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat, was quick to announce he would sue to block the mandate. Schmitt filed a lawsuit Monday to block St. Louis area mask mandates.
     Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced a new health care mandate that requires all full-time and part-time County staff to show proof of full vaccination or receive weekly COVID-19 testing. The new policy takes effect on September 30.
     “The delta variant we’re fighting now is much more contagious and requires us to act with a sense of urgency,” White said.
     “Science and facts show the vaccine is the absolute best way protect ourselves and others from serious illness or death. Our new policy will help us ensure staff and guests to our facilities remain safe, while also improving our chances of defeating this virus once and for all.”
     Masks will continue to be a requirement in all county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
     The City of Grain Valley has not implemented its own mask mandate, but is watching for news from Jackson County, according to Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh.
     “As in the past, the City will watch closely for any health orders released by Jackson County as we fall under their jurisdiction. The City has not implemented our own mask or vaccine requirements. We have ensured all employees have been made aware of how they can obtain the vaccine but have not surveyed staff to identify who has been vaccinated,” Osenbaugh said.
 

​     In a brief meeting chaired by Alderman Shea Bass due to Mayor Johnston’s absence, the Board approved a liquor license for Shifting Gears Bar and Grill and approved a liquor license renewal for El Tequilazo Cocina y Cantina LLC.
     Police Chief James Beale shared information on an upcoming community  forum for residents on July 20th at 6:30pm. The forum will be held at First Baptist Church Grain Valley, 207 W Walnut, and will focus on current events and the impact of social media.
     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7:00pm in council chambers of City Hall.
 

​     David Ward, president of Ward Development and Investment Company, has been named Grain Valley Citizen of the Year and will be honored during the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s  Toast of the Towns gala on September 25, 2021, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center.
     At the event, individuals, businesses, and organizations will be recognized for making a significant philanthropic impact in Eastern Jackson County and surrounding communities. 
    In nominating Ward, Mayor Chuck Johnston pointed to Ward’s integral part in the growth of Grain Valley. His contributions include several residential, industrial, and commercial developments. He began building and developing in Grain Valley in 1990, owning and operating several businesses, including a hardware store, a grocery store, a storage facility, and The Old Towne Marketplace multi-use project.
    Ward Development has added approximately 1,750 homes to Grain Valley, including the development of six residential subdivisions.
     Ward is also active in the community and supports several organizations, including the Grain Valley Assistance Council, Boy Scouts, Grain Valley High School Booster Club, Grain Valley Youth Sports League, and the Grain Valley Santa Bus.
     “Grain Valley is years a head of where we would have been if it  hadn’t been for David’s hard work  and commitment to this city. Grain Valley owes a very large debt of gratitude to David Ward for all that he has done for Grain Valley in bring in new businesses and all the commercial development he has made available. This award is just a small showing of what is actually owed,” Johnston said.
 

     Mayor Johnston broke two tie votes on Monday, June 28th, allowing for the rezoning of two tracts intended for the development of Greystone West. The planned development includes 13 four-plex buildings for a total of 52 units and 3 retail/office buildings, and a 3-story 48-unit senior apartment building. Aldermen Cleaver, Knox, and Stratton voted against both ordinances.
 
     In other business, the Board unanimously approved Lisa Limberg to the Grain Valley Park Board for a three-year term. Additionally, two new police officers, Krista James and Dustin Lancaster, were sworn in during the meeting.
     The next scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, July 12th at 7:00pm in the council chambers at City Hall.

Correction 7/1/2021: Initial online and print version did not include Aldermen Stratton in the list of aldermen voting against the Greystone West measure. Corrected article above.
    
 

     After months of discussions over how to best move forward in addressing City facility needs following the defeat of a June 2020 bond issue that would have resulted in a Community Campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site, the City is requesting bids for architectural services for a police building near the current city hall and police building.
     Per the Request for Qualifications notice, the City of Grain Valley intends to contract for architectural services in connection with the feasibility, design and construction of a new police station and will accept sealed qualifications from qualified persons, contractors or firms until June 29th.
     In the proposed scope of work outlined in the request, the design team selected may be called upon to assist with a probable ballot issue in spring or summer 2022 required to fund the project.
     City Administrator Ken Murphy explained the proposed police station is a result of multiple discussions during Board workshops.
     “Through those workshops, the Board of Aldermen made a decision to move forward with planning for a new police station, located on the east end of the old football field, behind the Community Center and pavilion.,” Murphy said.
     “The intent moving forward is to place a police station centrally located in the City and not surrounded by residential development. These were concerns voters identified in the survey that was conducted after the election.  If a new police station is ultimately agreed upon and approved, the current City Hall would need to go through a renovation to make the current police station useable for City Hall functions.  The intent is to correct as many current issues as possible, but the level of renovation that happens will ultimately sit with the Board of Aldermen as they are still discussing the long-term plan for the remaining City facilities.”
     Mayor Chuck Johnston, whose opposition to the June 2020 Community Campus project was a hallmark of his own campaign, pointed to the cost savings of utilizing existing facilities and property.
     “In our survey of voters, the Board, staff and myself felt the consensus was that the majority wanted to use existing buildings and properties rather than moving to the proposed properties. As far as costs, there is a substantial savings in necessary infrastructure for any new buildings as well as savings in not scrapping the current facilities,” Johnston said.
     “We felt the police department was the most pressing issue. So that is were we decided to focus our attention. It also then gives us the ability after the police move out of the current building to make necessary repairs and improvements at a much lower cost than replacing City Hall. Once those two facilities are addressed we will be able to determine the best means for dealing with the Community Center. Figures at this point aren’t determined but they shouldn’t be anywhere near the project costs in the failed bond issue.”
 

     The Board of Aldermen met Monday, June 14th, passing a series of resolutions to authorize the installation of street lights in four development areas, including the Bush Business Park and Greystone Estates subdivision. In addition, the Board received a report from Auditor Troutt Beeman & Co., giving the City a clean audit for 2020. The auditor praised City staff for their cooperation during the audit process and noted the increase in sales tax revenue and franchise tax payments in 2020. Grant revenue increased by approximately $950,000, thanks mainly to CARES Act funding.
     Following a public hearing, the Board approved the first reading of two ordinances changing the zoning of two tracts intended for the development Greystone West. The planned development includes 13 four-plex buildings for a total of 52 units and 3 retail/office buildings, and a 3-story 48-unit senior apartment building. Aldermen Cleaver and Knox voted against both ordinances.
     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, June 28th at 7:00pm.
 

​     Grain Valley residents who are planning to do some spring cleaning this weekend can take advantage of the City’s City-Wide Clean Up event on Saturday, June 5th.           
     This free community event will be held from 8:00am—2:00pm on June 5th to help Grain Valley residents dispose of unwanted items.                 
     Proof of residency is required (ie: water bill or driver’s license).                  
     Residents are asked to bag loose items, such as insulation and other small items. Items that are NOT accepted include tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, air conditioners, bagged trash and yard waste or clippings.
     The drop off will be held at the Public Works Maintenance Facility, 405 James Rollo Drive, Grain Valley.
 

​     After more than a year hiatus due to the pandemic, the City of Grain Valley announced its Senior Luncheon will return on July 7th.                  
     The event will be held from 11:30am—1:00pm followed by Bingo, with glucose and blood pressure screenings at 10:30am.
     Michelle Hawkins will provide entertainment at the July event.
     RSVP for the luncheon by calling
816-847-6293 or email         
 info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
     OATS bus service is available by calling 816-380-7433 to schedule a ride.