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by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met Monday, January 22nd for the second regularly scheduled meeting in January. City Clerk Jamie Logan administered the oath of office for police officer Derek King. King was joined by his family in celebration of his joining the GVPD. Following the oath, the board moved into the resolution portion of the meeting. First, the board approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Earthworks Excavation to demolish and clear the former Sni-A-Bar farm structures at 600 SW Buckner Tarsney Road. This will remove all the structures on the property besides the park maintenance facility. It will also remove all the concrete around the pool area to provide a level property for further development. This was approved 4-1 with Alderman Arnold being the lone dissenting vote, and Alderman Bray absent. The second resolution approved by the board allows the city to renew the software maintenance and support agreement with Brightly Software. The city has used Brightly Software for six years and this is just a renewal to their current agreement. The resolution was approved unanimously. The final resolution unanimously approved allows the city to makes upgrades to eight sets of bleachers at Monkey Mountain Park, providing a better and safer seating area for spectators at the baseball/softball fields. Next, the board heard the second reading of a bill to amend the section in the city code regarding court costs. This is essentially just an update to the codes, keeping up with state laws on the subject. This bill was passed 5-0. The second bill the board took action on was the second reading of a bill to amend the section in the city code regarding rental rates and fees for the community center and pool. This must be done in order to reflect what is shown in the 2024 city budget. This bill was also approved 5-0. Following this, the board moved into the City Administrator’s report. Ken Murphy used his brief report to thank the city workers who worked tirelessly in the snow and ice to clear roads and keep people safe, and to welcome Officer King to the team. In Alderman Cleaver’s comments, he brought up the desire to move meetings to an earlier time. Alderman Arnold noted that a reason the meetings start at 7:00pm is to allow those who work outside of Grain Valley to come home and eat dinner without being rushed. In order to make a change to meeting times, the board would have to approve a change in the city code. After some discussion, the board agreed on 6:30pm and will prepare a bill for a future meeting including the time change and a clause that allows for virtual meetings in cases of inclement weather. Mayor Todd shared that he met with the homeowners association from Woodbury Estates to gather information on the situation regarding a loan due on a neighborhood pool. Using this information, the board will hold a workshop to find some possible solutions for the homeowners association and present them their findings. The next Board of Aldermen’s meeting will take place at 7:00pm on February 12 at City Hall. by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, January 8, for their first meeting of 2024. In the meeting, the board passed eight new resolutions and heard first readings of two ordinances. With no proclamations, previous or new business, presentations, or public hearings, the board jumped straight into resolutions. First, the board approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council Solid Waste District. This agreement provides residents the ability to dispose of household hazardous waste properly. Second, the board approved a resolution allowing the city to purchase new water meters, in accordance with the 2024 Meter Replacement Program. The city has replaced a number of meters yearly since 2010. This year, the city will replace 400 old water meters. The next resolution the board approved allows the city to make an agreement with ClearSpan. This agreement will cover the materials and labor to repair the canopy on the salt storage building. Next, the board approved a resolution that allows the city to purchase computer equipment. Funds from the Computer Equipment Replacement Program will be used to purchase new desktops, laptops, monitors, and other equipment as needed. The fifth resolution the board approved allows the city to purchase new access control card readers for city buildings. These new readers will replace the existing readers at City Hall, Public Works Maintenance, and the Community Center. Next, after a brief discussion, the board approved a resolution that allows the city to purchase a new dump truck and accessories for the public works division. This will be the replacement for the first dump truck the city purchased a number of years ago. The board approved the next resolution that allows the city to sign an agreement with the Blue Springs Police Department for the confinement of prisoners in their detention unit. This is an extension to an agreement that the departments have had for several years. The final resolution the board approved a resolution allowing the city to execute an agreement with the Grain Valley School District for school resource officer services. Alderman Arnold discussed some concerns to be looked at in the future such as the district being responsible for more of the officer’s salaries and the viability of the district’s own security force. Following this, the board moved into ordinances. The board approved the first read of a bill that would allow the city to amend a section of the city code relating to court costs. This will be done in order to stay up to date with the latest case law. This bill will be brought back for its second read at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The board approved the first read of the final ordinance that would allow the city to amend the section of the city code that spells out the Community Center rental rates and Community Pool fees. This bill will also be brought back for its second read at the next regularly scheduled meeting. In her staff report, City Clerk, Jamie Logan, provided an update on candidate filing for April’s upcoming election. Six residents have filed for candidacy. Aldermen Knox and Skinner will run unopposed for Wards II and III. Former mayor Chuck Johnston and Kyle Sole have filed to run for Alderman Arnold’s Ward I seat. Arnold has filed to run for mayor against current mayor Mike Todd. For his report, Alderman Skinner discussed the Woodbury Estates Homeowner’s Association situation and the need to have an executive session meeting to discuss options the city may have. Skinner expressed his desire to get advice from the city attorney and find facts in the matter. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at City Hall on January 22, at 7:00pm. Candidate filing has closed for the April 2024 election, with contested elections for both City of Grain Valley and Board of Education seats.
Four candidates have filed for two open seats on the Grain Valley Board of Education. Current board members Jared English and Eddie Saffell have filed for re-election. Aaron Scully and Paul Trusler have also filed. Mayor Mike Todd has filed for re-election, with current alderman Dale Arnold filing to challenge Todd for the position of mayor. In Ward I, former mayor Chuck Johnston has filed for the seat currently occupied by Arnold. Kyle Sole has also filed to run for the Ward I seat. In Ward II, current alderman Rick Knox will run unopposed, as will current Ward III alderman Ryan Skinner. The municipal election will be held April 2, 2024. The deadline to register to vote in the April election is March 6, 2024. For more information on registering to vote, visit Registration | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org). by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on December 11th. This meeting included an oath of office for police officer Justin Pereria, recognition for three members of the VIPS program, three new resolutions, one ordinance, and city staff and mayor’s reports. Grain Valley VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) James Garcia, Wayne Morey, and Kelli Schuette were recognized by Police Chief Ed Turner and Judge Susan Watkins. The VIPS program allows citizens to get involved with the police department and the community by volunteering their time for different projects and events within the community. Watkins said that Garcia, Morey, and Schuette are among the most active in the program and they could not do the work they do without their help. Each of them was presented with a plaque to recognize their service. After the recognitions, the board moved into resolutions. First, the board approved a resolution to write off outstanding balances from utility accounts deemed uncollectable. This particular set of balances equals about $12,000 and is from 2019. Next, the board approved a resolution to amend the 2023 budget. This was the final amendment of the 2023 budget and is done yearly in order to accurately reflect the actual expenditures and revenue of the city throughout the year. Finally, the board approved the final resolution, allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Andrews Technology. This agreement will provide a web-based attendance system for city employees. Under ordinances, the board passed the only bill on the agenda. This bill went along with the second resolution and confirms amending the 2023 budget. The vote was unanimous at 6-0. City staff reports started with Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies. Davies said that the department will be offering their tree disposal site again this year. Citizens can drop off their real trees from December 26-January 11 at Armstrong Park, next to the baseball fields. Davies also said that the 2–5-year-old playground at Armstrong Park has recently been removed in order for the new all-inclusive playground to be put in early next year. Police Chief Ed Turner reported the department will be doing their yearly Shop with a Cop event on December 20. Turner said that the event offers a great opportunity for the department to engage with the community and that 25 children are signed up to participate. Filing began this week for the April 2, 2024 municipal election, with at least one candidate filing for each open position.
One alderman seat in each of the three wards is open and the current mayoral term for Mayor Mike Todd expires in April. Todd has filed for re-election as has incumbents Ward II Alderman Rick Knox, and Ward III Alderman Ryan Skinner. In Ward I, current alderman Dale Arnold has not filed for reelection, but new candidate Kyle Sole has thrown his hat in the ring in Ward I. Two seats are up on the Grain Valley School Board this April, and both incumbents for these positions, Jared English and Eddie Saffell, have filed as of December 6th. Filing concludes at 5:00pm on December 26, 2023. UPDATE 11/30/2023 10:30am: The City of Grain Valley has announced the Holiday Festival is canceled due to anticipated inclement weather.
A festive evening awaits attendees at the City of Grain Valley's Holiday Festival and Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting on Thursday, November 30th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Armstrong Park. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. Grain Valley School District's Fifth Grade Choir will entertain guests with Christmas carols, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies will be available. Following the Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus, the Grinch will be on hand for a special outdoor screening of The Grinch. The North Pole Mailbox will also be set up along the Armstrong Park Holiday Trail. Santa will write letters back to children in Grain Valley, so letter writers should be sure to include your child's name, mailing address, and wish lists on the letter. The North Pole Mailbox will be open through December 10th. by Cole Arndorfer
On Monday, November 27, the City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met briefly for their second bi-monthly meeting, with Aldermen Bray and Knox not in attendance. The short meeting included two ordinances, city staff reports, and the City Administrator’s report. Under ordinances, the board heard the second read of a bill introduced by Alderman Arnold. This bill, as previously reported, would change the zoning of 0.75 acres from District R-3 (multi-family residential district) to District C-2 (general business district) in order to allow a restaurant to open on the west side of the building formerly housing the Pub & Patio. The bill passed unanimously. The second bill the board heard was introduced by Alderman Bray. This bill would approve the 2024 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule for the city. There had been no changes to either the budget or fee schedule since it was last presented to the board. The bill passed unanimously. Next, the board moved into city staff reports, starting with Community Development Director, Mark Trosen. Trosen gave the board an update on the sidewalk construction on Ryan Road. Trosen said the concrete work was complete and the focus will turn to backfilling dirt around the sidewalk. A section of the sidewalk will remain close as work continues and within the next two or three weeks the fence from the sidewalk to the creek area will be installed as well. After Trosen’s report, Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reminded the board about the upcoming Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival to be held at Armstrong Park on Thursday, November 30, from 6-8 pm. In the final staff report, City Clerk Jamie Logan noted that filing for the upcoming election will open on December 5 and will run through December 26. City Administrator Ken Murphy said that the board’s second meeting in December would fall on Christmas Day. The board approved the cancelation of the second December board meeting as there was no need for a second meeting that month. The next Board of Aldermen’s meeting will take place at 7:00pm on December 11 at City Hall. The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met briefly November 13th for its regularly scheduled meeting.
A public hearing was held regarding a Change of Zoning request from District R-3 (Multifamily Residential District) to District C-2 (General Business District) for the former Pub & Patio restaurant/bar space at 640 NW Yennie Avenue. Jarett Primm, owner of Aspire Apartments where the restaurant space is located indicated they are looking to secure a restaurant that serves liquor vs. a bar that serves food with some limitations on the kitchen size. Community Development Director Mark Trosen stated this public hearing relates to an area on the comprehensive plan that shows mixed use. This property had a 2009 CUP to allow a bar and grill in this space with four conditions. These conditions have not been followed and voided the CUP. The owners are now trying to bring this property into proper zoning regulations to allow a new restaurant/bar in this location. No residents commented during the public hearing, and the first reading of a bill to change zoning was approved unanimously later in the meeting. In other business, the board approved the first reading of the 2024 budget, which includes merit pay and salary schedule increases as well as the cost to demolish the old farmhouse located at the old Sni-A-Bar Farms property. These items were previously approved by the Board during its October 16th budget workshop. A resolution approving the purchase of two SUVs for police department use and an ordinance calling for an election on April 2, 2024 were both unanimously approved. The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, November 27th at 7:00pm. Grain Valley Police Department (GVPD) is now accepting child nominations for its annual Shop with a Cop event. This program is an opportunity for local children to be matched with an officer during a shopping event at Target. After shopping, children can wrap gifts for family members with officers at City Hall/Police Department.
Nomination forms open on November 6th and will close on Friday, December 8th. Forms can be turned in at the police department or to the child's school counselor. Parents/guardians of the selected children will be contacted after the application process closes. GVPD says the shopping is scheduled to take place around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20. If you would like to support Shop with a Cop, cash/check donations can be made in person at City Hall, located at 711 Main Street. Checks must be made payable to City of Grain Valley - with the memo line dedicated to Shop with a Cop. If you have any questions, contact the Grain Valley Police Department at (816) 847-6250. Nomination Forms can be accessed at this link. by Cole Arndorfer
The Board of Aldermen briefly met for their second regularly scheduled meeting for the month on Monday, October 23. The meeting consisted of two resolutions and the first read of one ordinance. With no public comments and the consent agenda approved, the board moved directly to resolutions. In this section, the board discussed two new resolutions. The first, introduced by Alderman Knox, would appoint Robert Headley to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term. Headley would be filling a position vacated by a member stepping down. The resolution was passed unanimously. The second resolution, introduced by Alderman Mills, called for the reappointment of four members, Debbie Saffell, Craig Shelton, Elijah Greeene, and Chriss Bamman, to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term. All four of these members terms were up and all have stated that they would like another term on the commission. This resolution was also approved unanimously. Next up was the first read of one ordinance, calling for an election in the City of Grain Valley on April 2, 2024. City Administrator Ken Murphy explained this is the official administrative step the city must take in order to hold its general municipal election. This election would entail voting for alderman positions in Wards I, II, and III as Alderman Arnold, Alderman Knox, and Alderman Skinner’s terms are expiring. Mayor Todd’s term is expiring, so the April 2024 election will also include a mayoral race. The first read of this ordinance was approved and it will be brought back, by title only, during the next scheduled meeting. During city staff reports Community Development Director Mark Trosen noted that on Tuesday, November 7th from 5:30-7:30pm, the city will host an open house in order to share the design of the shared trail from Blue Branch to Nelson. The open house will be held at the new library off of Buckner Tarsney. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reminded board members that the city’s Downtown Spooktacular is being held on Friday, October 27 from 6:15-8:30 pm. The event kicks off in Armstrong Park at 6:15pm with the Witches and Wizards Walk. Once the walk hits downtown, the event officially opens up. As of now, 34 local vendors have signed up to pass out treats and other goodies. A fireworks display will close out the event. Main Street will be shut down during this time. The next Board of Aldermen’s meeting will take place at 7:00pm on November 13 at City Hall. |
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