With just 10.5% of County voters casting a ballot, Grain Valley voters approved a measure to attach to the Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. Residents within the school district boundaries will now be eligible for in-district tuition rates at Metropolitan Community Colleges. The ballot measure won with 57.17% of the vote.
     Grain Valley residents may take advantage of in-district tuition rates beginning in the summer 2021 semester. Registration for summer courses begins Monday, April 12th.                
     A new tuition structure for Metropolitan Community College will take effect with the Fall 2021 semester. Tuition will increase from $107 to $116 per credit hour for in-district students, but MCC will eliminate most course fees currently added on top of tuition. Fees to be eliminated include lab fees, various course and program fees, the general fee of $10 per semester, distance education fee of $15 per credit hour for internet classes, student activity fee of $2 per credit hour, and technology fee of $5 per credit hour.
     MCC states the move to remove these fees is meant to increase transparency regarding the true cost of courses for students, and that the removal of most fees means that many students will pay no more than they do now.
     The two nursing programs offered by MCC will see a reduction in costs to students of nearly $2,500. The estimated cost to complete the LPN certificate will be approximately $735 less once the elimination of fees takes effect.
     The utility lineman program is estimated to be $2,000 less to complete the A.A.S. degree. Students in the A.A.S. degree programs in automotive technology (mechanical), HVAC and surgical technology will also become more affordable according to MCC.
     Voters served by the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) gave resounding support for two questions placed on the ballot asking voters for their support in adding a second fire station on the north side of Grain Valley. Question 1 was approved with 80.96% of the vote; Question 2 received 68.11% of the vote.
     In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver defeated Dale Arnold with 54.95% of the vote. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton lost her seat to challenger Darren Mills, who received 63.64% of the vote. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass held his seat, defeating first-time candidate Kristen Rising. Bass received 58.33% of the vote.
 

​     With just 10.5% of County voters casting a ballot, Grain Valley voters approved
a measure to attach to the Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. Residents within the school district boundaries will now be eligible for in-district tuition rates at Metropolitan Community Colleges. The ballot measure won with 57.17% of the vote.
     Voters served by the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) gave resounding support for two questions placed on the ballot asking voters for their support in adding a second fire station on the north side of Grain Valley. Question 1 was approved with 80.96% of the vote; Question 2 received 68.11% of the vote.
     In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver defeated Dale Arnold with 54.95% of the vote. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton lost her seat to challenger Darren Mills, who received 63.64% of the vote. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass held his seat, defeating first-time candidate Kristen Rising. Bass received 58.33% of the vote.

     Polls for the April municipal election will be open Tuesday, April 6th from 6:00am—7:00pm. Grain Valley voters will elect an alderman in each of the City’s three wards on April 6th. In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver is running for re-election. Dale Arnold is also running for the seat. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton faces challenger Darren Mills. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass faces first-time candidate Kristen Rising.
    The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) has placed two questions on the April 6th ballot, asking voters for their support in adding a second fire station on the north side of Grain Valley.
     Voters will also decide whether to attach to the Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. If approved, residents within the school district boundaries would be eligible for in-district tuition rates. 
     To view a sample ballot and to find polling locations, visit www.jcebmo.org.
 

​     Grain Valley voters will elect an alderman in each of the City’s three wards on April 6th. In Ward 1, current alderman Tom Cleaver is running for re-election. Dale Arnold is also running for the seat. In Ward 2, incumbent Nancy Totton faces challenger Darren Mills. In Ward 3, incumbent Shea Bass faces first-time candidate Kristen Rising.
     Valley News reached out to each candidate to share information on their background, experience, and thoughts regarding the current challenges facing Grain Valley.
 

​
Ward 1: Dale Arnold
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):
     I have served the community for just over 30 years as a firefighter with Central Jackson County FPD. I have been active in many local organizations and boards. I have served as a member of the former Grain Valley Optimist Club, currently known as FOCUS and as a Past President. Also active with school programs as a member of the Band Parents Association of which I was a Past President. 
     I have served on the citizens advisory committee for the Grain Valley School District, as well as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Grain Valley.  I help wherever there was a need. I have also been involved with the Grain Valley Police Dept. Night Out Against Crime, the Haunted Hayride, the Grain Valley Fair Days, Trail for Treats and the Historical Society. For this service I have been recognized as a Pillar of the Community in 2005 by the Grain Valley Chamber and as Citizen of the Year by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation for 2010.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
     With my experience in the community and knowledge of its history, I feel I have much insight to make informed decisions.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley?
     Growth! How we meet the growth and how we shape it into what the community wants. Efforts on economic development needs to be refined and updated to meet the goals set by the community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?
     I have a vision that differs from some on the board. I agree there is a need, how to meet that need is up for debate. My vision is that the Community Center and Library be located on the old Sni A Bar Farms. This would include a water splash park rather than a pool. Splash Parks give more opportunity for involvement and exercise. This vision also includes walking trails and picnic areas.
     Also some basketball court, baseball, and soccer fields for local children to play games. Keeping that area as a park for family activities. This would not require all of the land available. Some of the land surrounding the park could be sold to developers for more homes and neighborhoods, recouping some of the cost of the park. With the move of the community center to the south it would allow for the old Community Center to be renovated with a small addition to the rear of the building to meet the needs of the police. 
    Now that the police are no longer occupying half of City Hall, the building is now large enough to meet their needs for a number of the coming years. There is much more that I envision, but there is not enough space here to share. This concept would reduce cost greatly and avoid abandoning the investment of past tax dollars.
     There had been discussion to build a new police facility on the site of the baseball fields on James Rollo. While an option, it takes away from much needed youth activities fields that fall short of meeting our needs.
 


Tom Cleaver—Ward 1
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have been in Business to Business sales for almost 30 years, working with Cities and MFG. Companies all over Kansas City. I volunteer once a month for the Grain Valley Assistance Council  and have lived in Ward 1 for 15 years. I have served my first term of two years as Alderman Ward 1.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
     I love our community and want to give back to it. I feel my experience in business will help guide our City forward for the future.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The facility needs for City Hall, Police Department, Community Center, Streets and also attracting and retaining Police officers for a growing community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     This is a complex situation, one the current Board is exploring diligently. It is my job as Alderman to bring several good and different ideas to the voters that will both address our current needs and our needs for the long term.
 


Darren Mills—Ward 2
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have been a resident of Grain Valley since 2012 and I also work in Grain Valley.  I am employed at Lifestyle RV's where I have received the honorable award of Salesman of the Year back to back for 2019-2020.  Selling fun and adventure to my fellow residents of Grain Valley is what I love.  
     I have been a member of the Grain Valley VIPS ( Volunteer in Police Service) for the last 3 years.  I currently hold the position of President and I am one of five residents who were appointed to the Police Advisory Board. I enjoy my time as a faithful partner of Crossroads Church here in Grain Valley.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
     As your Alderman I will work hard to improve safety on Eagles Parkway by working with staff to find funding for much needed sidewalks that will also connect to the new trails. I will work for funding for additional streetlights in the Winding Creek subdivision and the newer parts of Ward 2 that are still without them.  
     I enjoyed my time serving our country in the United States Navy and I look forward to serving our community and being your voice for a better Ward 2 and continued growth in Grain Valley.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     Some of the biggest problems I feel facing Grain Valley is “division”. As a community and a small City we need to get find a common ground for our residents and elected officials.  I want to be that voice for my Ward and work with whoever may be in office and push forward for a better Grain Valley from street repair, growth, better budget and focus on public safety retention.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     I feel this city has outgrown its current City Hall, Police Station and Community Center. If elected I would want to inform our residents of all options available and truly listen to the input and concerns of residents and city employees.
 


Nancy Totton—Ward 2
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member): 
     I have served on the Board since 2010, and am very active in the community, helping families in need.
 
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen? 
    I enjoy helping people, and learn from the things my residents have been going through. An alderman should be there to listen to a problem, find out how to help, and get back in touch with them. People call me at all hours, and I am happy to help them out.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The lack of residents learning about the issues and showing up to meetings to learn about things. More people need to get involved in their community.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)? 
     It is a complicated issue, and it is going to take a good bunch of us to figure out the problem. There is no doubt they need more space at City Hall and the police station. There is an officer  with a little desk in a closet for an office, and that is ridiculous.
 


Shea Bass—Ward 3
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):
     I have been privileged enough to serve on the board for a little over one full term (2+ years) as Alderman in Ward 3. Prior to serving on the board, I spent time on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the city. I have volunteered my time in a number of organizations around Kansas City throughout the past few years as well. 
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
     I want to serve on the Board of Aldermen to be an honest, truthful, and hard-working representative for the citizens in Ward 3. I enjoy interacting with members of the community and I want to help our city keep its strength as we grow. We have great citizens, fantastic employees, wonderful businesses, and strong schools. I’m excited for the next chapter of growth in our city. 
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley? 
     The biggest challenge right now is trying to nail down exactly what we are going to do with City Hall, the Community Center, Police Department, and other city departments for the next chapter of city growth. The issuance of city bonds for building the municipal complex in a single build failed on the last ballot, so figuring out exactly what the citizens want and balancing that with facility needs, location, and overall schedule poses a challenge in the coming future. 
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?
     As I eluded to a bit in the previous question, I unfortunately don’t think there is a clear cut answer on this yet. The ballot measure for building a new complex in one single shot failed on the last ballot, so I propose the city gains more credible feedback from its citizens regarding what they would like to see in this manner.
     I personally think there are multiple solutions that work well for city needs, including a hybrid scenario where we utilize both the Sni-A-Bar Farms site and the land the city currently owns at/near the existing City Hall and Community Center site. 
 


Kristen Rising—Ward 3
 
Please share some brief information on your background, community service, (# of terms served if a current board member):  
     I am a small business owner in the construction industry.  Community service: participate with the Veterans Community Project to help homeless Veterans, provide educational services-we adopted a classroom to help offset the cost of a teacher.  I have no past experience in politics. If I secure a seat, it will be the first one.
 
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Aldermen?  
     To make a difference.
 
What are the biggest challenges currently facing Grain Valley?  
     Not having enough small business in our community, i.e. sit down restaurants.
 
The current board has met in recent months to discuss the best path forward to address facility needs following the defeat of the proposed community campus at the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. How do you propose the City address its facility needs (City Hall, Police Department, Community Center)?  
     Honestly, not sure.  I do not have the whole back story of those items and with out that information I can not provide my opinion.  I do know that some changes need to take place because in my opinion, what we have working is not a well oiled machine. 

     On April 6th, voters in eight metro school districts, including Grain Valley, will be asked to approve the attachment of their district to Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC). Approval of the measure would add a levy of approximately $.21 to property tax bills.
     The benefit to residents within MCC districts is a reduction in tuition for students residing in those districts of almost 50%. Currently, Grain Valley residents attending MCC pay $198 per credit hour; in-district tuition is currently $107.
     The ballot question reads “For the purpose of providing greater affordable access to quality higher education by providing in-district tuition rates for residents within the Grain Valley R-V School District, shall the Grain Valley R-V School District be attached to The Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri, effective the 22nd day of April 2021?”
     According to MCC, in the 2019-2020 school year, 304 students from the 64029 zip code were enrolled at MCC campuses (2018-2019: 294, 2017-2018: 292).
     Mentioned twice in the ballot language, Grain Valley Schools released a statement to district patrons via email last week distancing itself from the ballot language, clarifying that the district did not place the measure on the ballot, and revenue generated from the levy would go to MCC. The district stated it would not be taking a stance on the measure.
     An MCC informational flyer on the proposed levy cites December 2020 estimates from Zillow Research that the average market value of a single family home in Grain Valley is $258,000. Using this estimate, the average homeowner would see an increase of $104.31 on their annual tax bill to support MCC. 
     A simple majority (more than 50%) of voters must vote for approval in order for the attachment to pass.
 

​          The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) has placed two questions on the April 6th ballot, asking voters for their support in adding a second fire station on the north side of Grain Valley. The district currently has five stations scattered throughout its service area, including the lone Grain Valley station on Eagles Parkway. Growth in Grain Valley and the surrounding communities on the north side of 1-70 necessitates the addition of a second station, according to CJCFPD Fire Chief Jeff Grote.      
     Grote stated the district has purchased a three acre lot at Duncan and Dillingham Roads on the north side of Grain Valley, but has not yet drawn up plans for the station.
    “We will work hand in hand with the community and City leaders to build a fire station that looks like it fits in that area,” Grote said.
     Question 1 will ask voters to approve the issuance of $10,000,000 in general obligation bonds by the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District “to acquire, construct, improve and install buildings, vehicles and equipment to serve the District, including to (1) acquire land for, and construct, furnish and equip a new fire station, and (2) acquire fire trucks and other fire/rescue or emergency equipment or apparatus”. Approval of the measure would allow CJCFPD to build a station at Duncan and Dillingham.
     Staffing of the new station would be made possible through passage of Question 2, which authorizes CJCFPD to levy an additional operating tax levy “of not more than $0.30 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation to provide funds for paying the expenses of operating and maintaining new and existing fire stations, including hiring firefighters/emergency medical
personnel for new and existing fire stations”.
     Grote says the project, if approved, will take approximately two years to complete. Hiring of 24 fire fighters would begin shortly after passage of the levy, with new fire fighters assigned to other stations until the new station comes online.
     Also on the ballot for voters within the Grain Valley R-V School District will be a ballot measure to provide in-district tuition rates for residents attaching the Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri, effective the 22nd day of April 2021. If approved, residents within the school district boundaries would be eligible for in-district tuition rates. Currently, residents must pay out-of-district tuition rates to attend Metropolitan Community College. Valley News will report on this measure in more detail in next week’s edition.
     The deadline to register to vote for the April 6th election is March 10th. For voter registration information, visit www.jcebmo.org.
 

     Candidate filing for the April 6, 2021 election has started, with openings on the Board of Aldermen and Grain Valley School Board.
     In Ward I, Tom Cleaver’s seat is up for election. In Ward II, Nancy Totton’s seat is  open, and Shea Bass’s seat is open in Ward III. Cleaver and Totton have filed for election; Bass has not filed as of January 4th. In Ward I, Dale Arnold has filed as a candidate. In Ward II, Darren Mills has filed to run for Totton’s seat, and Kristen Rising has filed as a candidate in Ward III. Each aldermen position is a two-year term.
     Candidates for City offices may file during normal business hours (8:00am—5:00pm, Monday—Friday, excluding the hours of Noon—1:00pm, starting December 15th and ending at 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 in the Office of the City Clerk, 711 Main ST. The filing fee is $5.00.
     Qualifications and instructions for filing procedures are available in the office of the City Clerk.
     Two seats, currently occupied by Jared English and Eddie Saffell, are up for election on the Grain Valley School Board this spring. According to Brad Welle, Deputy Superintendent of Student and Community Services, both have filed to run for another term. As of Monday, January 4th, no other candidates have filed. The school does not plan for a ballot measure this year.
     Filing a declaration of candidacy may be done in the District Offices located at 31606 E. Pink Hill Road, during regular office hours. The district offices will be closed on January 18th. Therefore, the district will not be accepting candidate filing on that date. The district office will be closed, and filing will not occur on days that the school district is closed due to inclement weather and filing will not occur on days that the school district is closed due to a COVID related event.
     Registration will be by appointment only and made by contacting the board secretary at 816-847-5006 x1026. Two positions with a (3) three-year term will be subject to election. Candidates will be placed on the ballot according to the order of filing and must wear masks and observe district infection control rules in force at the time of filing.   
    
 

    The Jackson County Election Board reports that as of October 30th, 59,529 absentee/mail-in ballot applications have been processed. This represents 13,000 more absentee applications (in person and by mail) than the past three presidential elections combined. The total number of registered voters for the November 2020 election is 246,296, up 20,521 compared to 2018.
 
     Tips and reminders from the Jackson County Election Board:

1. In-person absentee voting will be held on Monday, November 2nd from 8:30am until 5:00pm. Absentee voting requires a reason for voting absentee.  Voters 65 and older automatically qualify for the at-risk category for COVID-19. The Absentee Voting Office is at 110 N Liberty in Independence.
2. Curbside voting at the Absentee Office at 110 N Liberty is available only for disabled and immunocompromised voters on Monday from 8:30am until 5:00pm. 
3. The Jackson County Election Board will have special accommodations on on Election Day for individuals who have tested positive or who are quarantining due to COVID-19.  Drive-through voting for these voters will be available on Election Day from 6:00am – 7:00pm behind the Absentee Office at 110 N Liberty in Independence.  
4. Only Kansas City residents may vote at Arrowhead Stadium.  Voters in Raytown, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Independence, Oak Grove, Grain Valley, and other areas in eastern Jackson County must do their absentee voting at 110 N Liberty in Independence. 
5. Voters who requested a mail-in ballot (one that did not require a reason for requesting it), must mail it back to the Election Board and the envelope must be notarized.  As there is not enough time to return ballots by mail to meet the November 3rd deadline, voters may go to the Independence Post Office on Lexington Street and ask the post office to “hand cancel” their ballot envelope so that it goes directly into the Election Board’s post office box. 
6. Absentee ballots that were mailed to voters can be dropped off at the Absentee Drop-off Office at 112 N Liberty, Independence. There is no drop box. Voters must enter the office and present their ID.   
7. The Election Board must receive ballots by 7:00pm on Election Day. 
8. Eastern Jackson County voters can find their polling location and their sample ballot on the Jackson County Election Board website at www.jcebmo.org.  Click on “VOTER LOOKUP.” Polls will be open Tuesday, November 3rd from 6:00am - 7:00pm. If you are in line at 7:00pm, you will be able to vote. Voters must bring their ID and wear a mask.

     At a time when it seems difficult to find issues everyone can agree on, we think most will welcome the end of election advertisements, mail, and signs after Election Day next Tuesday, November 3rd. 
     In-person Absentee voting will continue through 5:00pm on Monday, November 2nd. Absentee voting requires that you have a reason for voting absentee.  Anyone who is 65 or older automatically qualifies for this election as they are in an at-risk category for COVID-19.  The Absentee Voting Office is at 110 N Liberty in Independence. 
     If you’ve requested a mail-in ballot (one that did not require a reason for requesting it), you must mail it back to the Jackson County Election Board and the envelope must be notarized.
     If you have an absentee ballot that was mailed to you, you can mail it back to the Jackson County Election Board or drop it off at the Absentee Drop-off Office at 112 N Liberty, Independence. There is no drop box.  You must go in and present your ID.
     The Election Board must receive your ballot by 7:00pm on Election Day.
     The Jackson County Election Board will have special accommodations on Saturdays and on Election Day for individuals who have tested positive or who are quarantining because of COVID-19.  Drive-through voting will be available from 1:00pm-3:30pm on Saturday and all day on Election Day behind the Absentee Office at 110 N Liberty in Independence.  Any voter who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has an absentee or mail-in ballot that needs notarization may also use the special drive-through hours on Saturdays.
     Voters can find their polling location and their sample ballot on our website at www.jcebmo.org.  Click on “VOTER LOOKUP.”
      The Jackson County Election Board reported the following statistics as of October 23rd:
 
VOTER REGISTRATION
2020 – 244,454 total registrations
2018 – 224,452 total registrations
2016 – 230,465 total registrations
2012 – 216,459 total registrations
2008 – 234,109 total registrations
 
ABSENTEE VOTING
2020 – 49,983 Absentee/mail-in applications processed (18,285 in-person) – as of 8am on 10/23/20
2016 – 16,321 Absentee applications processed (9,694 in-person)
2012 – 14,222 Absentee applications processed (8,453 in-person)
2008 – 16,167 Absentee applications processed (10,122 in-person)
 
     The Election Board reports over 10,000 more registered voters than our previous record in 2008. The Election Board has processed over 3,000 more absentee applications (in person and by mail) than they processed for all three of the last presidential elections combined as of October 23rd.
     Polls are open for those who plan to vote on Election Day from 6:00am—7:00pm.