Santa Bus Discussion Among Several Key Items at Recent Board of Aldermen Meeting

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.