City of Kearney

Key discussions and actions included the call to order and pledge of allegiance. The consent agenda involved approving the minutes of the September 15, 2025, meeting and acknowledging financial reports for The Shoppes at Kearney Community Improvement District (FY ending March 31, 2024) and the Kearney West Side Community Improvement District (FY ending March 31, 2024). Resolutions approved included consenting to director appointments for The Shoppes at Kearney Community Improvement District, approving a soccer camp agreement with Challenger Sports Corporation for June 2026, and approving an agreement with Azavar Government Solutions, Inc. for franchise and sales tax fee professional services. Ordinances addressed levying and fixing property tax rates for 2025, approving a redevelopment project and abatement agreement for Verimore Bank under the K-353 Redevelopment Plan, approving final plats for Cottonwood Creek 5th Plat and Noah's Landing 2nd Plat, approving a final plat for Westwood North 1st Plat, and approving a new 25-year Water Purchase Agreement with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The Board also reviewed the Paid Warrant Report for September 2025, received city administrator and mayor communications, and discussed matters pertaining to legal actions, real estate transactions, and negotiated contracts during an executive session.

The meeting covered several agenda items, including the approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2025, meeting and the final plat for Innovation 5th Plat under the consent agenda. New business involved the consideration of a site plan for a proposed 5,800 sq. ft. building by Hoffmann Custom Homes on Lot 7, Innovation 4th Plat, which the Commission recommended for approval with specific conditions. Another site plan was reviewed for a 2,500 sq. ft. Chipotle with a drive-thru in Shoppes at Kearney, Lot 2D. The Commission recommended approval for this, with an amendment regarding the removal of seven parking stalls. An inquiry was also made regarding dangerous intersections, specifically 18th and Jesse James Farm Road. Information items included monthly permit and construction/occupancy data. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for March 9, 2026.

The meeting agenda included a Public Hearing regarding a grant of tax abatement for a commercial building construction project. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting and the approval of Resolution 04-2026 concerning the contract award for the 2026 Filter Media Project with David E. Ross Construction Co. Key discussions involved ordinances related to calling an election for revenue bonds, authorizing tax abatement for Hoffmann Custom Homes (VPG One, LLC) for a new headquarters project, and authorizing the acquisition of temporary construction easements for the Mack Porter Trail Shared Use Path. Additionally, the Board reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Water and Wastewater Cost Recovery Rate Study Results, and the December Monthly Financial Report. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss legal actions, real estate matters, personnel issues, and negotiated contracts.

The Board of Aldermen meeting addressed several key items, including a Public Hearing regarding proposed Water and Sewer Rates based on a comprehensive study presented on January 20, 2026, and the proclamation for Engineers Week. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the Paid Warrant Report for January 2026 and authorizing several resolutions. Resolutions approved include authorizing food truck vendor agreements with Stevie Ray's, LLC, and Nonnie's Shaved Ice 23, LLC for park events, and agreements with Greg Gillahan and Joseph Landewee to supervise pickleball leagues/camps, and approving a lease agreement for the Old Firehouse Community Center. Under Ordinances, the Board approved site plans for 'The Shoppes at Kearney 1st Plat, Lot 2D' (Chipotle) and 'Hall Park,' approved a final plat for 'Innovation 5th Plat,' amended traffic code parking restrictions, approved amendments to the K-353 Redevelopment Plan Policy, adopted a new City Fee Schedule, adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget, approved detainee housing agreements with Clay County, and approved Cybersecurity Grant Program subaward agreements. Resolutions for review included budget reappropriation, amending the vacation policy, and approving the 2026 Cleats and Beats vendor agreement and musical services contract. Items for Review included the January Monthly Financial Report, MS4 Permit Renewal, and 3rd Quarter Operation Results.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office to a new board member. Key discussion points involved park maintenance updates, specifically regarding the submission deadline for Hall Park Fitness equipment proposals, noting that separating this equipment from the general construction bid allows for greater flexibility and potential savings. The board reviewed the budget request prepared for Fiscal Year 2027, which highlighted needs such as additional maintenance staff, new soccer goals, a new utility vehicle, playground surfacing improvements, AED devices, trail repairs, and electrical pedestal upgrades at Jesse James Park. Furthermore, plans were discussed for a World Cup watch party scheduled for June 19, 2026, featuring a concert, food vendors, and activities. Updates on youth sports confirmed that basketball practices were underway, with games set to commence on January 17th, involving 112 children across 12 teams.