Fred J. Farris

The council meeting included a tour of the AJ Barn Event Center and a closed executive session regarding litigation and personnel performance ratings. Key agenda items featured proclamations for Older Americans Month and National Police Week, approval of several special event permits, and resolutions concerning construction projects, including the Linden Connector Trail, FY25 water main replacements, drainage improvements, and various infrastructure and surplus property disposals. Additionally, the council reviewed election results, administered the oath of office for new members, approved office sublease agreements, and authorized contracts for water treatment plant roof replacements and FY26 water main projects. A monthly financial update for March was also presented.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes from February 9, 2026 (both closed and regular sessions). Council communications highlighted updates from the February Parks Board meeting, including tree removal progress at Floor Park, expected June 1st delivery and July events for the AJ Barn, and the opening of outdoor pool signups on March 2nd. Recognition was given to the late Buford Scott for his 26 years of volunteer service. The launch of the Freedom Fest website and opening of sponsorships were also noted. City Manager communications covered the availability of temporary short-term rental applications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup period, the start of the Leadership Academy on March 4th, and reiterated appreciation for retiring employee Becky Jarrett. The Assistant City Manager provided an update from the legislative conference concerning property tax reform, the potential elimination of local sales tax on food, loss of local control on building codes, elimination of state income tax, and a bill regarding utility movement costs. The meeting concluded with the introduction of the consent agenda items.

This document outlines the City of Gladstone's key operational and capital plans, primarily for 2023. It details the proposed $2 million 2023 Street Maintenance Program, which aims to cover 27 lane miles using intermediate maintenance and mill and overlay to preserve infrastructure and reduce long-term costs. Additionally, it presents the new $14.125 million Police Headquarters project, featuring secure and expanded facilities for public safety, with an anticipated completion by August 2023.

The meeting commenced with noting a quorum and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda approval was completed without changes. Routine items were handled under the consent agenda, including resolutions authorizing a Park Development and Naming Rights Agreement with Variety of Greater Kansas City, a change order for the FY 23 Curb Gutter and Sidewalk Program Phase 2 project, and a contract for the City Hall interior remodel project. The consent agenda also covered consideration of a building permit for a Walmart grocery pickup expansion and the financial report for the three months ending September 2023. The regular agenda featured the first reading, wave of the rule, and subsequent enactment as ordinance 4.655 of Bill number 23-36, which approves the final plat of the Northland Innovation Campus plots 1, 2, and 3, along with a First Amendment to the parking lease. Bill number 23-37, an ordinance approving a public service agreement between the City of Gladstone Missouri and the Gladstone Economic Betterment Council, was also processed through first reading and enacted as ordinance 4.656. Finally, Resolution R-23-80, adopting a mission statement, vision statement, and goals for the city for 2024, was adopted. Council members shared announcements regarding a sales tax initiative, the upcoming ribbon cutting for the new police headquarters on November 17, the distribution of the Fall edition of the Gladstone Magazine, and the retirement celebration for Mark Mahia on November 30. The Mayor announced the annual Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony scheduled for November 28.

The session included presentations on programming for the Atkins Johnson Farm Museum and London Square. The Atkins Johnson Farm presentation detailed the successful 2021 season, noting attendance nearly matching 2018 records, despite Covid-19 adaptations, and highlighted the new 4-H partnership. The 2022 calendar featured events such as the Civil War Reenactment (honoring the Clay County Bicentennial), farm archaeology classes, and the move of the Gladstone Farmers Market to the farm site. The Friends of the Atkins Johnson Farm and Museum reported tripling membership and discussed their events, including the Restoration Run fundraiser. The London Square presentation outlined the 2022 schedule, featuring festivals like Food Art Drink, Fiesta on the Square, and Whiskey Fest, along with a drive-in movie event. The final presentation involved discussions with the Tri-County Mental Health liaison regarding the potential offering of co-responder services by providing office space at the Police Department.