Mike Ekey

The meeting included the approval of the October 20th minutes. Key discussions involved President's communications, highlighting the success of the Pumpkin Palooza event and a junior craft show. Councilman Leaison reported on the State of the City address, noting the official announcement of a new K-9 unit named Striker, the formation of a Youth Commission to involve high schoolers in city matters, and the advancement of a mixed-use development opportunity across from the Price Chopper, which includes a large entertainment venue and multifamily units, following an RFP process. City Manager Joe provided details on the proposed development, including the 130,000 square foot entertainment venue featuring indoor go-karts, pickleball, restaurants, and arcade facilities. Updates were also provided on the commencement of the water main replacement project and the AMI infrastructure project. The Finance report indicated variance within 2% of budgeted versus actuals, although park fund balances showed a negative variance due to increased operating transfers from sales tax revenue. New business involved the approval to appoint Brittney Denell to the Belton Urban Forestry Council. The board subsequently moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters per Missouri statute.

The council discussed the June monthly financial report, focusing on the general fund, franchise taxes, ambulance fees, and court fines. They addressed questions about ambulance fees, a decrease in violations, and cash balances. The council also discussed a grant for Peculiar Drive and the Public Safety sales tax. Additionally, they discussed trash service, drainage ditches, and neighborhood watch groups.

The meeting agenda included the first reading of an ordinance regarding the partial vacation of a utility easement for a proposed multi-tenant monument sign at lot 4B Crest Plaza, which staff and the planning commission recommended denying due to utility conflicts and concerns about parcel size limitations. The Council unanimously approved the adoption of the Beautify Belton Beautification Plan, which implements goals from the 2050 comprehensive plan and will be revisited annually. Item three concerning nomenclature alignment for park names was withdrawn. The Council also approved a contract with BG Consultants Incorporated for the roof and HVAC assessment of the Police Station, funded in part by the current budget with construction funding planned for FY2027. Approval was granted for an event permit for Kerry Nation Days 2026, involving street closures on May 29th and 30th. A utility agreement with EverG was approved for necessary utility relocation for the North Cast Parkway Extension Project, involving moving overhead power lines. Finally, a resolution approving an amendment for the Northcast Parkway extension design, including a required stormwater study (Clomar) to be paid for by the TDD, was approved. Item four from the consent agenda was pulled for separate discussion and approved without the vote of one member.

The council discussed code enforcement efforts, including the cleanup of 107 King Street, and the positive media attention received. They also discussed and approved ordinances related to election results for municipal officers, road improvements, and storm water improvements. Recognition was given to Councilman Tom McPherson for his service. Discussions also included on-call water and stormwater services, the purchase of Jeeps and a copy machine, and Microsoft Office licenses. The council also discussed and approved an ordinance regarding the Bell Ray connector trail project.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and the approval of the minutes from the December 15, 2025 park board meeting. Key discussions included procedural changes regarding presenting motions and adopting resolutions for formal documentation, and updates on communications concerning the transition to electronic or printed meeting packets. The board recognized employee achievements with the fourth quarter Rockstar awards for both part-time (Butch) and full-time (Tracy Oliver) staff for their dedicated service. Councilman Leison provided communications regarding the official identification of parkland parcels and an update on a proposed 110,000 square foot mixed-use development featuring entertainment amenities such as movies, go-karts, and arcades, along with apartments. Timeline projections for the multi-phase project were discussed, noting goals for initial phases by 2027 and completion by 2031-2032. Neighborhood feedback was generally positive, with primary concerns revolving around traffic and potential tax impacts, though no formal requests for tax abatement had been made. Department reports covered an increase in memberships, installation of a new sound system at the aquatic area of High Blue, and an update on the Cleveland Lake restroom project pending contractor pricing. Aquatics noted the hiring of a new assistant manager and the high number of swim lesson participants. Maintenance issues regarding the recreational pool heating were noted. The Silver Sneakers insurance change influx affecting front desk processing was also discussed.