Patrick Martin

The meeting began with a roll call to establish a quorum, followed by an invitation for prayer by Pastor Jason Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Lindberg Gardner. Proclamations were issued recognizing Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week and the achievement of Eagle Scout status by Jacob Campbell, Juliana Campbell, and Juland from Troop 692. During public comment, a citizen praised the police department for checking on residents during extreme weather and inquired about the status of the political sign code, which was reported to be scheduled for the Plan Zoning committee in March. The consent agenda was approved. Resolutions passed included R26-14 for the installation of playground surfacing at Armstrong Park using Dura Safe; R26-15 for court surfacing at Armstrong Park using McConnell and Associates (for pickleball courts); R26-16 for court fencing at Armstrong Park using Roy and Sun Fencing; and R26-17 designating permissible city property locations for the 2026 Food Truck Friday events, limited to three dates (May, June, August). Alderman Soul and Alderman Knox extended thanks and support to the police department regarding a recent sergeant's crash. The Mayor reported that the February 23rd meeting would be canceled due to anticipated travel absences and inclement weather, with the possibility of reconvening if necessary. The board moved to executive session to discuss a financial matter.

The key discussions for this regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and consideration of various items from the Consent Agenda, specifically the minutes from a Special Meeting held on June 7, 2022, and the Accounts Payable dated June 27, 2022. New Business centered on approving numerous 2022-2023 liquor license renewals for businesses within the city, as well as a catering liquor license for a September event. The meeting featured an Auditor Presentation by Troutt Beeman & Co., P.C. Under Resolutions, the Board considered authorizing the filing of an application for an ARPA Grant to replace the box culvert on Duncan Road (Resolution R22-50), adopting the 2023-2027 Grain Valley Capital Improvements Plan (Resolution R22-51), authorizing a copier/printer lease agreement (Resolution R22-52), and approving fence replacement at water stations (Resolution R22-53). An additional resolution (R22-54) authorized an agreement with McCown Gordon Construction, LLC for construction management services for the new Police facility. The agenda concluded with scheduled reports and an Executive Session to discuss legal actions, real estate transactions, personnel issues, and sealed bids/proposals.

The regular session included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered minutes from previous workshops and meetings, as well as accounts payable. The meeting featured three public hearings. The first concerned Cool Breeze Consultants' amendment to the City's 2014 Comprehensive Future Land Use Map, requesting a change from Industrial to Commercial Retail, which the Planning & Zoning commission recommended for approval. The second public hearing addressed Cool Breeze Consultants' request to change zoning from M-1 to C-2 for an RV Sales and Service Center, also recommended by staff and planning and zoning. The third hearing focused on amending zoning regulations for the size of detached garages and accessory structures on residential sites, suggesting larger structures for larger lots. Key legislative actions included the approval of Resolution No. R21-53 to renew the annual software and hardware maintenance and support agreement with Neptune Technology for utility billing. Ordinances introduced included amendments pertaining to alcoholic beverages (Bill No. B21-26), approval of the final plat for East Kansas City Industrial Park (Bill No. B21-27), first readings for amendments to the Future Land Use Map (Bill No. B21-28), a zoning change from M-1 to C-2 (Bill No. B21-29), changes to accessory structure regulations (Bill No. B21-30), and calling an election for April 5, 2022 (Bill No. B21-31). Staff reports included updates on the successful but weather-impacted Trail or Treat event.

The meeting agenda included several key items. A proclamation designating the City as a Purple Heart City was planned. The consent agenda covered the April 2016 Court Report, the April 25, 2016, Board of Aldermen Minutes, and May 9, 2016, Accounts Payable. New business involved recognizing the Truman Heartland Citizen of the Year and considering an appointment for Mayor Pro-Tem. Ordinances scheduled for readings included final plat approvals for Eagle Ridge Estates 2nd Plat (B16-08) and Woodbury 5th Plat (B16-09). Additionally, the board planned to consider an ordinance (B16-10) regarding a ballot issue to discontinue the local sales use tax on motor vehicle titling, and ordinances (B16-11 and B16-12) approving a Tax Increment Financing Contract and a Cooperative Agreement related to the Grain Valley Marketplace TIF Plan. Resolutions included extending the agreement for on-call engineering services with Bartlett & West, Inc. (R16-27), and agreements with Ray County and Blue Springs Police Department for prisoner confinement (R16-27 and R16-28). The agenda concluded with reports from various city departments and Aldermen comments, including discussion on water rate studies and the potential need for a Public Information Officer.

Key discussions included public comments regarding employee wage considerations distinguishing between police officers and other employees, and clarifications sought on political signage rules and enforcement. The Board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and accounts payable. During the public hearing, the Board considered a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application for Big O's Equipment Rental and Sales requesting approval for small-batch concrete mixing, considering noise and dust concerns, and staff recommended approval with conditions. Resolutions approved included authorizing engineering services for the Water Tower Project, writing off doubtful utility account balances (over $9,000), and authorizing the purchase of a new police-rated Ford Explorer for a recently created sergeant position. Ordinances included the second reading approval for Bill No. B25-15 (Marijuana Dispensary CUP) and the first readings of ordinances regarding a Concrete Mixing Plant CUP and calling for a General Election on April 7, 2026. Staff reports covered the progress of the Front Street project. Alderman comments addressed high school district performance rankings, and significant discussion focused on addressing graffiti behind a commercial property, with the City Attorney tasked with drafting code amendments to grant abatement authority.