City Council - Regular Meeting

You should have told me like something, you know,

Mic test number six. Mic test number six. Mic test number five. Mic test number five. Perkins, if you could turn your camera on whenever you have to take a vote, please. Sorry. Mic check. Mic check. Six. This is mic check for mic six. If anybody needs some paper so you can create your own fan, let me know.

This is a mic check for mic six. Mic six. Mic check. Yes. Yes. Uh hello. Hello. Hello. Okay. Mic check. This is mic number five. Mic check. Mic number five.

Mic test. Mic test. Test test test.

Mic check number four. Mic check number four. Sorry. Mic check number two. Mic check number two. This is the mayor's mic.

Testing one, two. Testing one, two. Testing one, two, three. Testing one, two, three.

Nice delay. We added this delay in as a special thing in case Suzanne, I don't Mic check. Mic check. I'll have Kim run up and get it off my desk. Okay.

Good.

Mic check. Mic check. Suzanne. Suzanne, I just found it. Yeah, you sent it yesterday. Should I keep talking or No, it's just a delay. Oh, howdy.

Podium mic. Mic check at the podium. Mic number seven. You didn't give it to me. You're You're scooked. Yeah, you didn't give it to me.

Okay. You mean go get it? Where's it at? test. Can you hear me, Maddie?

Can you hear me? Thumbs up. Yes. Perfect. Thank you.

[cough] Did you find it?

[cough]

We're ready to go. We're ready to go. Ready to go. Ready to go.

Ready to go, Bryce. I got an extra phone here. You can do

you just use this one. Whatever you want to do, it's up to you. Okay. Whatever you want to do. You may call it vibrate. shut off.

You folks. Thank you. Before you go there, stuff in call it again. Yeah. Is that it? You're the best.

Hi everyone. It's uh we know it's hot in here and that for some of you have to stand in the back. We do have availability in the lobby if you want to sit out there. It's a lot cooler. You'll be able to see and watch the program out there, the program, the meeting. So, if you want to come sit out there, we'll have chairs for anybody who needs one. Can you I'm gonna go ahead and start. Is that okay?

Does anybody hear Does anybody hear a phone ringing? Does anybody hear a phone ringing? My phone has seemed to have had a staff member who lost their phone.

Does somebody hear it? All right. Okay.

Yep. There's just some paint [clears throat] in here. Good evening and welcome to Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 city council meeting at 2000 or excuse me 20,000 2011 East Jackson Drive, first floor, the Oregon and Santa Fe conference room, Independence, Missouri. Our invocation will be provided by Reverend Michael Jones from Grace Connection Church. Please stand for the invocation and please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Good evening, mayor and members of the council. Shall we bow our heads? Gracious father, we thank you and we come before you today with gratitude, humility, acknowledging your sovereignty over all things. Your hand upon the city of independence. We thank you for the opportunity to gather in this place of leadership where decisions are made that shape the lives of families, businesses, and future generations. We ask for your presence to rest upon this meeting. lift our we lift our mayor, members of our council, and every official entrusted with responsibility. Grant them wisdom beyond their own understanding, clarity in the midst of complexity and integrity in every decision. Father, we ask for unity, unity and purpose, unity and respect, unity and vision, even where there are differences. Let the mutual understanding and the shared commitment for the greater good of this community reign. God, every conversation, every proposal, and every vote. We ask you this in Jesus name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madame City Clerk, please call the role.

Council member Fears here. Council member Stewart here. Council member Perkins.

Council member Perkins, can you hear us? Can you hear me? I cannot hear you. Okay. There's no volume coming from the room. Okay. Uh, Council Member McCandless here, Council Member Wy here, Council Member VA here, Mayor Roland here. Thank you very much. Could I have a motion and a second uh for resolution 2671:15, please? So moved. Thank you. Sorry. Thank you very much. We got a motion in a second. And could I get And this is the eyes award for Emily Kenyon uh for this month. And could I get a roll call vote to pass this resolution, please? Council member Fears, yes.

Council member Stewart, yes. Council member Perkins, can you hear us yet? Still cannot hear anything from the room. Okay. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member Vot, yes. Mayor Roland, I could hear earlier when there was people coming into the forum. Okay.

Okay. Thank you. Today we are proud to recognize Sergeant Kenyon as our I star of the month employee. Notably, Sergeant Kenyon received three separate se separate nominations, each highlighting her exceptional leadership, dedication, and compassion. Sergeant Kenyon is a true example of what it means to lead from the front. Throughout her career, she has consistently put the needs of others before her own. On patrol, she approaches every call with patience, care, and a strong sense of responsibility. She treats each situation as if as if it is the most important. And she faces each one of them that day with care and concern. Her empathy and respect for victims, suspects, and the public go well beyond what is expected of an officer. She is known for her outstanding attitude both in the community and for her fellow employees. Sergeant treats everyone with professionalism and respect and she brings a positive solution focused mindset to every shift and thank you for that. Her attendance is impeccable. Her work ethic is unmatched. She is diligent in making sure her officers are supported and never he excuse me and never hesitates to step in and assist in calls of duby and service even without being asked. Her commitment to others is clear not only in her daily work but also critical moments. During a difficult death investigation, Sergeant Kenyon stepped in to assist a

younger detective. Despite despite being assigned to patrol, drawing on her investigative experience, she helped ensure the case was handled properly from start to finish. She helped ensure the case, excuse me. Over several months, she continued to check in to offer guidance and make sure that every step was taken to seek justice. And another powerful example, Sergeant Kenyon responded to an infant not breathing at Stony Creek Hotel. [clears throat] Truly the biggest fear of any family. She assisted in escorting the infant to the hospital and ensured the parents safety and they were safely escorted there as well. During this traumatic situation, she provided comfort and guidance and resources to help the family begin to navigate their grief. Her compassion and professionalism during such a critical moment made a lasting impact to the family and her fellow colleagues. As a patrol supervisor, Sergeant Kenyan consistently goes above and beyond expectations. She responds to more calls for service than any other supervisor and steps in during high demand situations. Her leadership ensures that every officer feels supported. She also makes a lasting impact with her leadership style. She brings energy and encouragement to every shift and in ends every briefing with a positive note and takes time to recognize the hard work of her team. By doing so, she helps build a culture of respect, professionalism, and strong morale. Sergeant Kenyan's dedication, leadership, and commitment of excellence makes her highly deserving of this excellent recognition.

Please congratulate Sergeant Kenyon for being the eyes recipient this month.

[applause] speech for it.

[applause]

Thank you. That brings us to our consent agenda. Oh, yep. Excuse me. I skipped citizens request. I meant no harm by doing that. Just read it long on the the sheet. So, our first person up is Sarah Lawson. And Sarah will have five minutes. And please come up. Thank you, Sarah. And please state your name and address, please.

Sarah Lawson. My place of business is 1204 West Highway 24 Independence, Missouri. And can you hear her now in the back of the room? Get it really close. How's that? Does that help or a little bit better? You may have to really, really get close to it. [laughter] Okay.

All right. So, I wanted to come up here and talk today about the illegal gambling that goes on in Independence. Um, it's illegal not only on a city ordinance, but also a state level. So, I looked up different statutes of Missouri law and 79-450 section 1 enacts ordinances to prohibit and suppress houses of prostitution and other disorderly houses and practices including gambling and gambling houses and all kinds of public indecencies. Um, clearly prohibiting illegal gambling.

Okay. 572-010 defines gambling as staking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future event not under one's control. 57- I'm sorry 572-020 states a person commits the offense of gambling if he or she knowingly engages in gambling. Um, we as a city are enabling people to break Missouri state law by allowing the slot machines inside of gas stations and also the gaming houses. Uh, this personally affects me. I have a business here in Independence. I'm also a resident. On the other side of my business is a gift and more um is the name of it, but it's a slot machine casino that enables different various people to come in and gamble. They're also bringing in their children. [clears throat] Um so some of the list of issues, none of these are in order of importance. Um there's no age verification system in these gas stations or these gambling houses. Um I have personally watched uh couples take in their minor children as young as what look to be age three. Um this causes a potential gambling addiction later on. It also desensitizes our youth of risky behavior and financial loss and it increases the chance of involvement of illegal activity later on in life. Uh, these places often attract drug users, drug dealers, and homeless communities. There's on-site drug use daily. Whenever I show up to my barber shop in the morning, I have to clean the parking lot. We have found used uh condoms, used needles. I've found bags

of drugs that we have to clean up every day. Um, I've seen exchanges for drugs to get credits to go in and play the slot machines. that creates an unsafe environment and increased crime. Uh there's also physical violence and domestic violence cases almost daily in the parking lot in front of my barber shop. Uh the homeless are drawn to what is considered quick money and just on an ethical level, it's exploitation of vulnerable people and causes community decline. There's a large amount of cash inside of those places which raises the potential for robberies, um, assaults and weapons being put on site. Most of these facilities are committing tax evasion leading to loss of community revenue. So, they're not paying taxes. They're not helping benefit our community, but they're benefiting off of our community. Uh, it's also harmful to nearby businesses such as mine. decreased traffic of customers. I've had clients that have sat in my chairs and stated, "Well, we were going to come last week, but there was a fight outside and we were scared." Um, safety concerns for not only our customers, but also the employees that we have. Um, they they don't feel safe there. There's all kinds of things going on, and it's just not good. Um, it also damages the neighborhood reputation. So, my barber shop is at the corner of 24 and river.

You have one minute, ma'am. Okay. We're at the corner of 24 and river and the independence community has paid to bring that place back up and by allowing these places to be there. We're just dragging it right back down. Um, so thank you for listening. Hopefully you guys will [clears throat] get those out of here. Thank you very much. Next up is Rachel Gonzalez. And you'll have five minutes to talk about the charter. And please state your name and address, please.

My name is Rachel Gonzalez. I'm a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri. I'm here to today to talk about our city charter, specifically section 7.2, which we believe states that the registered qualified voters of the city have the power by referendum to reject ordinances passed by this council. A right that exists to ensure the people of the city are not shut out of decisions that impact their lives. Despite a court decision that we strongly disagree with, one that prevented our referendum from moving forward, the people showed up anyways. and they showed up in force. To trigger a referendum, we needed signatures from 5% of registered independence voters. And we didn't just meet that threshold, we exceeded it. We gathered and turned in 4,865 signatures. That's over 7% of registered voters. And that number doesn't even include the many residents who didn't get the opportunity to sign but share those same concerns. That is not a small group. That is not a fringe voice. That is the people of independence. And yet, despite this overwhelmingly show of engagement, the council has gone to great lengths to move forward as if those voices do not matter. The ordinance we attempted to put up to a vote of the people is the largest, most consequential decision that this city council has ever voted on. And the people have tried to tell you clearly that we believe this decision should have gone to a vote. And last night's election only reinforced that message. The voters of independence made it clear that they want leadership that listens, values transparency, and respects accountability. It was not subtle. It was a mandate. So today, I'm asking you to do what should have been done from the beginning. Listen to the

people and the clear will of your constituents. The attorney for the city stated in his remarks that the full power rests with this council. And he's right. You do have the power, which means that you also have the responsibility. the power to correct course, the power to listen, the power to act in alignment with the people you were elected to represent. You can resend the data center tax abatement ordinance and allow the voices of this community to be heard. You can make a motion to allow this to go to a vote of the people. And right now, the people of independence are watching. Thank you.

Let us vote. Next up is Elise Brightenbach and you'll have 5 minutes.

Good evening. I will not need five minutes. I It's been a long time since I've come before you guys. And actually, I have always felt like Jenny and Bryce has been my friend. And Bryce voted as he should, as Bryce has usually always voted for us. I can't talk about that. You You can talk about policy all day long, but we cannot highlight personalities just like we can't talk about anybody in the audience or anybody else, but you can talk about you're in favor of or opposed to a policy. I am in favor of everything that Rachel just said. Well, you can't even talk about Rachel. Oh my goodness. I just am pleading to you. I understand. Can I do that? Plead to Jenny vault. No,

you can't. You've just got to talk about policy. You're either in favor of the vote to the council or in favor of, you know, opposed to the vote of the council. In favor of the policy or the policy, but you can't I got this. Okay. Thank you. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I understand and you've always been very respectful. Thank you. You all have always been very respectful to me and you and and you as well. We've had a number of conversations and I've always enjoyed time. Yes, we have. So, and and I and she has not started the timer yet. So, we're you're going to get all the time you need.

It's okay. I'm Elisa Brightenbach here from Independence. I live at 1110 West Walnut Street. And I wholeheartedly believe that we the people deserve to vote. when we are voting when when something is being voted upon that's over billions and billions and billions of dollars. I don't understand how that happened the way it did. But we need to fix this and that is why I'm here tonight. And I worked the polls from 6:00 in the morning when it was freezing cold till 7 at night and I had numerous people wanting to sign [clears throat] the petition. I didn't have it. I am just pleading. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Um

uh next up is uh Steven Sullins. And Stephen, you'll have five minutes only. Only is that Marine Corps 5 minutes or city council five minutes? It is actually Suzanne Holland's five minutes and she'll [laughter] judge that. I'm going to keep my glass eye on you. [laughter]

Good evening all. Greetings. I'm Steven Sullins, Corporal, United States Marine Corps, July of 67 to June of 71. Out of a boot camp platoon of 76 men, six of us were aviation, which means uh I spent a lot of time at Naval Air Station Mill, right outside Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. during 1968. Additionally, the remaining 70 men, most of them, ended up in a little dinky town ride between North and South Vietnam called Kesan for a 77-day siege. At the 77th day, uh when the conclusion of the battle, out of the out of the 6,000 Marines, there were 168 killed and roughly uh 300 wounded. So having said that on 3 March 1776 the United States the Continental Marine Corps rather was barely 4 months old when 600 Marines Continental Marines assaulted the beaches of Bermuda. [bell]

Robert Hall

captured 404 tons of powder with only six casualties. Thus they performed the very first uh uh offensive landing in the history of the Marine Corps. I am president of the uh Independence Patriots chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. We are a lineage group. In order to belong, we have to prove that a direct bloodline ancestor fought or contributed to the American Revolution. And in my case, my mother's father uh was James Cannon in South Carolina. Fought and survived. He fought four years as a militia man, you know, wore ordinary clothes. He survived and moved to uh just north of St. Louis in 1817. So having said that then the reason why I am here uh Mayor Roland was our guest speaker at our chapter meeting last uh month and uh I might add that he was an eloquent speaker. It seems to me [snorts] that he must have some experience in public speaking I suppose. So, the reason why I'm actually here, Mayor Roland, would you may I would you come out here, sir?

But recognize I didn't approve this ahead of time. I was just told that someone else approved this to have this happen. So, we'll we'll go with it. But thank you. Thank you.

During the American Revolution, George Washington insisted his his men not salute him. But what but but what he did insist is as officers and also ladies of distinction would pass by. The reason why we didn't salute we were a protest movement. So as they passed by we were to do our hat like that. So you were an eloquent speaker and we were proud to have you at our at our meetings here. On be on behalf of those patriot ancestors who shed their blood that we might be a free nation and indeed to those patriot ancestors who gave the last measure devotion that we might be a free nation. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mayor Roy Roland is hereby awarded the certificate of appreciation [laughter] in recognition of outstanding support given to the Sons of the American Revolution. Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. [applause]

Help us. She'll send it to you. They didn't have these during the revolution. How how Oh, by the way, this is the attire those Marines wore in 1776. Support the vets, brother. YEAH. [applause] [clears throat]

OKAY. Next up is Michael Vit and you have five minutes. fire.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Michael Vit, president of IFFF Local 781, Professional Firefighters of Independence. And tonight, I come before you to talk about consent agenda item number 10 on your agendas tonight, the IFFF 781 collective bargaining agreement. I stood in front of you about 3 months ago on June on January 20th frustrated and upset because of where we were with our contract. Thankfully, with the lurk of our city administration, city finance team, and the fire administration, we've come to a collective agreement over the last couple of weeks. This has not gone unnoticed. the hard work from city administration and our finance team within this department. They spent a lot of hours on it just like the men and women of my team and on our negotiation team. I can't say thank you enough to our city administration and our finance team. Without these individuals, we wouldn't be where we are right now. Some of the highlights in our contract are not only financial, but they're also beneficial to the city as as far as when we look at operational charges. One of the big concerns that we dealt with in this contract was our overtime cost and we've actually reduced that. We've put measures inside this contract to reduce our overtime cost to make it more fair and beneficial across the board to the city. One of the things that has led to some of our operational costs and that overtime is our vacancies within our ranks as far as captains and drivers. We were strong armed. We were strong armed by that and out of no fault of anybody within the city. But the state went through and changed some of those requirements that we had to meet and it hampered us and hampered some of our members ability to be able to promote. We've gone back and and refined those with fire administration to make sure that when our members are promoting, they're qualified for those positions and that they fill those positions and that they're adequately trained. So when we put them on the streets, they're here to do their job, to manage their companies, to manage the members that

are on that crew, but more importantly make the right decisions to protect their citizens in this city. One of the other big concerns that we had was our starting firefighter pay. We were very low within our comparables across the Kansas City metro. We were able actually at a small increase to raise that starting firefighter pay to be more competitive for our recruitment and retention across the board. so that hopefully in the future as we continue to expand as a city and the fire department goes through attrition and we have to fill vacancies that we have the ability to hire new members and we want to hire the quality members that this city deserves. So I will leave you with that. Uh I will let you know that my membership has voted the last 3 days and it was an overwhelming resounding approval of this contract. So tonight you have that opportunity to vote on this contract. I would like to take a point of personal privilege, if it's okay with you, Mayor Roland, and thank interim city manager, Miss Lisa Reynolds. She's worked very hard with us over the last couple months since she's been in this position. She's been a joy to work with. I know that we've had our differences, but that's okay. We've come to the conclusions. And I'd also like to thank our finance team and our finance director, Melissa Cabrera, and our budget manager, Alex Morgan. We wouldn't be here today without those three ladies. So, thank you very much, and thank you for your time. Thank you. [clears throat] That brings us to the consent agenda.

Mayor, please proceed. Motion to approve reports and recommendations of the city manager. We've got a motion to re for the reports or recommendations of city manager. Do we have a second? Second. We've got a motion and a second. Is there anything to be pulled for separate consideration? Mr. Mayor, please proceed. I'd like to pull number 10 under the consent agenda. Okay. Council member Wy. Thank you. Consent agenda. Number 10. Council member Wy is pulling number 10 for separate consideration. Mr. Mayor, please proceed. I would like to pull item number two and item number five.

Okay. Council member B like to pull item number two and item number five. Thank you. Please proceed. I'd like to pull uh resolution 26716. Okay. Thank you very much. Council meas pulling item number 26716.

Okay. Anyone else? Mr. Mayor, please proceed. Pull item number nine. Okay. Council member Stewart wants to pull item number nine for separate consideration. Anything else for separate consideration? Going once, going twice. Anything else for separate consideration? Pardon me. I know we almost go once at a time. Uh with that being said, uh let's do a motion for the consent agenda right now and then we'll take the other items separately. Uh, madam city clerk, please call the role for the consent agenda. Council member Fears,

yes. Council member Perkins, Council Member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member Ba, yes. Mayor Roland, yes. And the consent agenda is approved. Seven in favor, zero opposed. That brings us, and if you may, Council members, give me the license just to go through the list one at a time, even though it's not the order that you requested them. Council member uh VA, item number two is up for consideration. If you could make a motion and a second and then proceed. I move to approve item number two. Thank you very much. We have a second. Second. Thank you very much. We got a motion in a second. Council member Vot, please proceed.

Okay. So, this item is what our community supported with the GO bond and [clears throat] this will be the first sidewalk to Castle Park um which is in district 4. So, I'm very excited to see this happening. Um, so madam city manager, could you um just kind of give a timeline on like walk us through it and when residents can see uh the work begin?

I'm happy to. Um so again, this is the first of the sidewalk portion of the geob projects and it um we expect to break ground miday on the Mil Creek Elementary and should be breaking ground um likely in July for Castle Park and the entire project both schools completed um around Thanksgiving. Okay, thank you for that. Thank you. Anyone else have a further discussion on item number two?

Seeing none, madam city clerk, please call the role on item number two. Council member Fears, yes. Council member Perkins, Council Member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member Ba, yes. Mayor Ruin, yes. Item number two passes. Seven in favor, zero opposed. That brings us to item number five. Council member Vot, the floor is yours. Could you please please make a motion and a second, please? I move to approve item number five. Thank you very much. Do we have a second? I second. Thank you. We've got a motion and a second. Council member Vot, please proceed.

Okay. And so this, um, is something that many residents have reached out to me concerning. Um, and I believe this is a critical step toward getting this bridge over Rock Creek replaced. Um, so to address the city manager, um, could you please explain this purchase order and what it accomplishes and how how it moves us closer to replacing that bridge. This item is a change order that's actually being required by FEMA for what it's doing with this money is performing a flood plane study. So um Federal Emergency Management Agency is requiring that we do flood plane study just because of the stability of the ground at this location. Um that has caused the initial removal of the bridge. Um this does add unfortunately timeline onto the project because of some survey work and modeling that needs to be done. Um should add approximately 2 to 3 months to the overall timeline. So looking now to have this wrapped up modeling and replacement around August to September.

Okay, great. Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion on item number five? Seeing none, Madam City Clerk, please call the role. Council member Fears, yes. Council member Perkins. Council member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA, yes. Mayor Rowan, yes. Item number five passes. Seven in favor, zero opposed. That brings us to item number nine. Council member Stewart, the floor is yours. And if you could make a motion in a second, I'd be grateful. I'll make a motion for approval on item number nine. Thank you very much. We have a second. Second.

We've got a motion and a second for item number nine. Council member Fierce or excuse me, Council Member Stewart, please proceed. Uh, madam city manager, can you give an overview of what this is, please?

Absolutely. This item effectively allows Rainbow Energy which is Uet Rainbow is part of the Independence Power Partners which is the entity that is installing new generation [clears throat] at the Blue Valley Power Plant location. This item allows for Rainbow Energy, who is in the gas market, to effectively act as SP for gas, and that would be the gas servicing the new turbines that will be installed in the generation installed by Independence Power Partners. Um, one of the primary benefits of allowing this is that while the new generation is on city property, it is technically owned by Independence Power Partners and not IPL. We are purchasing that power and capacity. This then transfers liability from the city to Rainbow Energy. For instance, if SP made a call that we needed to stop production or anything like that and we failed to relay that information quick enough, the liability rest with us. Under this, Rainbow Energy acts in that capacity and would communicate directly with SP removing that liability from the city.

That's all I had. Thank you. Anyone else have further questions on item number nine? Seeing no further discussion, Madam City clerk, please call the role. Council member Fierce, yes. Council member Perkins, Council Member Stewart, no. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA, yes. Mayor Roland, no. The item passes. Five in favor, two opposed. That brings us to number 10. Uh, Council Member Wy, if you make a motion and a second, please. The floor is yours. I move to approve number 10 under consent agenda. Second. Thank you. We've got a motion in a second for item number 10. Council member Wy, the floor is yours.

Thank you, mayor. I [clears throat] support this contract and appreciate the partnership that made it possible. I also want to thank city staff and local 781 leadership for their efforts and I also want to thank the men and women of our fire department for your dedication and your bravery. Thank you. Anyone else have further discussions? Please proceed. Question for the city manager. Please proceed. Uh madam city manager, um this is a three-year contract, correct? It is. And so can you uh just kind of elaborate on the financial impact to the city um over that three-year period?

Sure. So the financial impact is ultimately the thing that took time to work through. Um the if things remain status quo and assumptions that we factored in for budget um in working with finance office included a 1% increase to the fire sales funds sales tax funds and um fire fund of 1% increase a year over the three years of this contract. Um, ultimately, if those were the only things, this stands to put us at a deficit of $4.5 million at the end of that contract potentially.

So, you're saying at the end of the contract, there's a potential of us being in a deficit situation in that fund, $4.5 million. There is that potential. Yes. So, if we don't have other revenue sources that come in between now and then, which hopefully we do, um but if we don't, then um how would we anticipate covering those expenses?

Um a couple different options have been kicked around. Um obviously, new revenue is the first and preferred answer. Um there the fire safety sales tax by state statute is allowed to go up to 1%. is currently at a half. There would be the potential for at some point in the future looking to increase that. Um there the most severe um would be potential operational changes within fire. Um but again that would be the end of the contract and assuming things stay oh I'm sorry there is one other piece of that and that would be the slowing of capital expenditures. So, um, apparatus, um, anything over basically that $100,000 threshold that would put it into a capital improvement project category. Those would be the things looking that could potentially be slowed to shore up that shortfall. So, you're saying that if we do have uh if we if we didn't have a revenue and we um had those deficits occur that we do have a backup plan to um you know, should should we need it, then we could change operations or make other changes uh to the overall uh structure of of the um fire function in the city to cover those expenses. We would have to um as for just the benefit of the public as the council knows as well, we are required by the state to present a balanced budget. So certainly we can't operate at a deficit. We have to balance that in the end. So yes, we would have to find some way to shore up that deficit.

Okay. Well, um thank you for that explanation. You know, I appreciate this. Um, I certainly, um, you know, it's hard to, uh, support a a plan that has a $4.5 million deficit in a three-year time frame without plans to, uh, counteract that should we need to. So, uh, I appreciate that information. You know, having those backup plans lets me feel more comfortable with supporting that. So, I appreciate that. Thank you.

Anyone else? Please proceed. Just for clarity on your option two, which would be to increase the fire sales tax from half% to 1%. We would have to go to a vote of the people for anything that we do that increases taxes in any way. Just yes, that that would absolutely have to be a valid issue. And again, down the road, that's not something that any timeline has been put to, but an option. Okay. Thank you very much. Anyone else other further discussions on this? Mr. Mayor, please proceed.

Thank you. Just want to say a quick thanks to Mr. Beat and his negotiating team and also the hours that Lisa and Melissa and Alex put in to run the different scenarios and different challenges that um that we looked at a lot of work on everybody's part. Yep. Thank you. Please proceed.

I I just want to go back to the action plan which has been one of the things that has helped to guide the work of the council as we've moved as we've moved forward and addressing fire overtime so that we can do much more responsible budgeting and plan for what our expenditures are. That was a big piece of our of our action plan. So much gratitude to the firefighters for being willing to work with us to find uh a way that we can do that kind of projection so we can be smart about the way we budget. So thank you. And madam city clerk, do you mind if I call the chief forward and, you know, get his thoughts on the the the or excuse me, madam city manager, uh, do you mind if I ask the fire chief to come forward and just get his thoughts on on that? And I I hope we're still friends.

Chief Walker, would you please come forward? and and because I know this is going to be you're you're going to be the the tip of the spear handling this one and I know you want to be you want to go to a hockey game and I'm keeping you from that. First off, I would like to thank you for calling me up in front of everyone dressed as I am. So, usually [laughter] I am slightly more professional. Uh but can I give you I I I can give you a depth. Uh I can't I haven't pardoned anybody as mayor, but I will pardon you for your dress because you want to go to the hockey game and I'm keeping you from it. I I I am having my staff is at the hockey game right now, but I came here to answer any question. And thank you for doing that. So, uh I'm sorry I asked you a question again because I was slightly

Yeah. Just hopefully it doesn't happen that we have a deficit. But if it does, how you know what's kind of your game plan for dealing with that going forward? So, I know it's a tough decision. It's a tough decision. First off, I have to say that uh I did support our pay increases for firefighters to keep us competitive in the region because we have had a recruiting retention issue. So, this helps us uh fulfill that goal is what we have. So, uh you know, we do we are looking at reducing our over we have reduced our overtime costs. Uh there are other things we can reduce some of our capital expenditures. Uh obviously, we have a bond for our fire stations. So that won't be uh that's already locked in. But we part of our sales tax monies are being used for uh replace fleet replacement which as the council knows uh and for the citizens who don't one fire truck can cost anywhere between$1 to $2 million. So if uh in the worst case scenario we are put in that position we can defer some of those because we have replaced uh 90% of our fleet as of right now and we have a plan moving forward. So pushing that off by a year or two would not uh impact our services uh greatly.

Okay. So that that's that in the short term that's your your stop gap for that is our stop gap. And as I said we are we're on track right now to purchase two new fire trucks a year. So that right there could be $2 million right off the top. Okay. And if we continue with our overtime reduction as we've seen we could in another one to $2 million per year with that. So with that being the case, you may in fact on an optimistic case not not foresee this issue if in fact all of those projections go forward in a positive way. I'd like to be an optimist. So I do I am optimistic that these things could happen. We always prepare for the worst. That's our line of work. [clears throat] Uh but uh we we have taken all those all those things into consideration and we have a plan moving forward.

Okay. Very good. I just want to say thank you. I know it's a tough question. I knew you had the answer to that and that's why I wanted to bring you up there to to to share with everyone that there's a game plan for that and that we didn't act irresponsibly as a as a as a council working with the fire and all that to make sure that we we handled this in an appropriate and responsible way. Anything else? Thank you. Yeah. And I think you're free to go to the hockey game. Oh, I'll wait. You'll wait. All right. Very good. So, very good. Anyone else? Other further discussions? Seeing no further discussion, Madam City clerk, please call the role. Council member Fears. Yes. Council member Perkins, Jimmy, I guarantee he's gonna get called up. I know. I'm sorry. Say that one more time. Thank you. Council member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA,

yes. Mayor, yes. And item number 10 passes. Seven in favor, zero opposed. [applause] I know they did that just to just to get my attention. Thank you. Uh, Council Member Mccandless, uh, the floor is yours for 26716.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, parks director Morris Heidi came and talked to us a little bit about the parks master plan. Uh, it's a monster. You can tell how much work went into this. Um, it is a roadmap for the next several years. We have really starved our park system because of the difficulty of our budgets. And so this is really trying to remediate a great deal of that deferred maintenance and deferred investment especially for our young families who are coming in. And I would be neglectful if I didn't say and the pickle ball enthusiasts who I think would be happy if we put pickle ball courts everywhere in the city. Um but that that aside um because of the complexity of this and because of our limited funds um I hope that in the future Mr. Morris will come back and present us with a priority list so that we can understand how [clears throat] those will be invested in over time and what that implementation plan will look like if there is not money. Um, I know there's a difficult piece in here talking about alternative structures for the historic sites. Uh, that really is a discussion piece, which is how is it best that those are held? Are they best held in trust? Are they best held in a nonprofit arrangement? Are they best held by the city or in a hybrid partnership between the two? Uh, I appreciate that. Looking at that is is something to uh consider. historic tax credits that are issued by the state. They're limited in what entities they can go to. So, just trying to be sure we have the dollars to come in to invest in our historic spaces because we've they cost a lot of money. They are old buildings. It takes a lot to invest in them. Uh absolute kudos to the Veil

Mansion and to the Bingham who have done their own fundraising to be able to replace windows. You may see the boarded up windows at the Veil Mansion now. Uh, but it takes more to keep those buildings alive than the amount of fundraising that we're able to do. So, I appreciate that. But because I will not be here to implement this plan, I'm going to choose to abstain from the vote on this particular issue. So, I will make a motion for approval. Thank you very much. Is there a second? Second. Thank you very much. Any further discussion on 26716? Seeing none, madam city clerk, please call the role. Council member Fierce, yes. Council member Perkins,

Council Member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless is abstaining. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA, yes. Marilyn, yes. 26716 passes. Six in favor, one abstension. And that brings us to our regular agenda. And this is [clears throat] a And madam city clerk, please proceed. 26-020 second reading an ordinance amending chapter 12 of the code of ordinances of the city of independence Missouri by adding a new article prohibiting the sale of certain intoxicating derivatives and re and restricting the sale of cratom products to persons 21 years of age or older sponsored by mayor Roland second reading.

Thank you [clears throat] madam interim city manager. I know you gave me the amendments and they are in my car. So, uh, Lindsay, do you have the amendments? You do. Oh, you are the best. I don't have them now, though.

I I'll bring it back. I'll bring it back. So, thank you very much. Okay. This item. So basically the summary of this we've seen around the country where there have been situations where people use 7 hydroxy and there have been deaths involved with that. This is not a bill that bansratom as we know it but it will in check in fact do a couple of things. It will change the fact that we sell uh we'll raise the age of someone who can buy to the age of 21. We're also going to make it like cigarettes in the city of independence where it will be sold behind the counter. Right now you can grab them and you can just grab it off the shelf. So it'll be behind the counter. So that's uh that's the [clears throat] essence of it as I understand it. Uh counselor, is there anything I'm missing from your perspective that needs to be addressed? Am I am I missing the overview or the oversight? I I think the only thing is that the um requirement for them to be behind behind a wall is actually an amendment that would need to be made.

Right. Yes. And I need to I've got the two amendments on this item and I'll offer them now. And if I understand correctly, we have this discussion. It is okay to offer both the amendments simultaneously. Is that correct? Or should I do them both one at a time? It either way is fine. If you'd like to do both or if there's um you know various opinions on the two different ones, it might be easier to have a separate vote. But whatever you prefer.

I'll probably go with a separate vote just so it makes it easy. So, uh, one amendment is and the health commission met on this a couple of times um, at the request of council member McCandless and they had a robust discussion about it. They did in fact approve it uh, last I think last week or or two weeks ago and they made a couple of recommendations and so uh, this is one of the amendments to it. Whereas the council finds it the public interest require retailers to sell cratrum products to obtain a business license endorsement to ensure the compliance with state and local regulations. So it's it's basically saying they need to be able to have a license to sell it as if I'm hearing that correctly. Correct.

Okay. So that's the amendment that I propose. Anyone have any discussion on that amendment? And mayor, actually if if that is a recital that you just mentioned, so it might be better to actually discuss the um section change. Uh it's just a Okay. So mention section the section numbers rather than just the whereas correct. Yes.

Okay. Thank you very much for that. Okay. It'll be section 12.10.081ratom business license endorsement fee. Any person as defined in section 1210.010 who sells or offers the sale of products within the city of Shaol obtain an annual business license endorsement fee as part of the chapter 5 of the city code. The annual fee of theratom retail endorsement shall be $500. No person shall shout products without first obtaining the endorsed prescribed section. Am I correct in that? And my question is I know uh madam city manager we discussed this. Do we need to hold that section for consideration to make sure that we clear the Hancock consideration?

That would be staff's preference. Yes. Um I know that Kansas City has a that exact fee. Um we would just need to verify that it actually truly cost us that to enforce it. Okay. And then could apply the fee. But we um we can either have site the potential to have an endorsement fee or an endorsement to the business license at a later date um and not prescribe the fee amount currently. Um or we can bring the business license endorsement [laughter] back at a later date and only discuss the keeping it behind the counter amendment. Okay. Today. Councelor, what's your recommendation? Well, I know I'm putting you on the spot, so sorry.

No, that's okay. Um I I would also prefer that we um hold back the business.

I'll withdraw the amendment. We'll move on. So, the second one was uh section 12. So I withdrew the amendment uh 12.10.081. I'm offering this amendment section 122.10.031. Storage and display of cratom products. Allratom products are defined as section 12.10.010. Shall be stored behind the counter and another secured area. Restricted access location. Not accessible to customers without employee assistance. Retailers should not place creative products in self-service display areas. vending machines or any location where customers may handle such products prior to the point of sale. So that's the amendment. Um can I get a second please?

Thank you. We've got a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this amendment of storage the creative products behind the counter. See no further discussion. Madam city clerk, please call the role on the amendment. Council member Fierce. Yes. Council member Perkins. Council member Stewart. Yes. Council member McCandless. Yes. Council member Wy. Yes. Council member VA. Yes. Mayor Roland.

Yes. And the amendment section 12.10.031 uh passes. Seven in favor, zero opposed. And we [clears throat] are not offering section 12.10.081. We'll consider that at a later date to be added. And then uh with that being said, anybody have any discussion? A question on the the amendment that you did not make. Does that mean that without that that they don't have to have a business license?

They would have a business license, but this is a special license just to sell them. So they'd have a every business would have to have business license, but they just this would be a b a license that's separate just to sell if we in fact offered that. But the concern is that we may in fact be violating Hancock as I understand it. And so we need to do a little bit of study first to to understand that if I'm correct.

So they would pay their our typical business license fee as it stands. Um this isn't wasn't intended to be a separate license as much as an endorsement on a business license. And the intent is to have um a revenue stream for enforcement. But again, just needs a little vetting on on our end on staff side. Thank you to help answer your question. Thank you. Anyone else have the further questions? Mr. Mayor, please proceed. Um, if this passes, how soon does it go in into effect? Um, that would be in 10 days after after it would be passed. It's not an emergency ordinance.

Okay. So, I fully support the ordinance. My only concern is that once it goes into effect, are we giving the businesses enough time to comply? Um, so would there be Can you lean into the microphone a little bit better? Yeah, I'm concerned. Would it be 10 days is not really I mean we're going to have to notify the business as this is coming. I'm concerned that it would not give them enough time to comply. Is there an easy way to extend that to maybe like 30 days? Sure, we could make that. You could make that motion to do that to have a different effective date or it could be just as simple as you know directing staff to give people some time to come into compliance.

Okay. So, do I cuz how would I make the motion? I guess I mean do I do anything to pass and then I make the motion or how does that work? If I can make a recommendation, I would entertain an amendment to make this go into effect 30 days after passage day. So we can extend the daytime if I'm correct the date of interaction of action for it to go into effect from 10 days to 30 days and we can just we can add that as amendment. So if you'd offer that amendment I'll be happy to second it and then we'll make it 30 days from today to put into effect. Okay. That's the amendment I'll offer that it goes into effect 30 days after passage. Okay. So we have an amendment and that's your motion. Yes.

And I'll second it. We've got a motion to make this ordinance go into effect 30 days after passage, which is today. So, any discussion on the amendment? Mr. Mayor, please proceed. Um, I wonder if Council Member Stewart would accept a friendly amendment to extend that to 60 days. The reason I bring that up is we have asked them to add shelving to be able to have this behind the counter and that could take them some time to find a contractor etc to make that possible. So I feel as though an extended implementation period makes sense. Okay, I'll make a motion. You'll amend your motion? Amend my motion to 60 days.

And I will second the amendment amended motion. And now we have a 60 days and that's a a good recommendation. And thank you, council member. Anyone else other further discussions on 60 days extension time period before this goes into effect? Any further discussion? Madam City clerk, please call the role on the 60-day extension before it goes into effect. Council member Fears, yes. Council member Perkins, yes. Council member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA, yes. Mayor Roland,

yes. And that is the amendment to make the active date of this ordinance 60 days from today. Uh any further discussion on the ordinance as it stands? Please proceed.

Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. I am the council designate to the advisory board of health and I just want to bring up a few items that will require followup on this. The first was that the advisory I'm [clears throat] sorry the advisory board of health retained their interest in watching outcomes amongratom as well. This ordinance is to restrict this 708 metitrogene butratom itself there are questions being raised about its safety and at this point we are saying [clears throat] that other than age restriction there are no other restrictions on so I'm just putting a reminder for us to keep an eye on that data in case we need to make an amendment the second was that the group had some concerns about enforcement uh and how we would go about doing that. And they had asked for the board of uh for the director of the department to see how the 22 states who have some restriction on this, how they have gone about their enforcement protocol. And so that information is to come back to the board of health. And so if that will be shared with the full council so that they can make adjustments if need be. And then the third was just a concern that there are several pieces of legislation moving at the state house which could completely modify this ordinance since we would have to be in compliance with state law and that attorney general Hannah has been initiating lawsuits against some of the manufacturers of 70 and there could be court decisions that come out that modify this as well. So I just put those as reminders for council to pay attention to in the future. So thank you very much.

No, thank you and and that is absolutely right that those were the concerns of the health commission. So I agree completely and thank you for bringing that to our attention. Anyone else other further discussion? No further discussion. Madame city clerk, please call the role on if I can find the ordinance number. It is 2602. Thank you very much. Council member Fears. Yes. Council member Perkins. Council member Stewart. Yes. Council member McCandless. Yes. Council member Wy. Yes. Council member Vot. Yes.

Mayor Roland. Yes. And the ordinance passes seven in favor and zero [clears throat] opposed. Madam City, clerk, please proceed.

26-025, second reading, an ordinance finding, determining, and declaring the necessity of acquiring general utility easements for the 39th Street and Independent Center signal design portion of the traffic system improvements project. Project number 112602. Authorizing the negotiation and eminent domain proceedings if necessary. Approving the plans and specifications for the project. Authorizing the use of experts as needed. Authorizing and directing the execution of documents and the payment of funds to property owners or others holding property rights in conjunction with the project. Second reading.

Thank you. Any further discussions on 26025? Any further discussion? Seeing none, Madam City clerk, please call the role in 26025. Council member Fers, yes. Council member Perkins, [clears throat] yes. Council member Stewart, yes. Council member McCandless, yes. Council member Wy, yes. Council member VA, yes. Mayor Roland,

yes. 26025 passes. Seven in favor, zero opposed. Madam City Clerk, this brings us to first readings. Please proceed. 26-026 first reading an ordinance authorizing the submission of the program years 2026 20 2030 consolidated plan citizen participation plan in the fiscal year 202627 annual action plan for the CDBG and home programs to the US department of housing and urban development authorizing applications for CDBG and home program funds authorizing execution of a written agreement and acceptance of federal funds and making the necess necessary appropriations first reading. Mr. Mayor, please proceed.

Um it's my understanding we need to have do an amendment on this uh particular ordinance. Um these it was drafted with estimates in terms of the dollar values. And so um I'm prepared to read the actual dollar values as they've been updated uh for these programs. And which item is that? It's the one that she just read. 26 26 yeah 26026 right thank you

um so um under CDBG uh program administration would go to 182,75380 housing would go to property maintenance code compliance $195,000 minor home repair would go to 413,8688 8. [cough] Public services would go to $137,65.35. Under the home um category, uh program administration would go to 550 $50,69048. Community housing development organization would go to $76,35.72. CHDO operating funds would go to $25,34524 and single and multifamily housing projects would go to 354,83340. And so I make those changes as a motion to amend.

Thank you very much. Do we have a second? Second. Okay. Think we've got a motion and a second to amend 26026. Any discussion on the amendments? Seeing none disc no discussions on the amendments and this is a first reading. So we'll just uh vote on the amendment and we will actually vote on the ordinance or excuse me the we'll actually vote on it the ordinance at the uh the next meeting. So madam city clerk please call the role on the amendments. Council member Fears. Yes. Council member Perkins. I'm sorry. Could you say that one more time? Council member Stewart, yes. Council member McCainless, yes. Council member Wy,

yes. Council member Vaude, yes. Mayor Roland, yes. 26026, first reading is amended and we will uh do the second reading at the next meeting. Please proceed, Madam City Clerk.

26-027. First reading, an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a monetary donation to the George Owens Nature Park to establish a butterfly garden. First reading 26-028. First reading. An ordinance binding, determining, and declaring the necessity of acquiring temporary construction easements in rideway for the 23rd Street M78 highway. Complete streets phase 1 project number one 111211. Authorizing the negotiation and eminent domain proceedings if necessary. Approving the plans and specifications for the project. Authorizing the use of experts as needed. Authorizing and directing the execution of documents in the payment of funds to property owners or others holding property rights in conjunction with the project. First reading 26-029, first reading. An ordinance approving a reasonzoning from district C2 general commercial and district I1 Industrial to District HSQ historic square for the city-owned properties located near Truman Road and Nolan Road, Lexington Avenue and Memorial Drive on Lexington Avenue and Lind Street. First reading 26, excuse me, 26-030. First reading, an ordinance authorizing the city of Independence, Missouri to issue its taxable industrial development revenue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $2 billion and authorizing certain documents and actions in [clears throat] connection therewith. First reading 26-031 first reading an ordinance amending chapter 1 article 16 of the code of ordinances of the city of Independence Missouri by adding a code of ethics first reading

Mr. Mayor please proceed. Um may I ask a question of the city manager on 26030. Please proceed. Okay. So, madame city manager, it does not um give enough detail just for the audience to understand what these revenue bonds are for. And this so my understanding is this is all for the utility side of the equation. These will be used for the improvements and combustion turbines. Is that correct? Yes, it's for the construction of them. Okay. Thank you very much. Any questions or discussions? Any other first readings?

There you go. [cough and clears throat] Uh, it's just for the council member, sir. Fours. Um, council member Fierce, the floor is yours for council member comments. Good afternoon tonight, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Uh, council member Stewart, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a couple of things. Um, the first thing I have, so we had a public speaker bring up the gambling machines and we did an entire study session on these things and at the time there were some lawsuits going on and we didn't really know if we could enforce it. And then a few months ago, I I asked in a city council meeting, I asked the city attorney at that time if anything had changed, are we able to enforce it? Cuz I'm pretty sure that Jackson County is doing some enforcement measures on these. So, um, madame city manager, do you have any update on this or maybe the city councelor does?

Not a significant update, but I will say yes, there has been, um, uh, courts that have found that that is um, not allowed. So, we can come back with a suggested ordinance if you would like or any other further information at a later date. I think we already have an ordinance in place. So, I mean, is just something we can start enforcing? I guess that would be the question. Sure. We would have to look at the ordinance and at the um at the orders of the court too, but we can look into that.

Okay. Um the second thing is earlier today there was uh there was an article with a local media source um that was talking about a separation agreement with a former employee and it stated they were still being paid even though they were resigned in 2025. Um I don't really have a question about that specifically, but generally um when a separation agreement is done, who's responsible for doing that for any type of separation agreement where an employee would be paid beyond their [clears throat and snorts] resignation date? Who would be responsible for putting that agreement in place? Do you the council would approve that sort of agreement?

The city manager. the it for matters of personnel, the city manager has has been that person to prepare that and approve it. Okay. So, the would the city council have any authority to change that or modify it? The city council, it wasn't brought to the city council at that time. I'm just talking about in general. They're usually not.

No, I mean that's considered a matter of personnel. And if it were an agreement for the city manager because the city manager is the council's direct employee as is the management analyst um and the city clerk um those Yes. Um but operational personnel would be under the responsibility and management of the city manager. Okay. Thank you. Uh one more thing. Um, so it's coming to my attention that where they're doing the grading at Little Blue Farley and 78 Highway, there's been a whole bunch of dust storms out there. I guess you would describe them as that. I've seen the videos and madam city manager, I know I sent you these videos,

you know, a couple hours before the meeting. Um, so I I'm sure you don't have time to, you know, haven't had time to do anything with it yet, but you know, I I think we need to, if there's any way to mitigate that at all, we need to try to figure out a way. And I I have actually forwarded that along to municipal services to have their environmental division go take a look and see what can be done. Okay. And I'll report back as soon as I find out. Okay. That's all I have. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Vot. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so there's a lot of things happening in the fourth district that are pretty exciting. Two of them were on the agenda tonight. Um, but I also want to mention that on Tuesday, April 14th from 7 to 8 at the Gathering Baptist Church at 455 South Nolan Road, Triland Properties will be holding a community information event regarding the future of Nolan Fashion Square. [clears throat] Triilland first discussed this project at a study session in September, and I know many residents are eager to see um that area revitalized and thriving again. So, um, TriLand's founder and president, Richard Dubbie, and other team members will talk attendees through the plan for major site improvements, including the reconfiguration of existing structures, the addition of new buildings, and new tenants, significant facade, parking, sidewalk, and signage renovations, and new high impact landscaping and lighting. The developer will also share how the newly redeveloped shopping center will serve as both economic an economic engine and positive example for future development. So that is next Tuesday evening. If you are interested, come ask questions. I encourage you to attend that. Um so you can learn what that plan is about. And then also last Thursday morning, Bali's Travel Center held their groundbreaking ceremony. This is an exciting project for our community and a great investment along the I7 and Nolan Road corridor. Um, this project brings new jobs, new energy, and new opportunities for that area. Um, and I want to thank staff for all the work that went into moving that forward. And then lastly, um, last week there was an open house for the rebuilding of Fire Station 5 at that's at the corner of 35th and Noland. Um, there should be one more open house, but I don't have that date yet. But I do encourage also

residents to attend when it's announced and take a look at that plan. The current station is expected to be torred down sometime in August with an 18-month buildout for that new station. Um, this is an important investment in public safety and the firefighters who serve our community every day, and I'm excited to see that finished station. Um, and that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you very much, Council Member Wy. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Mayor. I have a couple things tonight. Um, I am the city liaison for the Independence Housing Authority. We had our monthly meeting recently and um, we were told that we were awarded five VASH vouchers. Um, VASH vouchers are veteran affairs supportive housing. So, um, this will, uh, support five veterans that are experiencing houselessness. Um, and Independence Housing Authority will be in charge of their housing vouchers and then they work with the VA on supportive services and programming. So, it's a really great program. Um, we're hoping that we'll start with five and it'll grow. um the Independence Housing Authority, the leadership is great, the staff is great, they've they're working really hard, and um this was a a really big win for them. They're really excited about it. And then um through the animal welfare committee that I'm the the um city le liaison for, we had decided that um we really needed to form a nonprofit um to go along to to fill some holes for the shelter. So, so one has been formed. It's called Friends of the Independence Animal Shelter and um it's just started, very new, but we are having our first event on June 7th at the Uptown Market. It's called Papert Paparazzi and um it's going to be an event with food and drinks and um you can bring your dog. There's a red carpet. We'll have vendors there. So, still figuring out exactly what it's going to look like, but um we're hoping to raise some money so that we can do things like humane education for kids, um spayneuter days, anything [clears throat] that um that we can do to help out the shelter. So, I'm going to be um posting that event on my Facebook page this week. And

that's all. Thank you, Council Member McCandless. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, a question for madame city manager. We have a small space in here and sometimes there's not quite enough room and I know that these are temporary chambers for us. Can you give an estimated time when the actual council chambers will be available?

Our first meeting is currently anticipated to be in the new chamber on the uh for the May 18th regular council meeting. Okay, great. Thank you. Uh, and then one other time question. Um, there's a little interest in the bridges on Kentucky Road and also Lexington Chrysler Bridge. Can you give us any updates on when we would anticipate that starting? Well, now I will have no comments when you ask later. Um, but yes, so the Kentucky Bridge over Mil Creek is actively under construction. Um, just as again recap, I'll do my comments now, I guess. Um the geo bond was approved in April. Um the actual first round of funds was issued to the city in October and then of course October being the close of construction season. Um everything was held bid but then work was held through the winter to start in the spring. So work has started this week on the Kentucky Avenue Bridge over Mil Creek and we are anticipating um the Chrysler starts soon as well. We don't have an exact date that does have to um be coordinated with the railroad in that instance but they are to run concurrently. It is not that one will be finished and then they begin the other and that's still tracking um for a fall completion. And then obviously the sidewalks approved this evening and geobond overlay [clears throat] is the active overlay project that's currently going on. So that is very exciting. We're doing um more of it. [cough] We're doing what we would typically do in an entire year of pavement maintenance all in overlay. So more than double our typical overlay effort. That's fantastic. As I was out wandering around in Independence, I saw multiple streets that had already been milled and are getting ready to have overlays, some of them that haven't been touched in a

very, very long time. So, that's just exciting. So, when you think about your geo bond, those are the things that uh they are doing. So, tip of the hat to Mr. Jackson and the team in the back there who oversees those projects. And then my last is uh in appreciation to IPL for working on the lie heap uh application. So lie heap is how federal dollars are used to supplement very often our seniors and impoverished for their utility bills and it's a partnership that we administer through independence power and light. uh and it's a complicated process and there are many rules both at the state level and how we administer it through um federal regulations. So they're working on making that easier. So if you will pass my appreciation on for that thank you very much. That's all I have tonight, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you, Council Member Council Member Perkins, the floor is yours with you tonight, mayor. Very good. And um I was going to if I may, interim city manager, madam city manager, um is there any way we can put some signage on these projects to let people know that this is their geo bonds at work? We do actually have some new signage already in place at Kentucky Bridge and plan to put them as we go along at those sites throughout town so they can be marked as geob projects. Okay. Anyway, we can paint it on the streets when we do it. the uh you know in the neighborhoods

time of year will um effectively dictate whether it is geobond project or whether it's our regular pavement maintenance. So our our pavement maintenance program is obviously the smaller of the two. So that will be the fall effort and there will be a short break in between the geobond overlay every year and the annual pavement maintenance that's done through the street sales tax just so we have that distinction from one to the other. Um but yes, every spring iteration of overlay spring into summer will be that larger geo bond packet and for these five years that we'll be doing the overlay with the geo bond dollars and then um the smaller shorter window of time in the fall will be your annual pavement maintenance program.

Okay, very good. Uh we talked about this earlier. You're probably going to probably going to get in big trouble for this.

Uh Nibius obviously is making a huge investment in our city. 155 billion. One of my great regrets is that we didn't ask for something more. And so I'm asking now and I made phone calls today to try to get the Nibius representatives and I didn't. So I'll just make it now and they'll certainly hear about it. But one of the things this community needs is a community center in the worst possible way. If they're getting the rights to have $155 billion investment here and we help them float those bonds and use our good name and our credit to do that, my my ask is could we ask them to invest up to $200 million of that 155 billion, which is a fraction of it, for a worldclass recreation center that they also operate and pay for the operations or use that $200 million in a trust fund to set that aside so we could build a recreation center and then have that money set aside to manage the operations for 20 years. That way, I think we would

operation. I realize the deal's done. They could say no, but I think it's an opportunity to show some incredible goodwill for our community. Um, so anyway, that's my ask. It's a public ask. Uh, and I'm probably going way out of bounds, but I'm willing to do that cuz, you know, why not do a Hail Mary when you only got two meetings left and this is it. So, with that being said, any further discussions? You have anything else you want to add? I don't have anything else this evening. Thank you. Okay. Anyone else before we wrap up? With that being said, we'll call the meeting adjourned.

[laughter]

the 23rd Street. I see a bunch of stuff on Facebook. crazy