Board Approves 2019 Budget, Appoints Chief of Police in Final Meeting of 2018

The Board of Alderman voted to approve the 2019 budget during a brief final meeting for the year on December 10 th . The budget, estimating revenues at $4,161,133, includes $300,000 under Capital Projects to engage 3 architectural firms to develop plans for a new Grain Valley Civic Complex at the former Sni-A-Bar farm property owned by the City.

Work will include designing the complex, finalizing cost information for the project, and engaging the public in the process through public hearings and community engagement.

City employee compensation was also on the agenda, with an ordinance to establish the 2019 Full and Part-time pay scales tabled. City Administrator Ryan Hunt requested the item be tabled until they have completed the compensation implementation schedule.

The Mayor requested that a 2.6% cost of living adjustment effective January 1 st be approved, and the motion was unanimously approved.

The board voted down a proposal to authorize the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Springsted Waters for executive search services at the cost of $24,500 for the purpose of recruitment services to select and appoint a Chief of Police. The use of classified advertising in August did not produce any candidates for the position.

Following the public meeting, the Board voted during an Executive Session to appoint Interim Chief James Beale as Chief of Police effective immediately.

Election filing for the April 2019 election began on December 11 th and will end on January 15 th . One seat will be open in each of the City’s three wards. Ward 1 Alderman Bamman, Ward 2 Alderman Totton, and Ward 3 Alderman Coleman’s seats will be on the ballot this year. Aldermen serve two-year terms.

Those interested in becoming a candidate for the position of Alderman must be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident living in the City for at least one year before his/her election. Additionally, interested parties should also be a resident of the Ward from which he or she is elected.

In other business, Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported the Community Center will change its opening time from 5:30am to 8:00am effective January 1, 2019.

The next meeting of the Board of Alderman will be held at City Hall on January 14 th at 7:00pm.