Citizens Seek Information on Cross Creek Trail Plans

The Citizen Participation portion of the June 25 th Board of Aldermen meeting agenda was dominated by concerns regarding the Cross Creek Trail. City Administrator Ryan Hunt explained that the City sold approximately 45 acres of land near the creek to Terra Technologies, Inc. in 2013 as a part of a plan to build park trails in the area. Hunt indicated that the area is undergoing a 3 to 5 year process to eliminate native species and prepare the area to build trails.

Resident Debbie Jones reported that while she understands the land is not theirs, she and her husband had taken steps over the years to beautify the Creek property behind their home, adding trees and grass to create a park-like atmosphere. Jones and other residents are concerned by the lack of progress in the area and lack of communication on the part of the land owner, Terra Technologies, Inc.

Hunt assured Jones and other residents who spoke about the issue that a request has been made to Terra Technologies to have a representative attend the next Park Board meeting on July 17 th .

Other Business:

Alderman Coleman discussed the need for a new City logo and branding identify. Coleman explained that based on a similar project

completed by the school district, the estimated budget for a rebranding, including an updated website would be approximately $10,000.

City Administrator Ryan Hunt identified additional cooperative resources through Mid America Regional Counsel (MARC) and other membership organizations to which the City belongs that could be helpful in completing a rebranding project. Alderman West suggested seeking citizen input regarding such a project.

While Coleman did not disagree that citizen input is important, he cited a consultant who recently evaluated Grain Valley and other surrounding communities in terms of their site selection appeal to prospective businesses, finding the City’s current branding materials to be weak. Mayor Todd suggested seeking out a variety of proposals from vendors for future discussion.

Liquor license approvals: Grain Valley Partnership JY Amigo’s Inc. El Tequilazo Cocina & Cantina LLC

Liquor license renewals for 2018-

2019: Valley Pub & Patio Casey’s General Store #2209 Casey’s General Store #2808 Casey’s General Store #3325 Cosentino’s Price Chopper #325 Discount Liquor and Smokes

Dollar General Store #9597 EIE, LLC dba Whiskey Tango Grain Valley Truck Stop & Food Center dba Conoco Travel Center

Impact Motor Sports, LLC dba Valley Speedway

The Crow’s Nest Saloon, LLC dba Charley’s Roadhouse

The Board also approved a $40,000 allotment to the Grain Valley Partnership, the third payment of a 3-year agreement to support economic development

efforts.

During individual Alderman reports, Alderman Coleman indicated that speeding continues to be an issue along Hedgewood Drive in the Rosewood Hills subdivision. He asked if an additional speed bump could be installed, or if patrols could be added in the neighborhood.