The Friday Newsflash - March 27, 2026

The Big Takeaways - March 24, 2026
The Board of Aldermen met in work session Tuesday evening. Assistant to the PW Director Mayra Toothman presented on the projects that were submitted for the MARC Grant applications. Assistant City Administrator Gina Pate presented on downtown parking and provided updates regarding the Wayfinding Signage Project. Chief of Police Jason Lockridge presented on the temporary alcohol sales provisions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Please find the meeting materials and video linked. 

In Regular Session, the Board of Aldermen took the following action:

  • Approved the March 3, 2026, Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes
  • Approved the March 3, 2026, Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes 
  • Approved the Financial Report for February 2026
  • Approved a Resolution accepting the transfer of property from First Christian Church for the Riverwalk Trail Project
  • Approved a Resolution acknowledging grant application submission of grant applications to the MidAmerica Regional Council for Streetscape Phase IV and Eagle Parkway Trail Phase I
  • Approved a  Resolution 1562, Temporary Liquor License – Chops BBQ for Adult Easter Egg Hunt 
  • Approved a Resolution acknowledging the purchase of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s) for the high service pumps at the water treatment plant
  • Approved a Resolution approving a water and wastewater leak adjustment request for Rachel Steffen in the amount of $62.67
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance changing the zoning classifications or districts of certain lands located in the City of Smithville, Missouri
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance amending the FY2026 Budget to add $18,050 to the General Fund, $48,849.30 to the Combined Water and Wastewater Fund expenditure budget, and $183,578 to the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance adding Section 340.250 to the Municipal Code relating to hands-free driving
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute the Range Use Agreement with the City of Excelsior Springs, Missouri
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance authorizing the City to enter into a Labor Agreement with West Central Missouri Regional Lodge #50 of the Fraternal Order of Police Representing the Non-Supervisory Bargaining Unit
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance authorizing the City to enter into a Labor Agreement with West Central Missouri Regional Lodge #50 of the Fraternal Order of Police Representing the Supervisory Bargaining Unit
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance approving the Shared Roads Agreement with Clay County and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement
  • Approve a Resolution authorizing payment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operations and maintenance at Smithville Lake in the amount of $48,849.30
  • Approved a Resolution awarding Bid No. 26-03, awarding Bid No. 26-03 to Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC for the strategic plan update in the amount of $68,050
  • Approved a Resolution approving expenditure for sanitary sewer flow meters in the amount not to exceed $34,689
  • Re-appointed Erika Winston to the Clay County Extension Council
Please find the City Administrator's Report linked here. 

Please find the meeting materials and video linked here.

Dates to Remember  

Community Engagement Updates
  • The Annual Police Department Report can be found HERE
  • SPR Sponsorship Opportunities are here! For more information visit www.smithvillemo.org/sponsor
  • Sign up for our Parks & Rec monthly newsletter HERE
  • Mid-America Reginal Council (MARC) is accepting project submissions for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Connected KC 2050. While this is not a request for funding, inclusion in the MTP is a required step before any project can later be considered for financial support. The City intends to submit two proposed projects, planned for fiscal years 2029–2030 and we would like you to share your feedback on these projects! 
    smithvillemo.org/feedback
Police Department Updates
The Smithville Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the residents of Smithville for the passage of Proposition P in April 2025. Thanks to your support, we are already delivering on the commitments made to our community.

In partnership with the Board of Aldermen, City Management, and the Fraternal Order of Police, the department has successfully reached new contract agreements with both bargaining units representing our Police Officers and Sergeants. These agreements became effective after the approval from the Board of Aldermen on March 24. Pay adjustments will become effective on April 5.

As promised, these agreements represent a significant step forward in maintaining competitive police compensation, with a starting salary of $65,000 and lateral transfer opportunities of up to $84,800, depending on experience.
  • Strengthening recruitment
  • Retaining experienced officers
  • Delivering on Proposition P commitments
This is exactly what Proposition P was designed to do, support our officers, strengthen the department, and help keep Smithville a safe place to live. We remain committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to share our progress with the community.

Thank you again for your continued trust and support of the Smithville Police Department.

 Senior Center Updates
  • We’ve had a great week celebrating at the Senior Center with fantastic attendance
  • 21 participants at Line Dancing Monday
  • Sounds bath hosted by fitness instructor Constance Scott on Tuesday
  • A packed house at our 2nd annual Spring Fling on Wednesday with a special performance by the Northland Prairie Dulcimer Club
  • Thanks to Matthew West with Alliance Medicare Advisors for sponsoring and calling Super Bingo this week
  • Pool tournament kicks off Friday vying for the coveted Senior Center trophy!
  • March Activity Calendar

Project Updates
Current projects can be found on our website at Smithville, MO. 

Maintenance Updates

  • Parks
    • Completed repairs to the Senior Center restrooms
    • Repaired a step at City Hall
    • Continued ongoing repairs and maintenance at the campground, which will open on April 1
    • Sprayed weeds around Smith’s Fork Park
    • Initiated mowing at Heritage Park
    • Dragged ball fields and prepared them for practices and rentals
  • Streets
    • Removed limbs and tree branches from storm damage citywide
    • Replaced hydraulic filter on Truck 108
    • Repaired ramp on Trailer 1017
    • Switched out downtown banners
    • Pothole Repairs at 15720 N Mount Olivet Rd and 303 W Meadow St.
    • Street Sign Maintenance at Marina Dr & Fletcher Dr and Cliff Dr & 169 Hwy
    • Applied salt to roads for snow event.
    • Removed deceased animal from roadway.
    • Culvert inspections at Wise Rd & 144th St and Onyx St & Emerald Ct. Bridge inspection at 180th St and cleared debris from creek bed.
  • Utilities
    • Total Drinking Water Production 6,403,000 gal
    • Completed all testing required at the WTP
    • Conducted weekly chemical level checks at the WTP for ordering
    • Collected 5 bac’t samples and delivered to the state
    • Backwashed filters #1,2,4 and 5
    • Continue working on installing conduit and wires in the chemical building for the new SCADA system
    • Working on moving chemical feed at the raw water building
    •  Completed 20 work orders 
    • 62 locates completed
    • Completed 3 new water service connections.
    • Completed all testing required at WWTP 
    •  Treated 4,775,000 gallons of wastewater
    • Completed weekly checks of all booster station and towers in the distribution system
    • Staff dug up and replaced the yard hydrant at the dog pound
    • Installed a mailbox at the WWTP so USPS can deliver mail and packages
    • Conducted cleaning and maintenance of the UV system. It is currently on-line for the summer months to eliminate E-coli
    • Removed the old hydrant at Mill Street and Church Street
    • Staff repaired the yard and driveway on Windward court after repairing the water main
    • Staff repaired the yard at Aspen Drive and North Virginia after repairing the water main
    • Repaired a broken cable on digestor #2 aerator. Upsized the cable to 3/8” stainless cable
    • Completed monthly water disconnects for non-payment
    • Conducting dead end water main flushing
    • 413 Highland meter was located in their basement, staff exposed the main an conducted a new tap, ran new copper across the road and set a new setter