The Friday Newsflash - May 2, 2025

The Big Takeaways from April 29, 2025

On Tuesday evening, the Board of Aldermen met in Work Session to discuss utility rates and the Capital Improvement Plan. The Board directed staff to initiate a Utility Rate Study to be completed in advance of setting the 2026 utility rates. Additionally, a review of the Water and Wastewater Master Plans, originally prepared in 2018 and 2021, will be undertaken to update project timelines and construction cost estimates. The Board also reviewed impact fees associated with new development. Proposed modifications to these fees will be presented at a future Board meeting for consideration.

To view the meeting materials and video, please click here. 

Dates to Remember 

  • Board of Aldermen Meeting: May 6 in the City Hall Council Chambers 
    • Work Session: 6:00 PM
    • Regular Session 7:00 PM
  • New City Website Launch scheduled for May 12
  • Youth Sports
    • Spring sports - registration is closed for all sports!
    • Fall sports registration will open July 1! 
  • Upcoming Programs & Events – REGISTER HERE 
    • May Pickleball Lessons – Fridays in May *few spots left!
    • Summer programming coming soon!

Community Engagement Efforts

The Smithville Police Department hosted a presentation for parents and guardians about common applications for phones and the internet that can be dangerous for K-12th grade students, and provided information on safe phone and web practices. 

Senior Center Updates

  • We had a crowd of 41 people enjoying the first hamburger and hotdog cookout of the season. Cookouts will continue monthly throughout the fall.
  • Tuesday 5/6 at 11:15: video presentation by the KU Med Landon Center on Aging: Expert tips on downsizing and decluttering.
  • Thurs 5/8 at 11:45: Learn to Play Cribbage. There’s an active group of cribbage players at the Senior Center.

Project Updates

  • New City Website: launch of new website is scheduled for May 12
  • Commercial St Sidewalk: construction beginning in June 2025. 
  • 144th Pump Station and West Bypass project: construction beginning in May 2025
  • Sewer Rehabilitation Program: Slipline began in April and will be completed in May 2025

Maintenance Updates

  • Water Plant Division 
    • Produced 6,571,000 gallons of water for the week
    • Received zero water complaints 
    • Continuing to sample lake intake for MIB and Geosmin for our taste and odor study
    • P1 plumbing/Ross construction has started pipe gallery valve/actuator replacement. Starting with adding a new isolation valve in plant effluent line.
  • Wastewater / Operations Division
    • Treated 6,325,000 gallons of wastewater 
    • Completed 27 work orders and 60 locates
    • Staff repaired a service line leak at 204 Winner Ave
    • Completed monthly meter reads for billing 
    • Staff replaced 4-meter pits that were collapsed
  • Parks Maintenance 
    • Completed soccer season and began repairing the soccer fields
    • Mowing and weed eating parks
    • Prepping area for Girl Scouts to plant new trees
  • Streets Division
    • Crew filled potholes and repaired roads at multiple locations
    • Crew consistently swept various areas, including Lakeside Crossing and Hills of Shannon
    • Crew mowed rights-of-way on Liberty Street, Tillman, and Wise
    • Crew painted, installed base trim, and worked on cosmetic improvements at City Hall