The Friday Newsflash - June  20, 2025

The Big Takeaways - June 17, 2025

On Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen held a Work Session to review several items related to the development of the FY2026 Budget.

Assistant City Administrator Gina Pate and Parks and Recreation Director Matt Denton provided an overview of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™, with Kansas City set to host six matches including a quarterfinal. With Smithville uniquely positioned to benefit from increased tourism, the Board directed staff to allocate $40,000 in the FY2026 budget for marketing, tourism initiatives, regional partnerships, and related events.

Public Works Director Chuck Soules and Streets Superintendent Anthony Glenn presented a proposal to transition snow removal operations in house by utilizing Parks Maintenance staff to replace contracted services. Due to timing related to snow season preparation, this proposal will return later this summer and would impact the FY2025 budget.

Gina Pate also outlined staffing needs identified during the April Board Retreat. The Board directed staff to continue including the following positions in the FY2026 budget for consideration: Animal Control Officer, GIS/IT Technician, and Parks & Facilities Manager.

The Board also heard funding requests from two outside agencies, Northland Assistance Center and Community in Action. Staff was directed to include $25,000 in the budget for further discussion during future work sessions.

You can find the meeting materials linked here and video linked here. 

The Board took the following action in regular session:

  • Held a Public Hearing on the TIF Five Year Annual Update.
  • Approved the June 3, 2025 Board of Aldermen Special Session Minutes.
  • Approved the June 3, 2025 Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes.
  • Approved the Finance Report for May 2025.
  • Denied a Resolution approving a fireworks display at 701 Lake Meadows Drive on July 19, 2025.
  • Approved a Resolution approving the extension of the agreement with Green For Life (GFL) Environmental for residential solid waste collection services through October 31, 2030.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance amending Section 105.080 of the Code of Ordinances regarding designating of Public Health Officers for the City of Smithville.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance amending Section 700.030 of the Code of Ordinances regarding connections to public sewers.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance approving a funding agreement with Smithville Holdings LLC for the establishment of a Community Improvement District.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a Transportation Alternatives Funds Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for improvements to Maple Lane from Pine Street to Maple Avenue including infrastructure improvements encouraging safer routes for non-motorized users and improving the pedestrian environment.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a surface Transportation Block Grant Funds Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a wayfinding signage implementation project, ensuring clear visibility and providing easy-to-follow guidance for drivers.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance amending Sections of Chapter 400 of the zoning code authorizing Accessory Dwelling Units.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance amending Sections of Chapter 400 of the zoning code authorizing Accessory Dwelling Units.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance amending Chapter 600, Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Approved a Resolution awarding Bid No. 25-10, City Banking Services Contract to Central Bank for the period of three years, effective on October 1, 2025, with additional one-year renewal options.
Please find the City Administrator's report linked here. 

Please find the meeting materials and video linked here.


Dates to Remember 

  • Board of Aldermen Meeting: July 1 in the City Hall Council Chambers 
    • Work Session: 5:00 PM
    • Regular Session 7:00 PM
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting: July 8 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers
  • Fall sports registration will open July 1!
  • Programs & Events – REGISTER HERE
    • Diamond Crest Splash Pad – NOW OPEN!
    • Smithville Fireworks Show – July 4
    • *Books & Bites – Mondays in July  |  FREE
    • Sunset Yoga – Tuesdays in July  |  FREE
    • *Mini Makers – Wednesdays in July  |  FREE
    • Scavenger Hunt – Thursdays in July  |  FREE
    • *Basics of Pickleball Clinic – Fridays in July (11th & 18th)  |  FREE
    • Play it Again Sports Baseball/Softball Camp – July 28-31
    • *Requires pre-registration*
Citizens Academy

The Smithville Citizens Academy is a free, 8-week interactive program that provides insight to City services and operations and offers opportunities for civic engagement in the City. 

This program provides our citizens with a deeper understanding of how their City government works, and gives them a look at daily operations and services provided by their local government. The program sets the foundation for residents who are interested in furthering their civic knowledge, especially as it relates to government closest to the people.

Through presentations by city officials and tours of the city facilities, participants will benefit from a unique interactive learning and behind the scenes experience.

Apply by Monday, July 7 by filling out this form. Limited spots available. You can find more information about the program here. 

Website Update
Due to the timing constraints of the website migration, staff is working to correct quality control issues with the provider's support team. If you encounter a website issue please email cityhall@smithvillemo.org for staff to review the issue. Thank you for your patience as we get all issues resolved.

Community Engagement
The City took part in the Lake Fest Parade on June 14 and was honored with the Most Decorated Float Award!

Senior Center Updates
  • Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class is going strong and has reached the maximum number of participants
  • Have been working on grant reporting and funding requests for Clay County Senior Services
  • Monday 6/23 fried chicken lunch and June birthday celebration
  • Thursday 6/26 at noon presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association on “understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia + the 10 Warning Signs”. The presentation is free, and advance registration is not required. Lunch of pizza, fresh veggies, and dessert must be reserved by 1PM Wednesday 6/25.
Project Updates
  • Commercial Ave Sidewalk: construction began June 16
  • 144th Pump Station and West Bypass project: construction began on June 2
  • Sewer Rehabilitation Program: Completed
  • Sidewalk Replacement Program (Harborview): Summer 2025. Notification letters have been sent to property owners in areas identified by the City as having hazardous sidewalks. The Streets Division will begin this summer.
  • Diamond Crest Park Parking Lot: delayed due to water leak
  • Basin Maintenance Program: implementation began this month

Maintenance Updates 

  • Water Plant Division 
    • Produced  7,456,000 gallons of water for the week
    • Completed all required testing
    • Sunday, staff found an extensive permanganate leak at the raw water station. Staff repaired and cleaned up the spill.
    • Ross Construction and RW Vaught completed filter #2 so it is fully automated for backwashing. They have started replacing the valves on filter #3 so it will remain off-line for the rest of the week.
  • Wastewater / Operations Division
    • Treated 8,208,000 gallons of wastewater 
    • Completed 23 work orders and 66 locates
    • Completed all required testing
    • Staff replaced the discharge gasket on pump #1 at McDonalds lift station.
    • Trojan Technologies completed the upgrades to the UV system.
    • Staff replace the access hatch at Bridge Street lift station
  • Streets Division
    • Repaired damaged drainage pipe at Splash Pad
    • Installed 86 feet of pipe and backfilled with rock
    • Concrete curb work in Greyhawke
    • Assessed drainage problems and cleaned debris to improve drainage
    • Mowed throughout the city
    • Filled a sinkhole at 101 S Commercial
    • Performed extra street sweeping in preparation for special events. 
  • Park Maintenance
    • Worked on water leak at Diamond Crest Park
    • Added a second shade structure to Diamond Crest Park
    • Assisted Lake Fest committee with set up for special event
    • Mowed and maintained parks throughout the city
    • Prepared ball fields for upcoming games