The Friday Newsflash - January 23, 2026

Big Takeaways from January 20, 2026
The Board of Aldermen met in Work Session on Tuesday evening. Public Works Director Chuck Soules presented an overview of Alternative Project Delivery Methods for more complex and extensive capital projects. Chuck and Parks & Recreation Director Matt Denton presented project options that would benefit from the Alternative Project Delivery Methods. 

Assistant to the Public Works Director Mayra Toothman presented on proposed projects for the upcoming Mid-America Regional Council grant applications. The Board supported moving forward with additional downtown Streetscape and the Eagle Parkway Trail. Mayra asked for feedback on the Dundee Road Improvements Project, in order to do more of a comprehensive project to address multiple issues along Dundee Rd including stormwater, roadway and utility improvements. Funds from 2026 will be used to complete the engineering design for both the roadway and water main, construction will be deferred to 2027. 

The meeting materials can be found here, and the video can be found here.

The Board of Aldermen took the following action in the Regular Session:

  • Held a Public Hearing on the Voluntary Annexation - Phase III Whispering Creek Farm
  • Approved the December 16, 2025, Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes
  • Approved the December 16, 2025, Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes
  • Approved the Finance Report for December 2025
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance amending Title I, Chapter 150, Article I of the Municipal Code of the City of Smithville, Missouri by deleting the same in its entirety and readopting the provisions contained therein.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance annexing certain adjacent territory into the City of Smithville, Missouri.
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance annexing certain adjacent territory into the City of Smithville, Missouri.
  • Approved a Resolution approving Amendment No. 3 to Authorization No. 94 with HDR Engineering Inc. for engineering services for the 144th Street pump station and force main.
  • Approved a Resolution awarding Bid No. 26-01, to Menke Excavation, LLC for Smith Fork’s Sanitary Force Main Improvement and Little Platte River Water Crossing in the amount of $1,487,211.26.
  • Approved a Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 for Bid No. 26-01, Smith Fork’s Sanitary Force Main Improvement and Little Platte River Water Crossing in the amount of $248,794.96.
  • Approved a Resolution adopting rules of order regarding the conduct of meetings of the Board of Aldermen and other actions relating to the same.
  • Approved a Resolution approving changes under the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System.
  • Lakefest presented an update on the Celebration Plans for the annual event. 
The City Administrator's report can be found here.

The meeting materials and video can be found here.


Dates to Remember 

Community Engagement Updates Senior Center Updates
  • Worked on finalizing February event calendar and menu
  • Started planning interest surveys for senior programs
  • Planned for winter weather rescheduling
  • January Activity Calendar

Project Updates

  1. Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Improvements – Filter #3 is currently off-line, and the header is being replaced.
  2. Commercial Sidewalk - Selby Excavating LLC, the new contractor, began work on November 3 and has made significant progress. The northbound lane of Commercial Avenue, from Hospital Drive to E. Meadows, will remain closed during construction. The project is expected to be completed in February, weather permitting.
  3. 144th Pump Station (PS) – Epic is making substantial progress with the pump station wet well and force main. Force Main from HWY 169 north to Hwy 92 is nearly complete. The bore under 169 HWY for the 144th street project is underway now.
  4. OK Trail – awarded to EPIC Concrete Construction - Project will begin Spring 2026.
  5. Street Maintenance Program – Awarded to Asphaltic Surfaces. With the Commercial Sidewalk project delayed, the overlay of the Commercial Avenue will be completed this Spring.
  6. 169/Richardson Signal - MODOT Cost Share application has been approved. City will begin design phase.
  7. Smith's Fork Lift Station and Rivercrossing project - Awarded to Menke Excavation. Construction will begin late February/March
  8. Dundee Roadway Improvements – under design, construction rescheduled to 2027.
  9. Sidewalk Replacement Program (Forest Oaks)- The City will start sending letters to residents in February.

Maintenance Updates

  • Parks
    • Attended a plumbing training with 47 other parks and recreation professionals
    • Participated in the MPRA maintenance rodeo
    • Continue maintenance on park equipment
    • Preparing for the winter weather this weekend
  • Streets
    • Cleaned all storm boxes and swept entire Forest Oaks Subdivision
    • Cleaned storm boxes at Sixth Street & Manzanola
    • Inspected and cleaned storm boxes in Woods Court
    • Repaired final storm box in Harbor Lakes
    • Continued inspections and cleanouts in Hills of Shannon
    • Cleaned area around culvert on Hilltop
    • Applied approximately 1,000 gallons of brine to priority roadways ahead of forecasted winter weather
    • Repaired brine maker
    • Repaired downed 45 MPH speed limit sign on Old Jefferson Highway
  • Utilities
    • Total Drinking Water Production 6,305,000 gal
    • Completed all testing required at the WTP
    • Conducted weekly chemical level checks at the WTP for ordering
    • Staff repaired 1” water line in the chemical building
    • Backwashed filters 1,2,3 and 4
    • Staff rebuilt the polymer draw down assembly due to it leaking
    • Staff replaced the wheels on the pallet jack
    • Installed air bubbler on the final turbidity meter to increase accuracy
    • Completed 18 work orders and 81 locates completed
    • Completed all testing required at WWTP
    • Treated 4,659,000 gallons of wastewater
    • Completed weekly checks of all booster station and towers in the distribution system
    • Completed biweekly lift station checks and maintenance
    • Had Ace Pipe video Dundee sewer main to check condition for road upgrades and there were no issues
    • Replaced digestor #1 decant pump and decanted 10 feet of clean water