The Friday Newsflash - June 6, 2025

Board & Commission Meetings Online Viewing Update
During the pandemic, Zoom provided a great way to keep our public meetings accessible and allowed for online participation. As we’ve transitioned back to in-person meetings, Zoom has only been used for Board member attendance when a Board member is unable to attend in person.  Public access to the meetings via Zoom has continued.

We have noticed an increasing number of public comments and questions being submitted through Zoom during meetings, but we do not have staff available to monitor and respond to them in real-time due to the in-person nature of the meetings. While virtual access was a helpful tool during the pandemic, it is not a requirement for public meetings.

The City will be transitioning back to YouTube as the primary platform for live streaming City meetings. Recordings will continue to be available on Facebook and the City’s website within 24 hours following each meeting.

We appreciate your understanding as we make this adjustment and remain committed to transparency and access through multiple viewing options.

The Big Takeaways - June 3, 2025
On Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen met in Work Session. Chief Lockridge presented proposed amendments to the city's liquor licensing ordinances to align with the state and county levels. These changes aim to simplify the licensing process for event planners and individuals seeking liquor licenses within our city. 

Finance Director Rick Welch presented the 6-month FY2025 Budget Review. Overall, revenues are coming in on track through Q2 and staff continues to monitor expenditure budgets. 

Welch also presented the FY2026 Budget Department Review. Each Department Director presented their department's budget history and the FY2026 Budget Baseline. Department budget requests were presented for Board consideration to be brought forward with future budget discussions. This summer and fall will include many work sessions for board feedback on various budget items. 

You can find the meeting materials and video linked here. 

The Board took the following action in regular session:

  • The Mayor proclaimed June 15 Elderly Abuse Awareness Day.
  • Approved the April 29, 2025 Board of Aldermen Special Session Minutes.
  • Approved the April 29, 2025 Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes.
  • Approved the May 6, 2025, Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes.
  • Approved the May 6, 2025, Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes.
  • Approved the Finance Report for April 2025.
  • Approved a Resolution adopting amendments to the Schedule of Fees.
  • Approved a Resolution approving an annual fireworks event permit for White Iron Ridge Event Center at 815 East 92 Highway.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance amending the zoning Ordinance of the City of Smithville, Missouri by and granting a conditional use permit to northland recycle & transfer for a transfer station for municipal solid waste at 14820 North Industrial Drive.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance certifying the results of the April 8, 2025 Municipal Election held in the City of Smithville, Missouri.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance amending the FY2025 Budget to add $450,000 from the Parks and Storm Water Sales Tax Fund expenditure budget.
  • Approved on first 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 first reading an Ordinance amending Section 700.030 of the Code of Ordinances regarding connections to public sewers.
  • Approved a Resolution awarding Bid No. 25-09, City Tow Services Contract to GT Towing Service for the period of November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2027, with an option to renew for one additional one-year term.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing site plan approval for construction of EZ Car Sales at 303 West Meadow Street.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the Final Plat for Clay Creek Meadows First Plat.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a part-time employment agreement with Robert Lemley.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a part-time employment agreement with Antonia Augustin.
Please find the City Administrator's report linked here. 

Please find the meeting materials and video linked here.


Dates to Remember 

  • Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting: June 10 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers
  • Board of Aldermen Meeting: June 17 in the City Hall Council Chambers 
    • Work Session: 5:00 PM
    • Regular Session 7:00 PM
  • Fall sports registration will open July 1!
  • Programs & Events – REGISTER HERE
    • Diamond Crest Splash Pad – NOW OPEN!
    • Learn to Kayak – June 18
    • Pickleball Tournament – June 20
    • 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.

Senior Center Updates
  • Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention class started this week. The class is currently full and has a waitlist.
  • 6/10 Lunch and Learn at 11:15AM on dementia care.
  • 6/11 1-2PM Have you ever wondered what Bunko is? Learn how to play and have a great time the second Wednesday of every month from 1-2PM. No skill required. If you can roll dice, you can play Bunko.
  • Thursday walking group will start meeting at 9am instead of 10am in June to beat the heat.
Project Updates
  • Commercial St Sidewalk: construction beginning on June 10
  • 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 recent rain
  • Basin Maintenance Program: implementation began this month

Maintenance Updates 

  • Water Plant Division 
    • Produced 6,976,000 gallons of water for the week
    • Weekly taste and odor sampling completed and sent to labs.
  • Wastewater / Operations Division
    • Treated 6,654,000 gallons of wastewater 
    • Completed 45 work orders and 51 locates
    • Mid-America Pump installed pump #2 at Bridge St. lift station with staff assistance
    • Mid-America Pump inspected the #3 influent pump at wastewater plant lift station 
    • Replaced de-ragger in pump #3 
  • Streets Division
    • Made sidewalk improvements in Wildflower and Rollins Landing.
    • Removed debris along the bridge on Armory Road
    • Made road repairs on 134th St
    • Seeded around sidewalk repairs 
    • Inspected flooding concerns at Lake Meadows and Switchgrass
    • Locates were called and a work order was created for a new signpost to be installed on Primrose between Viola St. and Coneflower St. for a digital speed limit sign.
    • Staff participated in various training opportunities. 
  • Park Maintenance
    • Mowed parks areas 
    • Started construction on a privacy fence around Emerald Ridge Park restroom.
    • Picked up park gates and preparing them to be installed this week.
    • Cleaned up shop, equipment, and organized filing cabinets.