The Weekly Newsflash - July 3, 2025

The Big Takeaways - July 1, 2025
**The City experienced technical issues with the video system. The meeting recordings include audio only, along with the presentation slides.**

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

Finance Director Rick Welch presented the updated 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which reflects increased project cost estimates due to rising prices for goods and services. The Board reviewed CIP priorities and asked staff to pursue additional grant funding for projects impacted by cost increases.

Mayra Toothman, Assistant to the Public Works Director, presented a proposed Sidewalk Program to address concerns in the downtown area. The Board directed staff to collaborate with the Smithville Main Street District on forming a Community Improvement District (CID) and return this fall for further discussion.

Welch also presented the Combined Water and Wastewater Systems Fund Budget, an enterprise fund supported solely by utility rates. Utilities Operations Manager Dave Schuerger outlined project and equipment needs for FY2026. Public Works Director Chuck Soules provided an update on the Water and Wastewater Master Plans. From 2018 to 2024, the City has invested $18.68 million in water and wastewater improvements, enhancing asset management, reliability, capacity, and quality.

The city’s water and wastewater fund is currently facing significant financial challenges as we initiate a series of high-cost infrastructure projects essential to maintaining and improving its systems. With the scope and scale of these projects exceeding available fund reserves, the city must explore external financing options to ensure timely completion while balancing long-term financial sustainability.

Meeting materials for the Work Session can be found here, and the meeting video can be found here.

In Regular Session the Board took the following actions:

  • Mayor Boley proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Smithville.
  • Approved the June 17, 2025 Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes
  • Approved the June 17, 2025 Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for funding additional enforcement and training related to DWI Enforcement.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for funding additional enforcement and training related to Hazardous Moving Violation Enforcement.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance approving the funding agreement for the Community Improvement District.
  • Approved on second 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 second 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 second reading an Ordinance amending Sections of Chapter 400 of the zoning code authorizing Accessory Dwelling Units.
  • Approved on second reading an Ordinance amending Chapter 600, Alcoholic Beverage.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the offering for sale of Certificates of Participation for the benefit of the City of Smithville, Missouri.
  • Approved a Resolution adopting amendments to the Schedule of Fees.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement to partner in the Clay-Platte Joint Marketing and Web Development Cooperative Agreement.
  • Alderman Hartman presented information regarding the University of Missouri Extension.
  • Approved a business relocation request associated with the 110 Smithville Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan.
The City Administrator's Report can be found here.

The meeting materials and video can be found here. 

Dates to Remember 

  • City Offices closed on Friday, July 4 for the observance of Independence Day. Trash and recycling will be picked up as scheduled. 
  • Smithville Fireworks Show – July 4; rain out date is Sunday July 6. All details regarding the event can be found here. 
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting: July 8 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers
  • Board of Aldermen Meeting: July 15 in the City Hall Council Chambers 
  • Bulky Item Pick-Up: September 29 - October 3
  • Fall sports registration are NOW open online!
  • Programs & Events – REGISTER HERE
    • Parks and Recreation Month starts Tuesday!
      • *Books & Bites – Mondays in July  |  FREE
      • Sunset Yoga – Tuesdays in July  |  FREE
      • *Mini Makers – Wednesdays in July  |  FREE
      • Rockin Thursdays – 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 preregistration
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. 

Senior Center Updates
  • Find the July Event Calendar here
  • Smithville Senior Center will be closed on Friday, July 4
  • Continued work on Clay County Senior Services 2026 grant request and 2Q grant report
Project Updates
  • Commercial Ave Sidewalk: construction began June 16
  • Water Treatment Plant Improvements: ongoing
  • 144th Pump Station and West Bypass project: construction began on June 2, work in progress along 144th St near the pump station
  • 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
  • Street Maintenance Program: Awarded to Asphaltic Surfaces, work will begin this Fall on Commercial Avenue (From 92 HWY to Meadow St).

Maintenance Updates  

  • Parks 
    • Campground is sold out this week!
    • Prepared for 4th of July
    • Mowed all parks
    • Cleaned up landscaping
    • Trimmed trees along trails
    • Painted new driving directional arrows at campground
    • Sprayed and removed weeds throughout parks
  • Streets 
    • Laid 20 tons of asphalt
    • Filled potholes and water break holes at various locations, including Indian Trail and Maple Ave.
    • Crew mowed roadside areas at multiple locations, including H&H Lake Road, Liberty St. and the creek at Heritage Park. Filled potholes at various locations using cold mix, including Shamrock Way and 176th St.
    • Used 16 bags of cold mix to fill potholes at 176th St and Thomas Lane.
    • Cleaned storm box and approximately 175 feet of storm drain at 626 Harbor View Dr using the Jetter.
    • Flushed all three drains using a hydrant on Nantucket Ct.
    • Performed multiple equipment maintenance work including the City crew truck, Stihl weed eater, dump truck, and skid loader.
  • Utilities 
    • Completed 54 work orders.
    • Completed 3 water service taps.
    • Completed monthly meter reads.
    • Completed 52 locates.
    • Treated 7,136,000 gallons of wastewater.
    • Produced 7,544,000 gallons of water.
    • Replaced all floats at McDonalds lift station.
    • EPA conducted full inspections of the wastewater and water treatment plants and systems. They City did not receive any violations.
    • Filter #4 at the water treatment plant is back on-line, electricians finished wiring all actuators. Filter #5 is now off-line for valve replacement. Filter #4 should be fully automated this week.
    • Staff performed confined space entry at Hills of Shannon pump station to plug the sewer line going to 144th so contractors can install a new wet well.