The Friday Newsflash - July 18, 2025

The Big Takeaways - July 15, 2025

The Board met in Work Session on Tuesday evening to discuss the Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF), the FY2026 Schedule of Fees, and FY2026 Compensation and Benefits.

Finance Analyst Madelynne Call provided an update on the VERF, outlining differences between the original plan and its actual implementation. A comprehensive re-evaluation is underway to align the fund with current needs and ensure continued responsible management of the City’s fleet and equipment.

Finance Director Rick Welch presented proposed changes to the FY2026 Schedule of Fees, and Assistant City Administrator Gina Pate presented the proposed FY2026 Compensation and Benefits for Board feedback.

Following discussion, the Board directed staff to include the following items in FY2026 budget development:

  • A 4% salary increase for current non-represented staff, along with a 2.4% adjustment to the Compensation Plan based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

  • A benefit enhancement under LAGERS from the current L-12 level (1.75% multiplier) to L-6 (2.00% multiplier), while maintaining the 2% employee contribution rate.

  • Introduction of a $300 annual wellness reimbursement program.

The work session meeting materials and video can be found here. 

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

  • Held a Public Hearing for the Voluntary Annexation Lot 2 and 3 of Phase I, Whispering Creek Farms
  • Approved the July 1, 2025, Board of Aldermen Work Session Minutes
  • Approved the July 1, 2025, Board of Aldermen Regular Session Minutes
  • Approved the Financial Report for June 2025. 
  • Approved a Resolution issuing a Temporary Liquor License to Smithville Main Street District for Hot Summer Night to be held Saturday, August 2, 2025.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Smithville Historical Society for use of the School.
  • Approved on first and second reading an Ordinance amending the FY2025 Operating Budget to add $54,890.50 to the Transportation Sales Tax Fund expenditure budget. 
  • Approved on first reading an Ordinance changing the zoning classifications or districts of certain land located in the City of Smithville, Missouri. Rezoning Northeast Corner of Property at Second Creek Bridge Road and Lowman Road.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the site plan approval for remodeling 1501 South 169 Highway.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing site plan construction of a spec building at 14991 North Industrial Drive.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds for the purchase of snow plows and salt spreaders from American Equipment Company through the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Sourcewell in the amount of $54,890.50.
  • Approved a Resolution approving the bid of $29,500 from Ace Pipe Cleaning to clean the Influent Pump Station at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute an agreement with BG Engineering for engineering services for Dundee Road Stormwater Improvements.
The City Administrator's Report can be found here.

The meeting materials and video can be found here. 

Dates to Remember 

  • Board of Aldermen Meeting: August 5 in the City Hall Council Chambers
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing: August 12 at 7:00 PM
  • Bulky Item Pick-Up: September 29 - October 3
  • Fall sports registration are officially open! Deadlines are approaching soon, don’t be late!!
  • Programs & Events – REGISTER HERE
    • July is Parks and Recreation Month ~ Free programs all month long!
      • *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
    • Smithville’s Haunted Campground Vendor Registration: Opens August 1
    • Smithville’s Haunted Campground camping sites: Open August 1 at 8:00AM www.smithvillemo.org/campground
    • Howl-O-Ween: October 4
    • Smithville’s Haunted Campground: October 18
    • Smith’s Fork Park Closed for Managed Deer Hunt: November 22-23
    • Candy Cane Quest: December 5
Community Engagement Updates
  • Football team volunteer day was on Monday, July 14
  • SPR Sponsorship Opportunities are here! For more information visit www.smithvillemo.org/sponsor
  • Sign up for our monthly newsletter HERE
Senior Center Updates
  • Cooking Matters class begins next week
  • Exercise classes on Mondays and Fridays are really growing in participation!
  • Tuesday Grief and Transitions Group 12-1PM / third Tuesday of each month
Project Updates
  • Commercial Ave Sidewalk: construction began June 17, contractor delays 
  • 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. Epic Concrete Construction blasted the site on Friday, July 18, in preparation for the 144th Street Lift Station project. The excavation is now 20 feet deep, with an additional 20 feet of rock removed during the blasting.
  • Sidewalk Replacement Program (Harborview): 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. Location: Commercial Avenue (From 92 HWY to Meadow St). Work will begin after completion of Commercial Sidewalk Project. 

Maintenance Updates  

  • Parks 
    • Checked and emptied trash cans throughout all City parks
    • Completed tree maintenance at the Senior Center, including trimming overgrown branches and removing dead limbs to improve safety and appearance
    • Performed routine maintenance and inspections on playground equipment to ensure all features are safe and functioning properly
    • Installed a new drainage tile at Diamond Crest Park parking lot 
    • Replaced several electrical outlets at the campground 
    • Conducted extensive mowing and weed eating in various parks to keep green spaces well-maintained and accessible to the public
    Streets 
    • Poured about 6 yards of concrete for curbs/sidewalks at 603 Indian Trail, 407 Amesbury, and 217 Hampton Meadow. Applied curing agent and removed forms
    • Added 10 tons of AB3 to 144th Street and worked on splash pad parking lot grading for French drain prep
    • Installed a chevron sign at Old Jefferson/180th and replaced a sign on Commercial near Summit
    • Repaired A/C on the street sweeper, fixed a backhoe tire, and addressed roller overheating
    • Mowed multiple shop areas and swept streets including Strawberry Hill and Lakeside Crossing
    • Pulled out a stuck tractor, moved dirt, cleaned equipment, and addressed concerns at 112 Owen’s
    Utilities 
    • Total Drinking Water Production 10,500,000 gal
    • Completed all testing required at the WTP and WWTP
    • Staff repaired the water service at 203 South Mill Street
    • Ross construction is finishing the filter effluent turbidity monitors so they can start sandblasting the pipe gallery next week
    • Completed 19 work orders, and 53 locates 
    • Treated 5,294,000  gallons of wastewater
    • Staff ran sewer at 209 West Woods Street. Found a large root ball so we will now chemical treat this main
    • Completed biweekly lift station checks