Independence Today Your bi-weekly update from the City of Independence

Council Overview

Please find below an overview of some of the key items discussed and voted on during the Sept. 19 City Council Meeting. You can watch this meeting here.

Constitution Week recognized

September 17, 2022 marked the two hundred and thirty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States by our Nation’s founders. Mayor Rowland presented two proclamations honoring the important date to the Harry S Truman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and Independence Patriots Chapter of the Missouri Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Both had membership in attendance to accept the proclamations.

Overtime policies updated

The Council approved updates to the overtime policies in the Policies and Procedures Manual for non-represented staff on Monday. The changes more closely align with FLSA regulations and will assist in reducing the City’s overtime obligation. The proposed updated policy reflects the work of the staff, Personnel Board, and feedback from the Public Meeting. These changes were recommended in the Police Overtime Report recently completed by the independent investigator. The final recommendations allow the city to pay overtime on only hours worked, to include city observed holidays. You can learn more about this item here.

City pay plan updated

The Council approved a resolution amending the Pay Plan for Non-Represented City Employees on Monday night. This update clarifies employee titles and updates classifications and positions within the City. You can read more about this item here.

Council policies adopted

A resolution was approved on Monday affirming the City Council’s adherence to certain provisions of the City’s Personnel Policies and Procedures as well as certain Administrative Policies of the City of Independence.

This item commits members of the Independence City Council to abide by certain Personnel Policies and Procedures, along with certain Administrative Policies, in the same fashion as City employees. You can read more on this item here. 

Looking at upcoming regional sports events

The Council discussed and approved two resolutions looking at the impact of the NFL Draft and FIFA World Cup on Independence. These resolutions, respectively, form commissions to look at the potential positive impact on our community. Look for updates on the appointees of these commissions and future meetings as appropriate.

The future of Truman Sports Complex

The Council approved a resolution expressing the desire of the Independence City Council to engage the City of Kansas City, Missouri in frequent, clear, and meaningful dialogue regarding the future plans for the Truman Sports Complex.

Media reports have been circulating indicating that the Kansas City Royals are reviewing sites for a new downtown ballpark, potentially moving from Kauffman Stadium in 2026 while also reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs want to stay put at Arrowhead Stadium but have not ruled out moving elsewhere. Given the proximity of the Truman Sports Complex to Independence, along with the economic impact of sporting events, concerts, and other activities on the local economy, the Independence City Council wishes to express their desire to the City of Kansas City, Missouri for transparent dialogue and to be afforded the opportunity to provide input into the decision making process. You can read more about this here.

Audits discussed

The Council discussed two resolutions requesting audits of the Independence Power & Light Department and to examine and evaluate the City of Independence’s fiscal, budgetary and procurement policies, and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability to the taxpayers and the expenditure of public funds. The Council voted these items down and discussed continuing the conversation regarding the concerns during the Audit and Finance Committee.

It is important to note the City participates in an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audits. You can find these reports in their entirety on the City's website. For your convenience the above items have been linked to the most recent reports from Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 is anticipated later this calendar year. You can find previous years at this link. A new financial transparency portal was also activated which enables users to search the city's financial data, to include transactions, vendors payments, etc. 

Council votes to share concerns on Library funding change

The Council approved a resolution expressing opposition for the pending proposal before the Mid-Continent Public Library to lower the library levy by 2.28 cents.

A contingency of the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Trustees is proposing lowering the Library levy by 2.28 cents for a total of 32.40 cents (current rate is 34.68 cents) which equates to approximately a $4.3 million reduction in revenue effective this fiscal year. Per state statutes, the lower levy, if approved, will be the maximum the Library could collect next year provided the amount is decreased again through state rollbacks or further Board decisions. You can read this item in full here.

Codes Updates

The Council approved three items updating the City Codes for Independence. This is the first update to these items since 1995 and brings the City into compliance with state statutes, as well as best practices in the industry.

• This amendment to the City Code seeks to update the City’s Property Maintenance code, to align it with the Missouri State Statutes, and to clarify the regulations.
• This amendment corrects the City Code reference contained in the abandoned shopping cart section with the proposed update to the City’s Property Maintenance code.
• This amendment aligns the towing and impound provisions of the City Code with the proposed update to the City’s Property Maintenance code.

You can find the full agenda, including links to the items above and other items discussed, here.

Upcoming meetings

The Council will next meet on Sept. 26, 2022, for a Study Session. The next regular Council Meeting will take place on Oct. 3.

Update provided on response to IPD Overtime Investigation

On Monday, Sept. 12, City Manager Zach Walker provided an overview of the City's plan to address the 30 recommendations from Special Counsel Dan Nelson following the conclusion of the Independence Police Department Overtime Investigation. The report with these recommendations was shared with the public in July along with the Counsel's findings.

You can review the PowerPoint from this presentation during the Study Session here. You can watch the full presentation here. A monthly update will be provided to the Council as staff works on these recommendations.

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