Independence, MO

Executive Sessions

The City Council is meeting in a closed executive session. The session is limited to discussions regarding litigation, legal action, and attorney-client communications.

• Closed session on matters of litigation and legal action per RSMo. 610.021(1)

Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss updating the water rate schedule and approving several rezoning requests. The body is also reviewing multiple expenditures for power distribution transformers and engineering services for the Power & Light Department.

• Revised Schedule of Water Rates effective January 1, 2027
• Rezoning of 133-143 S. Fuller Avenue from R-6 to R-12
• Rezoning of 934, 936 and 946 E. 23rd Street S. from C-1 to R-12/PUD
• Expenditures up to $300,000 each for Anixter and WEG Transformers USA LLC
• Change order of $619,962 for Burns & McDonnell for Able Battery line terminal services

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Park Commission will meet to receive staff reports and discuss the implementation of the Master Plan. This body acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding parks and recreation.

• Staff reports on Recreation Services, Parks, Facilities & Grounds, Promotions & Marketing, and Budget
• Discussion on Master Plan Implementation

Advisory Committee Meetings

Workshops & Study Sessions

Advisory Committee Meetings

Council Meetings

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Special Meetings

The Stay Well Committee is meeting to review financial statements and reports. The body will receive updates from Cigna and HR, and discuss wellness activities. The meeting includes a new business item regarding 2027 Stop Loss.

• Financial statement presented by the Finance Department
• Update from Cigna presented by Kevin Kueker and Lisa Phillips
• Financial report presented by CBiz
• Update from HR presented by Bethany Dickey
• Discussion of 2027 Stop Loss

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two corrective rezoning requests. The body will also consider a request to operate a short-term rental.

• Case 26-100-13: Rezoning 9809-10037 E. Wilson Road from I-1 (Industrial) to R-6 (Single Family Residential)
• Case 26-100-14: Rezoning 15010 E. 46th Street S from R-12 and R-30 to R-12 (Two Family Residential)
• Case 26-400-90: Short-term rental request for 16417 E. 28th St S

Executive Sessions

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Sustainability Commission is meeting to review old business and establish priorities for 2026. The body will discuss local business awards and provide updates on environmental programs.

• Award nomination for Bradford at Pepper Berries Farm, 17400 E Courtney Atherton Rd.
• Update on KC Can Compost information
• Review of October expiring terms for Cassandra, Maureen, Dan, and Madalyn
• Discussion of 2026 Commission priorities
• Postponed Bike Ride of Historic Places

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council is scheduled to meet in a closed executive session on October 19, 2026. The session is intended to address matters regarding litigation, legal action, attorney-client communications, personnel, or personnel records.

• Closed executive session regarding litigation and legal action
• Closed executive session regarding personnel and personnel records

Council Meetings

The City Council will vote on several high-value contracts for infrastructure and equipment, including emergency repairs at the Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant. The meeting includes discussions on budget amendments, water rate revisions, and multiple rezoning requests.

• Emergency repair contracts for Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant totaling $1,350,440.90 with Rand Construction and $870,430 with ClearStream Environmental
• Annual Tyler Munis software subscription purchase order for $637,286.44
• Proposed rezoning of 133-143 S. Fuller Avenue from Single-Family to Two-Family Residential
• Proposed rezoning and Preliminary Development Plan for 934, 936, and 946 E. 23rd Street S.
• Proposed revised Schedule of Water Rates effective January 1, 2027

Special Meetings

The body is holding a public hearing to discuss the 2027-28 Fall Annual Action Plan. The meeting includes a review of HUD-funded programs and a discussion of priority needs and goals.

• CDBG & HOME Participation
• 2027-28 Fall Annual Action Plan Public Hearing

Special Meetings

Public Utility Advisory Board

The board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive reports from Finance & Administration, Municipal Services, and IPL. Discussions include utility financial reports and statistical charts from August 2026.

• August 2026 Utility Financial Reports
• Update on AMI Project Manager
• August 2026 IPL Statistical Charts

Public Hearings

The Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for October 15, 2026, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2026.

The Independence, MO Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for October 15, 2026, was cancelled. The source document records no substantive decisions or proceedings. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for November 19, 2026.

• Cancelled October 15, 2026 meeting

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Japanese Sister City Committee of Independence, MO holds a regular meeting on October 14, 2026, at the Independence Municipal Commons, with a Teams and phone option. The agenda is largely procedural: roll call, approval of prior minutes, sub-committee discussion items on the Uptown Matsuri and on student and adult chaperone recruiting, then other items and adjournment. No ordinances, contracts, or dollar amounts appear in the agenda text.

• Roll call and approval of prior minutes
• Uptown Matsuri sub-committee discussion items
• Student and adult chaperone recruiting sub-committee discussion items
• Other items, then adjournment
• Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several rezoning requests and special use permits. The body will also discuss two amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding infill housing and plat expiration.

• Corrective rezoning for properties at Truman Road and Crysler Avenue (Case 26-100-11)
• Rezoning and preliminary development plan for 1509 S. Osage Street (Case 26-125-06)
• Special Use Permit for a car rental agency at 3239 S. Noland Road (Case 26-200-05)
• Special Use Permit for a tattoo shop at 1202 W. US 24 Highway (Case 26-200-06)
• UDO Amendments #82 and #83 regarding infill housing and plat expiration

The Planning Commission approved several rezoning requests, special use permits for a car rental agency and tattoo shop, and two amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. The UDO changes aim to streamline residential infill housing and extend Board of Adjustment approval expiration periods.

• Approved corrective rezoning for properties at Truman Road and Crysler Avenue (6-0)
• Approved rezoning and preliminary development plan for 1509 S. Osage Street (5-1)
• Approved Special Use Permit for car rental agency at 3239 S. Noland Road (6-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for tattoo shop at 1202 W. US 24 Highway (6-0)
• Approved UDO Amendment #82 regarding infill residential housing standards (6-0)
• Approved UDO Amendment #83 regarding BOA and Preliminary Plat expiration (6-0)
• Approved September 29, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)

Workshops & Study Sessions

The Independence City Council holds a study session on October 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at 20201 E. Jackson Drive. The only council-sponsored item is a resolution directing the City Manager to establish an opt-out process for advanced metering infrastructure, sponsored by Councilmember Stewart. The rest of the agenda is presentations, including updates on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a Historic Sites GO Bond question, 2027 legislative priorities, and semi-annual reports from several oversight committees. No votes or final decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Resolution directing the City Manager to set up an opt-out process for advanced metering infrastructure (sponsored by Councilmember Stewart)
• Presentation: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act update
• Presentation: Historic Sites GO Bond Question
• Presentation: 2027 Legislative Priorities
• Discussion: Boards and Commissions Consolidation

Audit and Finance Committee

The Independence Audit and Finance Committee meets October 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM in Room 149 at 20201 E. Jackson Dr. The agenda includes approval of minutes from June 24, 2026, plus old business on a Rental Ready Program review and a Risk Management / Work Comp update. New business covers an Investment Policy Update, a Monthly Financials Update, a Finance Director Report, and future Management Analyst projects. The agenda lists no dollar amounts, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings.

• Approval of minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting
• Rental Ready Program Review (old business)
• Risk Management / Work Comp Update (old business)
• Investment Policy Update (new business)
• Monthly Financials Update and Finance Director Report

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Independence Arts Council meets on October 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Independence Municipal Commons, Room 147 — California, 20201 East Jackson Drive. The agenda lists approval of the July 7, 2026 minutes, then three new business items: reviewing a draft Request for Proposal for a permanent art solution at the Municipal Commons, reviewing and approving an RFP response for the Independence Public Arts Plan, and considering acceptance and location of community artwork from the Santa-Cali-Gon festival sponsored by Nebius. No old business is listed. The agenda does not state any dollar amounts or final decisions.

• Review draft RFP for a permanent art solution at Independence Municipal Commons
• Review and approve an RFP response for the Independence Public Arts Plan
• Consider acceptance and location of Santa-Cali-Gon festival community artwork, sponsored by Nebius
• Approval of minutes from July 7, 2026

Special Meetings

The Independence Emergency Medical Services Committee holds a special virtual meeting on October 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The agenda lists reports on AMR emergency responses, fire emergency responses, the medical director, Centerpoint, the police department and communication center, regional emergency preparedness, and the ARCH co-responder program, plus a health department item. The agenda also notes the committee could vote to close part of the meeting under RSMo. Section 610.021(5) to discuss nonjudicial mental or physical health proceedings involving identifiable persons.

• Review of AMR emergency responses
• Review of fire emergency responses
• Medical director report
• Centerpoint updates
• Possible closed session under RSMo. Section 610.021(5) on identifiable persons' health proceedings

The Emergency Medical Services Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and heard updates regarding public health disease cases, emergency response reporting, and staffing transitions. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 am.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

General

The Independence Heritage Commission meets on October 6, 2026 to review its agenda and the minutes from September 1, 2026. The main substantive item is a Certificate of Appropriateness application to install solar panels on a single-family home at 400 N. Delaware. The meeting also includes time for public comment and reports from the Commission and staff.

• Certificate of Appropriateness application for solar panels at 400 N. Delaware
• Review and approval of September 1, 2026 minutes
• Public comment period
• Heritage Commission and staff reports

The Commission approved the installation of a fiberglass front door and sidelights, with the condition that original materials be salvaged. A new free-standing three-car garage at the same address was also approved.

• Approved fiberglass replacement door and sidelights at 400 N. Delaware (4-1)
• Approved free-standing three-car garage at 400 N. Delaware (5-0)
• Accepted September 1, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Accepted June 2, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council is scheduled to meet in a closed executive session on October 5, 2026, at 4:30 PM at 20201 E. Jackson Drive. The agenda lists no specific items for discussion or decision; it cites state law allowing closed sessions on litigation, legal action, attorney-client communications, personnel, personnel records, and contracts. The only listed action is adjournment, and the session is marked information only.

• Closed executive session under RSMo. 610.021(1) for litigation, legal action, and attorney-client communications
• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(3) and 610.021(13) for personnel and personnel records
• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(12) for contracts
• No public agenda items, votes, dollar amounts, or named projects listed

Council Meetings

The Independence City Council meets October 5, 2026 to consider ordinances calling a special primary and general election to fill a First District Councilmember vacancy, plus rezonings, special use permits, and several utility construction contracts. Public hearings cover a tattoo shop at 1717 S. Appleton Ave., a rezoning at 17610 E. Bolger Road, and a Special Use Permit for Winners Mart at 11037 E. Winner Road. The consent agenda includes sewer, water treatment, and wastewater contracts totaling over $1.2 million. Several items are listed for second reading (2R) or first reading (1R).

• Ordinance 26-099 calls a special primary and general election for the First District Councilmember vacancy
• Rezoning at 17610 E. Bolger Road from R-30/PUD to C-2 General Commercial (26-095)
• Special Use Permit for a body art establishment (tattoo shop) at 1717 S. Appleton Ave. (26-094)
• Special Use Permit for Winners Mart at 11037 E. Winner Road to allow sale of tobacco and alcohol (26-XXX)
• Contracts: $262,450 sewer relocation at Walnut St. and Noland Rd.; $499,531 for motor control centers at Rock Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant; $537,400 for Reclaim Basin No. 2 restoration; $316,838 roof replacement at Fire Station #1

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Independence Industrial Development Authority meets on October 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM at 20201 E. Jackson Dr. The board will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds for the Wally's Redevelopment Project, along with supporting documents. It will also vote on minutes from its 7/16/25 meeting and take up other business. The agenda does not state a bond amount or other project details.

• Resolution authorizing issuance of bonds for the Wally's Redevelopment Project, with supporting documents
• Approval of 7/16/25 minutes
• Other Business (no details given)

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Storm Water Control Oversight Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear staff reports on finances, maintenance, and capital improvement projects, and prepare a fall presentation to the City Council. The agenda is largely procedural and informational, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of July 22, 2026 meeting minutes
• Staff report: Financial
• Staff report: Maintenance
• Staff report: Capital Improvement Projects
• Fall presentation to Council by city staff

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Independence Advisory Board of Health meets virtually on October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The agenda covers approval of minutes, selection of a vice chair, and updates on kratom and communicable disease. No specific ordinances, contracts, or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda text provided.

• Selection of the vice chair
• Kratom update
• Communicable disease update
• Approval of the minutes

The meeting scheduled for October 1, 2026, did not take place due to a lack of a quorum. No decisions were made.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Planning Commission

The Independence Planning Commission is meeting to consider a request to operate a short-term rental at 5121 S Cottage Ave (Case 26-400-89). The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and routine consent items. The next meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2026.

• Case 26-400-89: Short-term rental request at 5121 S Cottage Ave
• Approval of Planning Commission minutes from September 15, 2026

The Planning Commission approved a request to operate a short-term rental at 5121 S Cottage Ave. The commission also approved the minutes from the September 15, 2026 meeting.

• Approved short-term rental request for 5121 S Cottage Ave (6-0)
• Approved September 15, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)

Workshops & Study Sessions

The Independence City Council study session will consider two sponsored items: an ordinance setting rules for police use of automated license plate recognition systems, and a resolution supporting a Bird City designation. The agenda also includes presentations on a water cost-of-service study, the Visit Independence annual report, and an update on the I-70 closure. Citizen requests are not eligible under council rules, and the council may later convene in closed session for permitted matters.

• Ordinance 26-100: rules for police automated license plate recognition systems
• Resolution 26-774: support for Bird City designation and wildlife stewardship
• Presentation: Water Cost of Service Study
• Presentation: Visit Independence Annual Report
• Update on I-70 Closure

Advisory Committee Meetings

Special Meetings

The Stay Well Committee is meeting to review financial statements, receive updates from Cigna and CBiz, hear an HR update, and discuss wellness activities. Old business includes 2027 plan changes. The next meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

• Financial statement presented by Finance Department
• Update from Cigna by Kevin Kueker and Lisa Phillips
• Financial report presented by CBiz
• HR update by Bethany Dickey
• 2027 Plan Changes under old business

The Stay Well Committee heard financial reports for August 2026 showing a net fund loss, updates from Cigna and CBiz on plan enrollment and claims, and scheduling for upcoming open enrollment meetings. The committee also discussed 2027 plan changes, including a 2027 premium increase and the non-approval of Hingle Health and Virtula Health. The minutes do not record any formal recorded votes or final substantive action approvals.

• Discussed August 2026 financial statement showing a fund net loss of ($333,640)
• Heard Cigna update on October mailings for retiree benefit guides
• Reviewed CBiz monthly medical financial overview
• Heard HR updates on open enrollment meetings for active employees and retirees
• Discussed 2027 plan changes including a 2027 premium increase and non-approval of Hingle Health and Virtula Health

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council will meet in a closed executive session. The session is scheduled to discuss matters regarding litigation, legal action, and attorney-client communications.

• Closed executive session regarding litigation and legal action

Council Meetings

The Independence City Council will hold public hearings on rezoning requests and proposed property tax rates for FY 2026-2027, and consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts including a $2.746 million construction contract for sludge thickening improvements at the Rock Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The council will also vote on ordinances for a sidewalk agreement, a new Department of Public Utilities, and a special election to fill a council vacancy.

• Public hearing and ordinance to set FY 2026-2027 property tax rates
• Rezoning at 515 S. Powell Road from R-12/PUD to R-A
• Rezoning at 221 N. Crysler Avenue from C-2 and R-30/PUD to R-6
• Rezoning at 914 & 916 E. Frederick Street from R-30/PUD to R-6
• $2,746,000 construction contract with MegaKC for Rotary Drum Thickeners at Rock Creek WWTP

The City Council approved real property tax rates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and passed three rezoning ordinances. The council also authorized several high-value construction and engineering contracts for water treatment, wastewater, and road safety projects.

• Approved property tax rates for FY 2026-2027 (6-0)
• Approved $2.746M contract with MegaKC for Rock Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant (6-0)
• Approved $2.48M design contract with Olsson Inc. for 23rd Street Mobility & Safety Project (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 515 S. Powell Road to Residential Agricultural (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 221 N. Crysler Avenue to Single Family Residential (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 914 & 916 E. Frederick Street to Single Family Residential (6-0)
• Approved $179,296.90 purchase order for 235 Glock 17 firearms for Police Department (6-0)
• Elected Councilmember Brice Stewart as Mayor Pro Tem (6-0)

Public Hearings

The September 17, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting is cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on October 15, 2026. No items are on the agenda for this cancelled meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

The Independence, MO Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for September 17, 2026, was cancelled. No substantive decisions or actions were taken. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for October 15, 2026.

• September 17, 2026 meeting cancelled