Independence public meetings in 2024
33 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Library Board
The Independence Library Board will meet on December 19, 2024 to conduct routine business. Items on the agenda include approving bills, reviewing statistics, and discussing a continuing education policy, an artwork donation, and proposed changes to the library budget. The board will also provide updates on goals, evaluate the library director, and receive staff reports.
- Approve Bills
- Statistics Report
- Continuing Education Policy
- Artwork Donation
- Budget Proposal Changes
City Council
The City Council is meeting for a tour of downtown apartments located above Coles Ace Hardware. No other business or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Tour of downtown apartments at 312 1st St E
City Council
The Independence City Council will meet to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment #1 and consider resolutions for the North Aircraft Parking Apron Project and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan at the airport. The meeting will also include the approval of a special class C retail alcohol license renewal and the acceptance of claims.
- Approve Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment #1
- Accept work for North Aircraft Parking Apron Project
- Approve Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for James H. Connell Field
- Approve River'sEDGE Sport & Fitness Special Class C Retail Alcohol License renewal
- Approve Change Order #1 for North Aircraft Parking Apron Project
Airport Board
The Independence Airport Board will hear updates from the engineer, chairman/city manager, airport manager, and FBO. It will review revenue and expense figures to date and discuss scheduling for the January 1 meeting. No formal actions or approvals are listed on the agenda.
- Engineer update
- Chairman/City Manager update
- Airport Manager update
- FBO update
- Review of revenues and expenses to date
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet to discuss an amendment to Article 17 regarding signs. The body will also review a preliminary plat of survey for Heidemann.
- Article 17, Signs amendment
- Preliminary Plat of Survey - Heidemann
City Council
The Independence City Council work session will consider a renewal of the liquor license for Wal‑Mart Supercenter #750. Council members will also receive updates on the wastewater treatment plant design, the RV park, and airport capital projects. Additional topics include street lighting on Lover’s Lane, speed‑education signage, and the FY 2026 budget timeline.
- Wal‑Mart Supercenter #750 Liquor License Renewal
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project – Design Update
- RV Park Discussion
- Airport Five‑Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Lover’s Lane – Streetlighting
City Council
The Independence City Council will approve a consent agenda that includes the minutes of the November 12 meeting and a renewal of the Brick Kitchen Special Class C Retail Alcohol License. The council will set a public hearing for Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment #1 and review the FY2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report. A resolution will dedicate certain real estate as a park, and the first reading of an ordinance amendment to Code Section 47.02 (Park Regulations) will be considered.
- Renewal of Brick Kitchen Special Class C Retail Alcohol License (effective Nov 16, 2024 – Nov 15, 2025)
- Public hearing set for FY2025 Budget Amendment #1
- FY2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report
- Resolution dedicating certain real estate as a park
- First reading of ordinance amendment to Code Section 47.02 – Park Regulations
Library Board
The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) proposal. The board will also discuss a security camera policy and a board appointment for the IPLF. Other items include updates on the library bylaws and the Oaklee project.
- 2026 Budget & CIP Proposal
- Security Camera Policy
- IPLF Board Appointment
- Library Board Bylaws
- Oaklee Update
City Council
The joint meeting of the City of Independence, Buchanan County and the Independence Community School District will review anticipated 2024‑2025 projects, discuss budget issues and challenges, and consider legislative concerns and opportunities for each entity. The agenda also allows for other topics of interest before adjournment.
- Review of anticipated 2024‑2025 projects for city, county, and school district
- Discussion of budget issues and challenges for each entity
- Consideration of 2025 legislative concerns and opportunities
- Open discussion of other topics of interest
City Council
The Independence City Council will consider a resolution to approve a Homeowner/Agency Repair Program Project (Project 3.1). The meeting also includes a consent agenda for three Class C retail alcohol license renewals and several financial reports and resolutions, including a mowing compliance assessment and a Tax Increment Financing certification. Additional items are a discussion of the LEAD Buchanan Academy 2025 and routine monthly department reports.
- Renewal of El Mazatlan Authentic Mexican Restaurant Class C retail alcohol license
- Renewal of Wee Willy's Checkered Flag Class C retail alcohol license with outdoor service
- Renewal of Allerton Brewing Company Class C retail alcohol license with outdoor service
- Resolution to approve Homeowner/Agency Repair Program Project 3.1
- Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 mowing compliance
Airport Board
The Airport Board will meet to receive updates from the engineer, city manager, and airport manager. The board will discuss a draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- CIP Draft
- SWPPP
- Revenues and Expenses to Date
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will vote to approve the minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting. It will then consider a proposed amendment to Article 17 concerning signs. No other business is listed.
- Approve minutes from October 1, 2024 meeting
- Consider amendment to Article 17 – signs
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss and debate items for future formal consideration. The meeting includes department reports and updates on downtown initiatives.
- Downtown parking time limits
- Mayors’ Park designation
- Downtown housing update
- Department reports from Library, Parks & Recreation, Fire, and Police
City Council
The Independence City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes the meeting minutes, a Class C retail alcohol license renewal for the Sanity Room, and a tobacco permit for King Tobacco. They will approve claims and review revenue and expense information, then conduct a first reading of an ordinance amendment to create No Parking Zones. Several resolutions will be adopted, including the use of American Recovery Plan Act funds, approval of the final plat for the MBH Addition, and a moratorium on certain sign enforcement. Additional items include a library donation, a commercial restoration grant application, and updates on the water and sewer system.
- Consent agenda: minutes of the Oct 14, 2024 meeting
- Consent agenda: Sanity Room Class C retail alcohol license renewal (outdoor service Nov 16 2024–Nov 15 2025)
- Consent agenda: Tobacco permit for King Tobacco at 209 1st St E (Oct 28 2024–June 30 2025)
- First reading of Ordinance Amendment to Code Section 69.08 – No Parking Zones
- Resolution to establish use of American Recovery Plan Act Funds
Library Board
The Independence Library Board will review several agenda items, including the IPL Strategic Plan, a proposed amendment to the Library Board Bylaws, and the addition of a therapy dog for library programming. The board will also discuss the Budget Committee and approve pending bills. Miscellaneous items such as the Squirrel Area naming and board training will be addressed.
- Approve Bills
- IPL Strategic Plan
- Library Board Bylaws
- Therapy Dog for Programming
- Budget Committee
City Council
The Independence City Council will meet to approve consent agenda items including meeting minutes, a drug store alcohol license renewal, and a bow hunting request. The body will also consider financial reports, a debt review, and a commercial restoration grant application.
- Approve minutes from September 30, 2024
- Hartig Drug #14 Class E retail alcohol license renewal
- Bow Hunting Request from Tom Weigand
- Commercial Restoration Rehab Grant Application – 114-116 1st St E
- 1st Street West Reconstruction Project – RAISE Grant
City Council
The Independence City Council work session will review departmental reports and hold several discussion items. Council members will consider engineering funding for the 1st Street West reconstruction project, an EMS levy, and a speed camera update. They will also discuss a Chapter 69 yard parking ordinance and an emergency‑preparedness scenario walk‑through for elected officials.
- 1st Street West Reconstruction Engineering Funding
- EMS Levy Discussion
- Speed Camera Update / Discussion
- Chapter 69 Yard Parking Ordinance – Building/Code Enforcement
- Emergency Preparedness Scenario Walk‑through for Elected Officials
City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to discuss and debate items for future formal consideration. The primary topic for discussion is the EMS Levy.
- Discussion of EMS Levy
Airport Board
The Airport Board will meet to receive updates from the engineer, city manager, and airport manager. The board will also review the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and current revenues and expenses.
- Engineer update
- CIP review
- Review of revenues and expenses to date
- FBO update
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Independence Planning and Zoning Commission will open with a roll call, approve the minutes from the September 3, 2024 meeting, and discuss the final plat for the MBH addition. No other business is listed.
- Approval of meeting minutes – September 3, 2024
- Final Plat‑MBH Addition
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed rezoning request. It will also consider several ordinance amendments, including changes to water and sewer fees and street grades. The council will vote on a resolution to approve a Homeowner/Agency Repair Program project and on a resolution to assess property owners for mowing compliance. A consent agenda containing routine items such as meeting minutes and bow‑hunting requests will be approved.
- Public Hearing for the Proposed Rezoning Request (Item 11)
- Third and Final Reading of Ordinance Amendment for Section 1.15 Water and Sewer Fees (Item 9)
- First Reading of Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 138 – Street Grades (Item 10)
- Resolution to approve Homeowner/Agency Repair Program Project 6 under the Independence TIF LMI Set‑Aside (Item 15)
- Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 mowing compliance (Item 13)
Library Board
The Independence Library Board will open the meeting, approve the agenda and minutes, and vote on pending bills. The board will also discuss an equipment policy, provide a facility update, and conduct board training. Additional reports from board members and staff will be presented before adjournment.
- Approve Bills
- Equipment Policy discussion
- Facility Update
- Board Training
- Board and Staff Reports
City Council
The Independence City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes the August 26 minutes, a special event application for a December 6 Jingle on Main, and a Class C retail alcohol license renewal. Financial items such as claims, bank reconciliation, and revenue and expense reports will be approved or noted. The council will conduct a second reading of an ordinance amendment to Section 1.15 for water and sewer fees and will vote on several resolutions, including a preliminary plat, a rezoning hearing date, street rehabilitation assessments, and multiple Homeowner/Agency Repair Program projects under the TIF LMI set‑aside. Additional business items include an airport SWPP plan, a commercial restoration grant application, and routine department reports.
- Establish date and time for public hearing on rezoning A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Residential
- Second reading of Ordinance Amendment for Section 1.15 Water and Sewer Fees
- Adopt final assessment schedule for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project
- Approve Homeowner/Agency Repair Program Project 1 under Independence TIF LMI Set‑Aside
- Commercial Restoration Rehab Grant Application – 216 1st St E
Airport Board
The Independence Airport Board will hear updates from the engineer, the chairman/city manager, the airport manager, and the fixed-base operator. The board will also review revenue and expense figures to date. No formal actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Engineer update
- Chairman/City Manager update
- Airport Manager update
- FBO (fixed‑base operator) update
- Review of revenues and expenses to date
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet to consider a rezoning application and a preliminary plat approval for Henderson. The commission will also review minutes from the August 6, 2024 meeting.
- Henderson rezoning application
- Henderson application for preliminary plat approval
City Council
The Independence City Council held a work session to discuss items slated for future formal consideration. Presentations included an economic development update and reports from the fire, library, parks & recreation, and police departments. New business items covered a traffic signal at 5th Ave NE and 3rd St NE, a potential FEMA buyout property at 67 10th St NE, storm warning sirens, and an airport SWPP plan. No final actions were taken during this session.
- Traffic Signal – 5th Ave. NE (150 Hwy) and 3rd St. NE
- Potential FEMA Buyout Property – 67 10th St. NE
- Storm Warning Sirens
- Airport SWPP Plan
- Buchanan County Economic Development Update
City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing and a first reading of an ordinance amendment regarding water and sewer fees. The body will also consider code amendments regarding fire and council authority and a resolution for mowing assessments.
- Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance Amendment to Section 1.15 for Water and Sewer Fees
- Code Amendment for Sections 35.13 Fire Officials Authority and 35.14 Council Authority
- Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 mowing failures
- Pat's Tap Class C Retail Alcohol License renewal
- Private septic tank installation at 1511 1st St. East
Library Board
The Library Board will meet to discuss updates to the meeting room and library card policies. The board will also review the FY2024 Strategic Plan Summary and staff development regarding an AI Learning Circuit.
- Meeting Room Policy
- Library Card Policy
- Strategic Plan Summary FY2024
- AI Learning Circuit for Staff Development
- Oak Trees by Library
City Council
The City Council will determine a date for a public hearing regarding amendments to water and sewer rate charges. The body will also consider several legislative code amendments and a personnel policy change regarding longevity.
- Public hearing date for Ordinance Amending Water and Sewer Rate charges
- Preliminary Plat – MBH Addition
- Resolution for a Personnel Policy Change – Longevity
- Wastewater Plant Design Contract Amendment
- Independence BrewBQ Special Class C Retail Alcohol License application
Airport Board
The Independence Airport Board will hear updates from the engineer, the chairman/city manager, the airport manager, and the fixed-base operator. The board will also review revenues and expenses to date and discuss topics raised by board members. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Engineer Update
- Chairman/City Manager Update
- Airport Manager Update
- FBO Update
- Revenues and Expenses to Date
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the preliminary plat for a property within two miles of the city limits. The agenda also includes the approval of meeting minutes from June 4, 2024.
- Review preliminary plat for Finholt property
- Approve June 4, 2024 meeting minutes
City Council
The Independence City Council work session will review several items slated for future council action, including a water and sewer rate ordinance amendment and a wastewater plant design contract amendment. The council may also take action on any agenda item during this meeting. Department reports on the airport, building/code enforcement, streets, and utilities will be presented, and other topics such as a liquor license and fire station site selection will be discussed.
- Independence Chamber Liquor License – Meet Me on Main
- Wastewater Plant Design Contract Amendment
- Water and Sewer Rate Ordinance Amendment
- Water Service Line Ownership
- Parcel #10.03.328.011 – approx. 596 9th Ave. SE
City Council
The City Council will meet to approve claims and review financial reports. The agenda includes a petition from the public regarding an update to the Ambulance-EMS Plan.
- Ambulance – EMS Plan Update petition
- Approval of claims
- Review of revenues and expenses to date