Independence, MO

Public Utility Advisory Board

The Public Utility Advisory Board is meeting to receive reports from Finance & Administration, Municipal Services, IPL, and the Deputy City Manager. The board will discuss questions on the June 2026 utility financial reports and review IPL statistical charts for the same period. No votes or decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Questions on Utility Financial Reports — June 2026
• IPL Statistical Charts — June 2026
• Next meeting date set for September 17, 2026

Public Hearings

The August 20, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting is cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on September 17, 2026. No items are on the agenda for this cancelled meeting.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting set for September 17, 2026

Personnel Board

The Independence Personnel Board is meeting to approve minutes and hold a public hearing on proposed updates to Article I of the City's Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual, specifically regarding employment, workplace, and equal employment opportunity policies. No other substantive business is listed.

• Approval of August 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public hearing on proposed changes to Article I (Employment, Workplace, and Equal Employment Opportunity Policies)

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

The Independence Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a rezoning request for 934 E 23rd Street S, a continued special use permit for a tattoo shop at 1717 S. Appleton Ave, and a rezoning for 17610 E. Bolger Rd. They will also discuss a special sign permit for Dillons at the Bolger Rd address and a UDO amendment. One final plat case is recommended to be continued to the next meeting.

• Rezoning/PUD at 934 E 23rd Street S from C-1 to R-12/PUD
• Special Use Permit for tattoo shop at 1717 S. Appleton Ave (continued)
• Rezoning at 17610 E. Bolger Rd from R-30/PUD to C-2
• Special Sign Permit for Dillons at 17610 E. Bolger Rd
• UDO Amendment #81 on new evidence

Council Meetings

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Southwest Independence 353 Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and discuss two items: a property at 3600 Blue Ridge Blvd and a properties audit. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of property at 3600 Blue Ridge Blvd
• Discussion of properties audit
• Approval of minutes from February 18, 2026

Executive Sessions

This is a procedural agenda for a closed executive session of the Independence City Council. The only listed action is convening behind closed doors to discuss personnel matters and personnel records, as permitted by state law. No decisions or public business are scheduled.

• Closed executive session under RSMo. 610.021(3) for personnel matters
• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(13) for personnel records

Council Meetings

The Independence City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on amending the Unified Development Ordinance to regulate data centers and battery energy storage systems. The consent agenda includes multiple purchase orders and contracts for audits, fire department equipment, and infrastructure projects. Several ordinances are up for second reading, including a mutual aid agreement for police assistance during the FIFA World Cup and a bond election call.

• Public hearing and ordinance 26-072 2R on data centers and battery energy storage systems zoning
• Purchase order to RubinBrown, LLP for $170,300 for annual audit services
• Purchase orders for Fire Department: $150,000 fuel (WEX Bank), $200,000 turnout gear (MacQueen), $181,000 physicals (Life Scan Wellness Centers)
• Ordinance 26-074 2R accepting $450,000 from KC2026 for police assistance during FIFA World Cup events
• Ordinance 26-083 1R accepting $6,000,000 grant for 23rd Street Safety & Mobility Improvements

Personnel Board

The Independence Personnel Board is meeting to approve the minutes from its July 10, 2026 meeting and to discuss Article I of the employment, workplace, and equal employment opportunity policies. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of July 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of Article I: Employment, Workplace and Equal Employment Opportunity Policies

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Independence Sustainability Commission is meeting to approve minutes, discuss updates on a local sustainability award, a postponed bike ride of historic places, and a compost program, and to address expiring commission terms and 2026 priorities.

• Approval of July 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on award for local business or individual
• Bike Ride of Historic Places postponed (Frontiers Museum, Railroad Museum, Bingham Waggoner, Chicago Alton Depot)
• KC Can Compost information update
• October expiring terms: Cassandra, Maureen, Dan, Madalyn

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Independence Tree Commission is meeting to discuss old and new business, including the Legacy Trees program, an update on Truman Connect, and a review of the Tree Ordinance. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with call to order, minutes approval, and adjournment.

• Legacy Trees discussion
• Truman Connect update
• Tree Ordinance review

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on four rezoning requests and a special use permit for a tattoo shop. The rezoning cases involve properties on Crysler Avenue, Frederick Street, and Powell Road, all seeking to change current zoning designations. A separate request to operate a short-term rental at 16012 E 31st St S is also on the agenda.

• Case 26-100-06: Rezone 221 N. Crysler Ave from C-2 and R-30/PUD to R-6 (Single Family Residential)
• Case 26-100-07: Rezone 914 & 916 E. Frederick St from R-30/PUD to R-6 (Single Family Residential)
• Case 26-100-08: Rezone 515 S. Powell Road from R-12/PUD to R-A (Residential-Agricultural)
• Case 26-200-04: Special Use Permit for a tattoo shop at 1717 S. Appleton Ave
• Case 26-400-86: Short-term rental request at 16012 E 31st St S

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Human Relations Commission will meet to discuss planning for a skateboard competition event. No decisions are listed; the agenda item is for discussion only.

• Skateboard competition event planning discussion

Workshops & Study Sessions

The Independence City Council will hold a study session on August 10, 2026, to discuss a resolution sponsored by Mayor King requesting staff draft an ordinance for storm shelter requirements. The meeting will also include updates from the Independence Economic Development Partnership and a policy discussion on economic development.

• Resolution requesting draft ordinance for storm shelter requirements (Mayor King)
• Independence Economic Development Partnership Update
• Economic Development Policy Discussion

The City Council held a study session and discussed a resolution to draft a storm shelter ordinance for new homes and major renovations, but no formal action was taken. The council also received updates on economic development, including a 64% increase in new business licenses and notable investments. No votes were held; the meeting was informational only.

• Discussed draft ordinance for storm shelter requirements (no vote)
• Received economic development update from Chamber of Commerce
• Discussed economic development policy and incentives

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Independence Advisory Board of Health will meet virtually to approve minutes, select a vice chair, and receive updates on kratom and communicable diseases. No votes on specific policies or expenditures are scheduled.

• Selection of vice chair
• Kratom update
• Communicable disease update

The Independence Advisory Board of Health meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made, and all agenda items were not addressed.

Special Meetings

The Independence Emergency Medical Services Committee will meet virtually to discuss AMR and fire emergency responses, receive a medical director report, review CenterPoint updates, and hear an IPD/communications report. The agenda also includes a regional emergency preparedness report and an ARCH co-responder program update. The committee may vote to close a portion of the meeting for discussion of identifiable health information as allowed by state law.

• Review of AMR emergency responses
• Review of fire emergency responses
• Medical director report
• CenterPoint updates
• Regional emergency preparedness report

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council will convene a closed executive session to discuss litigation, legal actions, attorney-client communications, and personnel matters as permitted by Missouri state law (RSMo. 610.021). No decisions will be made during this session.

Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning 20691 E US 24 Highway from R-6 to R-6/PUD. The consent agenda includes numerous purchase orders, notably a $13.4 million change order for Fire Station 5 and a $1.75 million well construction contract. Ordinances include first readings on a General Obligation bond election, a prohibition on unlawfully entering vehicles, and amendments to battery energy storage regulations. The council also will consider a resolution to amend its rules of procedure.

• Public hearing for rezoning at 20691 E US 24 Highway (R-6 to R-6/PUD)
• Change Order #4 for $13,442,546 to Turner Construction for Independence Fire Station 5
• Construction contract for Well No. 17-A and 18-A at Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant, $1,754,600
• Joint Use Attachment Audit contract with Toth & Associates for $1,459,728 (IPL)
• First reading of ordinance calling General Obligation bond election (26-078 1R)

Council Meetings

The Street Improvement Oversight Committee will meet to discuss financial reports and bond status. The body will review the financial dashboard and a license surcharge report.

• Approval of April 2, 2026, meeting minutes
• Financial dashboard discussion
• License surcharge report discussion
• GO bond discussion

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hear five requests to operate short-term rentals at properties on Sioux Avenue, Berry Lane, Liberty Street, Cedar Avenue, and Randall Drive. Two rezoning cases (221 N. Crysler Avenue and 914 & 916 E. Frederick Street) are continued to the August 11 meeting. The commission will also elect a chair and vice-chair.

• Short-term rental request – 630 N. Sioux Avenue
• Short-term rental request – 17101 E. Berry Lane
• Short-term rental request – 813 S. Liberty Street
• Short-term rental request – 230 S. Cedar Avenue
• Short-term rental request – 3700 S. Randall Drive

The Independence Planning Commission approved five short-term rental applications at 630 N. Sioux Ave., 17101 E. Berry Ln., 813 S. Liberty St., 230 S. Cedar Ave., and 3700 S. Randall Dr., with conditions. Two rezoning cases were continued to the August 11 meeting. The Commission also elected Laurie Dean Wiley as Chair and Eric Ashbaugh as Vice-Chair.

• Approved short-term rental at 630 N. Sioux Ave. (7-0)
• Approved short-term rental at 17101 E. Berry Ln. (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved short-term rental at 813 S. Liberty St. (7-0)
• Approved short-term rental at 230 S. Cedar Ave. with added condition for alternate contact numbers (7-0)
• Approved short-term rental at 3700 S. Randall Dr. with amended occupancy of 10 total (7-0)
• Continued corrective rezoning at 221 N. Crysler Ave. to Aug. 11 (7-0)
• Continued rezoning at 914 & 916 E. Frederick St. to Aug. 11 (7-0)
• Elected Laurie Dean Wiley as Chair and Eric Ashbaugh as Vice-Chair (7-0)

Special Meetings

The Stay Well Committee will meet to approve minutes, review financial statements, and discuss 2027 premium and plan recommendations. The meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2026.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Financial statement and report presented by CBiz
• Update from CIGNA regarding health insurance
• 2027 Premium/plan recommendations for discussion
• Next meeting scheduled for August 25, 2026

The committee reviewed financial statements for June 2026, noting a total fund net income of $3,122,960 for the fourth month of the fiscal year. HR announced mandatory open enrollment dates for October and November. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Nebius Community Advisory Board will meet to elect a chairperson and review meeting procedures. The session is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Independence Municipal Commons.

• Election of Chairperson
• Review of Meeting Procedures
• Public Comment period
• Board Member Comments

Annual & Quarterly Meetings

The committee will meet to approve minutes from the April 16, 2026 meeting. Members will review and accept quarterly reports from the Fire Department and Police Department, including specific tax reports.

• Acceptance of Fire Department Quarterly Report
• Acceptance of Police Department Quarterly Report
• Acceptance of Police Department Quarterly Use Tax Report
• Acceptance of Police Department Quarterly Marijuana Tax Report
• Acceptance of Police Department Quarterly Prop PD Tax Report

The committee approved the quarterly reports for the Fire Department and the Police Department. The Police Department also received approval for its Use Tax, Marijuana Tax, and Prop PD Tax reports. No other substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved April 16th, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approved Fire Department Quarterly Report
• Approved Police Department Quarterly Report
• Approved Police Department Quarterly Use Tax Report
• Approved Police Department Quarterly Marijuana Tax Report
• Approved Police Department Quarterly Prop PD Tax Report

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Storm Water Control Oversight Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive staff reports. Discussions will cover financial status, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.

• Approval of April 8, 2026, meeting minutes
• Financial report
• Maintenance report
• Capital Improvement Projects report

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council will meet in a closed executive session on July 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM. The session is convened under RSMo 610.021 to consider matters of personnel records and real estate. No specific agenda items are disclosed in the public agenda.

Council Meetings

The City Council will review several rezoning requests, including properties on US 40 Highway and US 24 Highway. The agenda also includes numerous contract approvals for infrastructure, water treatment, and municipal maintenance.

• Rezoning of 16523 E US 40 Highway to General Commercial
• Rezoning of 20691 E US 24 Highway to Single-Family Residential/Planned Unit Development
• Special Use Permit for a rental car business at 3601 S. Noland Road
• Change order for Truman Connected Phase II Project up to $976,012
• Street cut repairs with Davenport Construction for $1,658,800

The City Council approved a resolution to call a November 3, 2026, election for a General Obligation Bond to fund city-owned historic sites. The council also approved several rezoning requests, a special use permit for a rental car business, and multiple municipal service contracts.

• Approved resolution to call a Nov 3, 2026, bond election for historic sites (5-1)
• Approved rezoning of 16523 E US 40 Highway to C-2 General Commercial (6-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Avis Car Rental at 3601 S Noland Road (6-0)
• Approved Preliminary Development Plan for McBee Acres (6-0)
• Approved retail liquor license for On the Go at 9307 E 23rd St (6-0)
• Approved $1.65M contract with Davenport Construction for street cut repairs
• Approved $475,980 contract with ESRI for FY 2026/27 through 2028/29
• Postponed Truman Connected Phase II design contract change order to 8/3/26 (6-0)

Public Utility Advisory Board

The Public Utility Advisory Board will hold a meeting to approve minutes, elect annual officers, and discuss utility financial reports and data center updates.

• Approval of June 18, 2026, meeting minutes
• Annual Officer Elections for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Review of Utility Financial Reports for May 2026
• Review of IPL Statistical Charts for May 2026
• Update on Data Centers/Battery Sites

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Independence Sustainability Commission will consider approving June meeting minutes, discuss updates on a local sustainability award and the postponed Bike Ride of Historic Places, receive information on KC Can Compost, and address expiring commission terms and 2026 priorities.

• June 11, 2026 meeting minutes for approval
• Postponed Bike Ride of Historic Places (Frontiers Museum, Railroad Museum, Bingham Waggoner, Chicago Alton Depot)
• KC Can Compost information update
• October expiring terms for Cassandra, Maureen, Dan, and Madalyn
• 2026 Commission priorities discussion

Public Hearings

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance to lot standards for 9612 and 9614 E. 9th Street S. The board will also consider approving the minutes from its June 18, 2026 meeting.

• Variance request for lot standards at 9612 E. 9th Street S.
• Variance request for lot standards at 9614 E. 9th Street S.
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 18, 2026

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Human Relations Commission is meeting to discuss several upcoming community events and review award selections. Items include overviews of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Juneteenth event, along with discussions on the ICON Award, Island Fest, and a skateboard competition. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the agenda is primarily for discussion and planning.

• Review of ICON Award selection and presentation
• Island Fest overview and discussion
• Skateboard competition event discussion
• 2026 FIFA World Cup overview
• Juneteenth event overview

The Human Relations Commission approved the minutes from the special called meeting on May 18, 2026 by a 6‑0 vote. The commission then adjourned the July 14, 2026 meeting by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved May 18, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a rezoning and preliminary development plan for 19901 E. M-78 Highway. The agenda also includes two short-term rental requests and a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding data centers and battery energy storage systems.

• Rezoning/PUD request for 19901 E. M-78 Highway
• Short-Term Rental request for 12808 E. 47 th Ter Ct S
• Short-Term Rental request for 1215 E. South Ave
• UDO Amendment #80 regarding Data Centers & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

The Commission approved four specific modifications to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding data centers and battery energy storage systems, though a subsequent motion to approve the overall case failed. Additionally, one short-term rental request was approved and another was postponed indefinitely.

• Approved rezoning of 19901 E. M-78 Highway to R-6/PUD for a day care (7-0)
• Postponed short-term rental request for 12808 E. 47th Ter Ct S indefinitely (7-0)
• Approved short-term rental request for 1215 E. South Ave (5-2)
• Approved UDO modifications for data centers: added decommissioning financial assurance, standard parking requirements, 30-day certified mail notice for major facilities, and limited exemptions to projects with issued building permits (7-0)
• Denied motion to approve Case 26-175-03 (UDO Amendment #80) (1-6)
• Approved June 23, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)

Workshops & Study Sessions

The City Council will discuss a resolution to direct the City Manager to bring a ballot initiative for funding historic sites to the November 2026 General Election. The session also includes presentations on Truman Connected Phase 2 and GO Bond construction.

• Resolution for historic site funding ballot initiative
• Truman Connected Phase 2 update
• GO Bond construction update

Personnel Board

The Personnel Board will hold public hearings on proposed changes to four articles of the City of Independence Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual. The changes address workplace and equal employment opportunity complaint procedures (Article I), recruitment and selection (Article III), attendance and hours of work (Article IV), and re-employment after separation (Article VI). The board will also consider approving the minutes from May 15, 2026. No other substantive items are listed.

• Public hearing on Article I changes: Workplace & Equal Employment Opportunity complaint procedures
• Public hearing on Article III changes: Recruitment, Selection, Probation and Promotion
• Public hearing on Article IV changes: Hours of Work and Leave attendance rules
• Public hearing on Article VI changes: Separation and Disciplinary Action re-employment language
• Approval of May 15, 2026 meeting minutes

The Independence Personnel Board held public hearings and unanimously approved recommending four updates to the City's Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual to the City Council. The changes cover complaint procedures, recruitment, attendance, and re-employment after separation. No public comments were made, and no other business was discussed.

• Approved May 15, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Article I complaint procedure update to council (unanimous)
• Recommended Article III recruitment update to council (unanimous)
• Recommended Article IV attendance update to council (unanimous)
• Recommended Article VI re-employment update to council (unanimous)

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Japanese Sister City Committee is meeting to coordinate a student exchange and plan the Uptown Matsuri. The body will discuss venue availability and volunteer staffing for these events.

• Planning for Japan exchange, including Truman Memorial building availability
• Discussion of potential November 7th date for Uptown Matsuri

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Tree Commission will meet to discuss the landscape plan for the Vaile Mansion. The agenda also includes a discussion on Truman Connects.

• Landscape Plan - Vaile Mansion

The Independence Tree Commission meeting was called to order at the Vaile Mansion, but no official business could be conducted because there was no quorum. No votes or actions were taken.