Independence, MO

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

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

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

Advisory Committee Meetings

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

Audit and Finance Committee

Workshops & Study Sessions

Planning Commission

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

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

Planning Commission

Public Hearings

Special Meetings

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Public Utility Advisory Board

The Public Utility Advisory Board will hear presentations on a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and an AMI Opt-Out Program, then vote on recommendations to City Council. They will also consider an ordinance establishing the Department of Public Utilities and receive updates on storm damage and a data center.

• BESS recommendation to Council
• AMI Opt-Out recommendation to Council
• Ordinance establishing the Department of Public Utilities
• IPL storm damage and response update
• Data center update

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

Special Meetings

The Southwest Independence 353 Board of Directors is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, discussing an update on an abated property audit, considering a new applicant, and reviewing a draft amendment to residential guidelines. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific dollar amounts or street names provided.

• Update on Abated Property Audit
• New Applicant
• Review of Draft Amendment to Residential Guidelines
• Approval of August 19, 2026 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding rezoning requests for S. Fuller Ave and E 23rd Street. The commission will also consider two requests to operate short-term rentals.

• Rezoning 133-143 S. Fuller Ave from R-6 to R-12
• Rezoning 934 E 23rd Street from C-1 to R-12/PUD and Preliminary Development Plan approval
• Short-term rental request for 1230 W. 31st Street
• Short-term rental request for 2518 S Crescent Ave

The Independence Planning Commission approved a corrective rezoning of six properties on S. Fuller Ave from single-family to two-family residential, and approved a rezoning and preliminary development plan for 934 E 23rd Street S to two-family residential/planned unit development. The Commission also approved short-term rental requests at 1230 W. 31st Street and 2518 S Crescent Ave. All votes were unanimous among members present, with one abstention on the Crescent Ave case due to a recusal. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no public comments on any item.

• Approved corrective rezoning of 133, 135, 137, 139, 141 and 143 S. Fuller Ave from R-6 to R-12 (6-0)
• Approved rezoning and preliminary development plan for 934 E 23rd Street S from C-1 to R-12/PUD (6-0)
• Approved short-term rental at 1230 W. 31st Street (6-0)
• Approved short-term rental at 2518 S Crescent Ave (5-0, 1 abstained)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of August 25, 2026 (6-0)

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Animal Welfare Committee will meet in person at the Regional Animal Shelter. The agenda includes reports on Prop P, data reviews, and subcommittee updates.

• Prop P report
• Data review
• Subcommittee reports

The Animal Welfare Committee approved the Prop P report and the previous meeting's minutes. The committee also discussed city versus county responsibilities, volunteer and fundraising activities, and ringworm cases. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes as written (unanimous)
• Approved Prop P report (unanimous)

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Independence Park Commission is meeting to discuss parks and recreation matters, including the implementation of the Master Plan and updates on Adventure Oasis. The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and will also review staff reports on budget, facilities, and recreation services.

• Discussion of Adventure Oasis
• Master Plan Implementation update
• Staffing updates
• Approval of minutes from May 7, 2026

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Sustainability Commission will review award nominations and update members on the Bike Ride of Historic Places. The meeting also includes discussions on 2026 commission priorities and an upcoming city cleanup event.

• Award nomination for Bradford at Pepper Berries Farm, 17400 E Courtney Atherton Rd.
• Update on the postponed Bike Ride of Historic Places
• KC Can Compost information update
• Discussion of 2026 Commission priorities
• City Cleanup Event scheduled for the week of Sept 28th - Oct 4th

Board & Commission Specific Meetings

The Independence Tree Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and discussing old and new business. The main items are updates on Legacy Trees and the Truman Connect project, plus a review of the city's tree ordinance.

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

The Tree Commission approved its August meeting minutes and continued discussing the Independence Tree Ordinance, which is in review. Community Development's Gabe Glaser provided existing forest restoration and landscape planning ordinances and took notes on wording and enforcement improvements; the topic will continue next month. Legacy Trees and the Truman Connect landscaping update were also discussed, with no action taken.

• Approved August meeting minutes
• Continued tree ordinance discussion; no vote taken, to resume next month
• Legacy Trees website access noted; discussion deferred to next meeting
• Truman Connect landscaping reported still pending; no action

Advisory Committee Meetings

The committee is meeting to coordinate preparations for the Uptown Matsuri event on November 7th. Discussions include forming a sub-committee for the event, reviewing grants, and managing vendor and performer outreach. The committee will also address recruiting student and adult chaperones.

• Uptown Matsuri sub-committee formation
• Grant updates
• Vendor and performer outreach
• Student and adult chaperone recruiting sub-committee

Executive Sessions

The Independence City Council is convening a closed executive session. The agenda lists no public action items; the session is authorized under Missouri law to discuss litigation, legal matters, personnel, personnel records, and contracts.

• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(1) for litigation and attorney-client communications
• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(3) and (13) for personnel and personnel records
• Closed session under RSMo. 610.021(12) for contracts

Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding code amendments for data centers and battery energy storage systems. The meeting also includes several large-scale funding requests for streetscape projects, water treatment plant maintenance, and police vehicle purchases.

• Public hearing for Unified Development Ordinance amendments regarding Data Centers & Battery Energy Storage Systems
• $6,000,000 grant agreement for the 23rd Street Safety & Mobility Improvements Project
• $410,060 design services contract for the Square Streetscape Phase 2 Project
• $327,236 purchase of seven 2027 Ford Explorer police vehicles
• Rezoning application for 19901 E. M-78 Highway from R-6 to R-6/PUD

Advisory Committee Meetings

The Independence, MO Human Relations Commission will hold a virtual meeting to approve minutes from previous sessions and discuss planning for upcoming events, including a skateboard competition. No substantive decisions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

General

The Heritage Commission will meet to consider an application for a single-family home. The request involves installing a new front door and sidelights and constructing a new garage. The meeting also includes reports from staff and public comments.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 400 N. Delaware: new front door, sidelights, and garage construction

The Heritage Commission approved its agenda and prior minutes, elected Mark Scherer as Chair, Robert Pruente Jr. as Vice-chair, and Haven Herndon as Secretary. It also heard a presentation from the Independence Square Association about their Missouri Main Street designation and received staff updates on preservation activities.

• Approved agenda for June 2, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved March 3, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Elected Mark Scherer as Chair (5-0)
• Elected Robert Pruente Jr. as Vice-chair (6-0)
• Elected Haven Herndon as Secretary (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Special Meetings

The committee will review emergency responses from AMR and the Fire Department. Members will also receive updates regarding Centerpoint, the IPD and Communication Center, and the Arch Co-Responder Program.

• Review of AMR emergency responses
• Review of Fire emergency responses
• Medical Director report
• Centerpoint updates
• Arch Co-Responder Program update

The Emergency Medical Services Committee met virtually and approved the previous meeting's minutes. Health department reported 116 Cyclospora cases that are declining, with ongoing tick-borne and enteric cases. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

• Approved meeting minutes as submitted (motion by Dr. Gustafson, seconded by DuPlantis)

Special Meetings

The Stay Well Committee is meeting in person to handle routine business including approving minutes and reviewing financial statements. Updates will be presented by CIGNA, CBiz, HR, and wellness staff. The committee will also discuss 2027 plan year recommendations under old business.

• Approval of minutes from last meeting
• Financial statement presented by Finance Department
• Update from CIGNA by Kevin Kueker and Lisa Phillips
• Financial report by CBiz
• 2027 Plan Year Recommendations under old business

The Independence Stay Well Committee met on August 25, 2026, to review financial statements for June and July, receive updates from Cigna and CBiz, and discuss human resources and wellness activities. The supplied minutes record no substantive votes, approvals, or denials.

• Reviewed June final financial statement
• Reviewed July financial statement
• Received Cigna renewal update
• Received CBiz monthly medical financial overview
• Received HR open enrollment update
• Received wellness activities update
• Discussed 2027 plan year recommendations
• Discussed stoploss renewal

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)

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

The Independence Planning Commission approved a rezoning request and special sign permit for a new Dillons grocery store at 17610 E. Bolger Rd., along with a special use permit for a tattoo shop at 1717 S. Appleton Ave. Commissioners also approved a Unified Development Ordinance amendment regarding new evidence and continued a rezoning case for 934 E 23rd Street S to September 15, 2026. The consent agenda, including the August 11, 2026 minutes and the Jackson Place 2nd Plat, was also approved.

• Approved Consent Agenda including August 11 minutes and Jackson Place 2nd Plat (6-0)
• Continued Case 26-125-05 for 934 E 23rd Street S rezoning to September 15, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Unbound Tattoo and Art Studios at 1717 S. Appleton Ave (6-0)
• Approved rezoning 17610 E. Bolger Rd from R-30/PUD to C-2 for a Dillons grocery store (6-0)
• Approved Special Sign Permit for a 10-foot monument sign at 17610 E. Bolger Rd (6-0)
• Approved UDO Amendment #81 relating to new evidence (6-0)

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

The August 20, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting was cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on September 17, 2026. No substantive decisions were made.

• Cancelled August 20, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting

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

The Public Utility Advisory Board met on August 20, 2026 and received reports only; the minutes record no motions, votes, or formal decisions. Staff gave unaudited June 2026 financial updates for Independence Power & Light (IPL) and the water and sanitary sewer divisions, and reported on plant, well field, and water tower maintenance projects. Deputy City Manager Lisa Reynolds described a move toward a "Department of Utilities" structure and said the AMI opt-out proposal will go to a September study session before reaching the board. The meeting adjourned at 2:47pm.

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