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December 13th Council Meeting

I was remiss in getting a post out before the Council meeting. I apologize but it's hard coming off a campaign and getting back to the business of governing.


To quickly summarize, Gloria Butsch, our Finance Director provided a "deep-dive" on what her department does and a bit of information on the folks who work there. Congrats to new mom, Nikki!


Gloria has also been selected to receive the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting!!!! This is a phenomenal achievement. We are good hands here in Independence!


City Recorder, Karin Johnson, presented the certified results from November's election. Many congratulations on the reelection of Mayor John McArdle and Councilor Marilyn Morton and on the election of Indy Commons owner, Kate Schwarzler.


Chief Mason discussed the Inter-governmental Agreement between Independence, Monmouth, and MINET. This has been a long time coming and serves to update and inform residents regarding MINET operating procedures. While the IGA was sorely needed, I believe MINET can be even more transparent regarding board operations. I've asked Chief Mason to bring some thoughts to the next board meeting.


City Planner, Fred Evander, discussed a joint Planning Commission/Heritage Preservation Commission recommendation regarding public notice. We voted to accept their recommendation. Notices by mail, which have always gone to residents within 250 feet of an affected site will continue as well as listings in the local newspaper. New to this process will be signs posted at affected sites and posted to the city website. These additions will help to better inform residents and help engage the community.


And finally, we voted to declare 435 S. Main Street a nuisance. The city has been working with the property owner since 2015 to make mandated repairs. The abatement process will begin following property owner notification.


NOTE - a work session to discuss the Sports Park feasibility study was rescheduled to January.



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