On Aug 14, the City of Independence joined communities across the state in celebrating the Missouri Bicentennial. In honor of this event, the City reopened the National Frontier Trails Museum with a day filled with Puppet Shows from the Puppetry Arts Institute, original music inspired by the trails from musician Dana Mengel, insight from experts on the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, and capped off with the state dessert - ice cream. Thank you to everyone that came.
Find out more about the National Frontier Trails Museum, including updated hours, at indep.us/nftm.
Council Overview
Please find below an overview of some of the key items discussed and voted on during the August 16 City Council Meeting. You can watch the meeting in full here. Please note the meeting includes more than one and a half hours of public comment.
Council votes on masks and health order
The City Council voted 4-2 against the Public Health Order recommended by the Board of Health which included a mask mandate. You can read details about this resolution here. This means the City continues to follow the Public Health Advisory which strongly encourages masks for all individuals in public spaces, vaccines for all 12 and older, staying home when you are sick and regularly washing your hands.
Two items to appear on the November ballot
The Council tonight approved the ballot items for the public vote in the November, 2021 election which if passed would repeal the current 1/8 of one percent Fire Protection Sales Tax and replace it with a 1/2 of one percent sales tax. You can read the proposed ballot language and further background information on this item here.
The second item which will appear on the ballot would modify the language of Proposition P to allow for the use of funds generated by use tax sales receipts be used toward personnel and equipment. You can read the ballot language and further information in full here.
Hardy Ave Sidewalk Improvements
The Council approved an ordinance that authorizes the right-of-way and sidewalk easement acquisition for this project. The project will provide sidewalks, ADA ramps, curb & gutters, driveways, and storm sewers. Once complete, the Hardy Avenue Sidewalk Project will construct new sidewalks in the vicinity of the Cassell Park Elementary School along Hardy Ave. from 31st Street to 35th Street. You can read this item in full here.
Conversion Therapy
Council did not pass the latest ordinance which would have prohibited Conversion Therapy for minors. You can read the proposed ordinance here.
Please find the latest COVID-19 Report here.
The Council will next meet on August 21 for a Study Session.
COVID-19 cases continue to grow in KC Metro
Since March 2020, 200 Independence residents have died from COVID-19 and more than 18,000 have tested positive for COVID-19. The number of individuals needing hospitalization for COVID-19 has increased more than 30 percent in the last two weeks in the KC Metro, with a continued increase in children. As of Aug. 11, Independence's 2-week positivity rate is 18.9%.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a mask when in indoor settings or in large outdoor gatherings where social distancing is not easily maintained. Vaccines are encouraged for all individuals 12 or older. And those that are considered immunocompromised are encouraged to get a third dose if they received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. The Independence Health Department continues to add new vaccine clinic options. Please learn more about the vaccine options in our area at indep.us/vaccines.
Find upcoming meetings, programs and events
Looking for upcoming public meetings and events? Visit indep.us/calendar to what is coming up next.
Independence News Room
Find the latest Independence Press Releases, Newsletters, Videos, and more at indep.us/newsroom. Register to receive press releases, CityScenes or meeting agendas at indep.us/communicationssignup.
Follow the City on our social media pages:
- Facebook -facebook.com/CityofIndependence
- Twitter - @CityOfIndepMO
- Instagram - @cityofindependencemo
- Nextdoor - indep.us/nextdoor
- YouTube - indep.us/youtube
Share your concerns with us
Report an issue or concern regarding codes, trash, streets or other city services via the IndepNow app or online at indep.us/actioncenter. Click the button above the get started now.
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City of Independence