On Saturday, Oct. 30, the Independence Fire Department said goodbye to Fire Equipment Operator/Paramedic Chad Sappenfield. Chad lost his battle to PTSD on Oct. 25. Read a full statement from Fire Chief Doug Short and Chad's family here.
For those needing help locally, there is a 24-hour crisis hotline available at 1-888-279-8188. First responders in the area may also be interested to learn more about services dedicated to their needs provided by the organization The Battle Within at thebattlewithin.org or the Valor Program at sphkc.net/our-programs/valor-recovery-program.
Council Overview
Please find below an overview of some of the key items discussed and voted on during the Nov. 1 City Council Meeting. You can watch the meeting in full here.
Celebrating the November Employee of the Month
Last month we shared the story of Lucas Crowder in the Manager's Job Shadow. On Nov. 1, Luke was recognized as the November Employee of the Month for his response to a citizen in need. You can hear his full story here. Of special note tonight, Alice, the Independence resident on Luke's route that he provided aid to, was in attendance to help honor him for his efforts.
New equipment for Water and Fire Departments
The Council approved two purchase orders on Nov. 1 to purchase a new dump truck and a 110 foot Ladder Truck.
Home Repair Program
The Council approved an ordinance authorizing a contract with Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity for the administration of Home Repair Program for low to moderate income homeowners utilizing 2021-22 CDBG Program Funds in an amount not to exceed $371,514.00.
The City’s home repair program is designed to provide assistance to eligible homeowners for correction of health and safety deficiencies and code violations for low-income homeowners within the City. The Program provides this grant assistance (up to $25,000) that is used to pay the cost of necessary repairs that will provide the homeowner with a healthy, safe, sanitary, and code compliant home.
You can read this item in full here.
Conversion therapy discussed
The Council heard the first reading of a revised Conversion Therapy ordinance on Nov. 1. This represents the third time this issue has come before the Council in 2021. The Council will vote on this ordinance following the second reading on Nov. 15. You can read about this item in full here.
Please find the latest COVID-19 Report here.
You can find the full agenda, including links to the items above and other items discussed here.
The Council will next meet on November 8 for a Study Session.
Today is Election Day
On November 2, City of Independence residents will have the option to vote on two ballot measures related to the Independence Police and Fire Departments respectively. Here we outline what a yes or no vote means.
Fire Protection Sales Tax
What a yes vote means: A yes vote, would repeal the current Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/8 of a cent which is currently in effect until December 31, 2026.
It would replace the current Fire Protection Sales Tax with a new Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/2 of one cent and remain in effect until repealed by voters.
This would result in a 3/8 of one percent total Fire Protection Sales Tax increase.
What a no vote means: A no vote would maintain the current Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/8 of a cent which is currently in effect until December 31, 2026.
Sample Ballot Language: Shall the City of Independence repeal the existing Sales Tax of one eighth of one percent used to fund operations of the municipal fire department, and instead impose a Sales Tax of one-half of one percent, to be effective April 1, 2022, for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the municipal fire department, which tax shall remain in effect until repealed by voters?
Proposed uses of funds:
Would be used to make the following improvements:
- Replace five aging fire stations
- Replace aging fire apparatus
- Purchase lifesaving equipment
- Add one new fire station
- Add new fire apparatus
- Maintenance and repair expenses for equipment, apparatus and fire stations
Sales tax funds would also be used to:
- Hire additional firefighters
- Hire additional administration
- Hire additional personnel
Learn more at indep.us/firesalestax21.
Updating Proposition P
What a yes vote means: A yes vote, would allow the Independence Police Department to use funds collected through the online Use Tax previously passed in 2019 to be used for new and current Police Department personnel and equipment.
A yes vote does not increase the Use Tax or change funding dedicated to the no-kill animal shelter or decrease number of police personnel.
What a no vote means: A no vote, would maintain the current approved usage of the funds from Proposition P.
Sample Ballot Language:
Shall the local use tax currently imposed by the City of Independence, Missouri, which is dedicated to a no-kill animal shelter and funding additional police officers, be amended to allow for the funding of all police department personnel and equipment? Voting in favor of this question will not result in any tax increase or change the funding dedicated to the no-kill animal shelter.
Why is this being considered now?
As indicated by the City’s updated Strategic Plan, Independence for All, and a recent budget survey, public safety is a continued area of focus and concern for residents. Ongoing challenges include:
- Recruitment at both national and local level.
- Growing number of calls for service.
- Nature of calls requires more personnel and time to resolve.
- Increasing cost of technology and equipment needed for officers.
Learn more at indep.us/propupdate21.
A Holiday Tradition Returns
Hundreds gathered around the Independence Square on Saturday, Oct. 30, for the Annual Halloween Parade.
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Find upcoming meetings, programs and events
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