The city shows disgust with the contractor on the 1916 City Hall project

The Independence City Commission met for more than two hours Thursday evening to address an agenda that contained everything including a public hearing to consider condemnation of properties to announcing to the public the commission will need to start over looking for a city manager after a candidate they offered the position to turned the job down.

Early into the meeting, the commission heard from Ian Pitts, with Treanor HL, regarding change orders 8,9 and 10 on the 1916 City Hall project. Mayor Leonhard Calflisch asked Pitts about the delay in completing the project and when they could expect it to be done. Pitts said it was because of the virus and other factors. Pitts said the contractor was now asking for an extension. The commission expressed their dissatisfaction with the request to extend the completion date to the end of January. The commission approved the change orders but did not agree to allow an extension of days.

Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison presented a proposal to replace the 911 PSAP radio system. He gave the commission four options but recommended an option that was higher than the lowest bid. The bid from TBS-Telex was for $92,138 and all new components as opposed to replacing only certain pieces of the system. All three commissioners agreed with the assessment from Harrison and approved his request.

Commissioners set a date of Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. for a special meeting to discuss the police department’s response to the Diversity Task Force (DTF) regarding police reform. Harrison said he would like the opportunity to present the program to a “broader” audience and for the public to be aware of the actions being taken. The commissioners applauded Harrison for his proactive response to the DTF’s questions and concerns.

Commissioners approved the adoption of an ordinance levying a special assessment for the purpose of paying the cost and expense of condemnation and demolition on condemned properties. Currently, the city has incurred approximately $158,285.04 in condemnations and demolition expenses.

In other business the commission took action on was the approval of items relating to reconstructing the south apron run-up area at the airport:

• Received and awarded a contract to J Graham construction for $779,264.40

• A supplemental agreement No. 1 with H. W. Lochner • Authorized sub

• Authorized submitting a KAIP emergency grant application to cover the costs exceeding the engineer’s estimate and original grant award

The commission also approved an agreement with TranSystems for ADA Overlays for $13,000.

Commissioners approved the requests from the FAA to have the area of the Gun Club designated as non-aeronautical property. Kelly Passauer, interim city manager, told the commission it is a lengthy process and asked the commission for permission to start the process and approve the cost of the survey.

The commission heard a report from Lacey Lies, finance director, regarding the SPARKS fundsing. She said the city will receive approximately $528,000 to be used on items such as an ambulance, Memorial Hall upgrades, PPE and other city improvements.

Commissioners approved the adoption of a resolution to establish a business incentive policy on the recommendation by the Economic Development Advisory Board. The mayor called for

The mayor called for an executive session to review and consider City Manager applications for 30 minutes. No action was taken.