St. Joseph City Council honors award, proclaims religious freedom, passes major votes
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council presented a special award, announced a proclaimation and discussed other major city funding plans during its first 2026 meeting.
The meeting started with Steve Kendall receiving the Key to the City award. The mayor also proclaimed Jan. 16 as Religious Freedom Day, a recognition of the fundamental rights of all citizens to freely practice and express their faith.
On Monday's agenda, Councilmembers voted on an ordinance that prohibits parking on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street and the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to Belt Highway.
City Council approved the allocation of over $221,000 that would go toward three local social service agencies.
Over $401,000 of the city's Community Development Block Grant funds will go toward social service agencies. Funds will be allocated to Community Missions, Social Welfare Board's Dental Program, YWCA, along with ten other social services agencies.
The council approved the preliminary plat of a major subdivision entitled “Venetian Falls” as requested by Ventura Homes, LLC, located on South Lenard Road and West of University Ave.
Councilmembers also approved an ordinance to authorize a payment agreement with Triumph Foods for almost $67,000 to execute a work order with HDR Engineering, Inc., for the industrial evaluation at the Water Protection Facility.
The ordinance comes as Triumph Foods looks to evaluate the City's wastewater treatment train to determine the load ability for now and in the future, in an effort to see if any improvements need to be made.
Two bills were introduced for first reading and will be discussed in future city council meetings.
An amendment of almost $62,000 to the Capital Projects Fund could mean a cosmetic upgrade at the St. Joseph Aquatic Park.
The lump sum contract with MVP Painting LLC will provide the park with a fresh coat of paint, due to the park's age and exposure to the elements.
Bids were received from both MVP and Mongan Painting, LLC. The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department recommended MVP be awarded the agreement, as they were the lowest and best bidder.
The second bill for first reading would appropriate a salary increase to the St. Joseph Fire Department.
A contract between the city and the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77 would amend the General Fund, Fire Department and the Public Safety Tax Fund.
A total of $200,000 could be appropriated from the General Fund for salary increases.
The next city council meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
