[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6305535,"mediaKeyId","2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f","parentId",2445373,"title","Belton council asks staff to study paid family leave after staff survey of regional programs","audioSeconds",474,"startMs",4614000,"endMs",5088000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f&start=4614&end=5088","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f/thumbnail_4614000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6305535/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-council-asks-staff-to-study-paid-family-leave-after-staff-survey-of-regional-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305535-1f415e2752b9e278560e2ec0ad3b5636/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448829&Signature=cyuIOvTnAGH93LtC5-W1Hbzbd5PNsS~OfR7-WexGWE3tcS5c7jFfA2DvL8GrasMA5bMin5O-rtiuOjOmsJ8S9y0mJLyTjgAx~g3Nwr9MT8bJNUqimxTqbevk5GWNbXC2g-AjCkYninYQMRRbQqx-bkPMMTt17EKO-dhmacR1BywPS2zeQTFiLWoJJxaaiSNRq0jeiZzaTNe746CM5O3leaieFBcXEOeA5UNhq5U1byVRksJh68DjERJEyWK4M-Tcf2HC3XtTpaTDehT0g9vFCggyFstiYV5aD7jjS5uYLKe2-qzi1CS3xToCm811dmhPeeJEgL7Z6JqPcC5m6S5neg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Belton, MO","date","2025-02-26T22:05:09Z","article","Staff asked whether council wanted the city to consider a paid maternity/paternity or family leave benefit and presented examples from nearby jurisdictions: Riverside, Lawrence and Kansas City, Missouri (12 weeks paid in staff examples), Olathe (8 weeks), Lenexa/Overland Park/Mission/Emporia (6 weeks), El Dorado (4 weeks). Staff noted the city currently allows employees to use accrued vacation and sick leave and has a shared sick leave pool; fire has a similar internal arrangement.

Councilmembers framed the potential benefit as a modest recruitment and retention tool and argued a family‑leave benefit could be broader than childbirth (caregiver leaves). Several members supported staff returning with a formal recommendation, policy options (e.g., 6, 8 or 12 weeks), and cost estimates; staff took the direction and said it would bring comparative numbers and draft policy language to a future meeting.

Ending: Staff was directed to compile comparative data, present likely fiscal impacts and draft policy options for council review; no change to personnel policy was adopted at the workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Belton City Council Meeting (Work Session) - February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented regional examples of paid maternity/paternity and family leave; council directed staff to return with researched options, cost estimates and policy choices for Belton employees.","taxTitle","Belton City, Cass County, Missouri","taxId",71727,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305540,"Belton council opens narrow review of mayor's pay, declines action on council raises",952,3619000,4571000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f&start=3619&end=4571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f/thumbnail_3619000.jpg","/articles/6305540/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-council-opens-narrow-review-of-mayors-pay-declines-action-on-council-raises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305540-ddc43e8d234e0152f345e93e8c80d066/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448829&Signature=lA9tJ3~cZgv-Ad0g03u0qU-Le7Lrli2glJtqbTQ5kiY8sg952~J7Xdyz8ptKW4FFrcMeb-GD9Qty-EmK1O8hLDPuYVcqXxUqou7xKPh2TXWcyulJHFtjdPoZX9dUABp7ZgaIxRfKf9VGHI6VhHmvIol3PvMnZp18nk2nVjcf9PXhIDDBI3kQ6M-eSJdIGM5xfm~MuIYPmJDyaPId6s8s36el7wXGxkUSjOzcEoRdW2UY0Z8oGoMW2EjwjqnpNKPhgOYEaHABtX2df~tge2MYm8veERUhyJV2zfEEj-Qib1zUfpBDmL947GS8FsZ~oN8mFmRYUPNvhZJMgWSCis4HAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff summarized comparative compensation and legal mechanics for adjusting elected official pay, noting the charter allows pay changes but that any increase takes effect at the next term for individual seats. Current pay figures presented: mayor base pay $16,800 plus a $7,200 car allowance (total $24,000) and council members at $4,800 plus a $3,600 car allowance (total $8,400). Staff offered comparable figures from nearby jurisdictions to provide context.

Council discussion was mixed. Several councilmembers said they did not seek higher pay and opposed raising council pay now, citing civic duty and optics against asking voters to extend the public safety sales tax. Multiple members agreed it is reasonable to discuss additional compensation for the mayor, who often spends substantially more time on ceremonial and economic development duties. One councilmember proposed preparing an ordinance focused only on mayor pay while leaving council compensation unchanged; the council gave staff direction to prepare material on mayor compensation separate from council pay.

Ending: Staff will prepare proposed ordinance language and comparative materials addressing only mayor compensation for future council consideration; no pay change was adopted at the workshop.","Council members discussed research on mayor and council compensation, with some support for studying a mayor adjustment because of time demands; members expressed opposition to increasing council member pay at this time.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305545,"Belton weighs permitting short‑term rentals; draft would require registration, inspections and local contact",1015,6572000,7587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f&start=6572&end=7587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f/thumbnail_6572000.jpg","/articles/6305545/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-weighs-permitting-shortterm-rentals-draft-would-require-registration-inspections-and-local-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305545-37e37db66272f53cb7eb67fe2884d888/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448829&Signature=GDQig~Y0he3nvUbWahPQRr9bwZtUr2vpQdqpyOg8DwKD1V4veUOEAS6JGqVemIMOX3x~e~xRPDg~IMKCSK4I5VE573EH8nDJvA4nHya2qhFRBuHvtJkIElApQtPRKmkefFiaCx390HuzWXULGXmuSOGoqKP-WGyqB702PestXE7Bw1joIkDF4cCYfDJLzwKcfrngbD~BbulaNgYNdPGuMU2plt6sme3PvxUCtCMPlhHwkZt63XdhZzR7Jn9VA2Y02776z9PpRBqR9sRJelEAH61SE5epgseJsAQVsfdOShC6Nz6PSVEvMeKJsvol1xC~glZKAZVBlB8wke2CVaGAPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Matt presented a draft short‑term rental framework aimed at balancing tourism benefits and neighborhood impacts. Under the draft, short‑term rentals (stays under 31 days) would be allowed with annual registration, an annual inspection for life‑safety standards, a local point of contact for complaints, an annual registration fee of $120 (consistent with business license + inspection structure), and collection of hotel/motel tax.

Key enforcement features in the draft: staff proposed revoking or not renewing a registration after three verified nuisance or code violations at the unit within a 12‑month period; revoked registrations would be ineligible for two years. The draft also proposes a limit of no more than five registered short‑term rental units per single property owner or entity. Staff proposed no general zoning caps but noted council could consider geographic limits (for example, Old Town) or a time‑limited pilot to cover specific events such as the 2026 World Cup.

Councilors and tourism‑council members raised practical questions staff said they would refine: whether existing gravel driveways in older neighborhoods must be paved to meet parking standards, how occupancy limits should be set (by inspection and building/fire code rather than an arbitrary headcount), exterior signage restrictions, and the inspection enforcement timing when units turn over frequently. Staff said registration requires inspection before approval and that annual inspections, not between every guest turnover, would be the baseline.

Some councilmembers proposed a trial or geographic restrictions (Old Town) to monitor impacts during events that drive temporary demand. Staff noted Kansas City and other nearby jurisdictions have adopted stricter registration and location standards and that the tourism council believes additional lodging can benefit the overall market.

Ending: Staff will take feedback from the tourism council and council members and may return with refined language and cost estimates; no ordinance or registration program was adopted at the workshop.","City staff proposed allowing short‑term rentals with annual registration, an annual inspection, a local point of contact, a five‑unit owner cap and revocation rules for repeat nuisances; council discussed a possible trial or geographic limits.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305549,"Belton staff propose land‑use overhaul and a streamlined NorScot overlay; licensing code changes to follow",1361,5209000,6570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f&start=5209&end=6570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f/thumbnail_5209000.jpg","/articles/6305549/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-staff-propose-landuse-overhaul-and-a-streamlined-NorScot-overlay-licensing-code-changes-to-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305549-dfc941a91a5f9137309382c6a18c72f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448829&Signature=QY50YY-D6u~n~NQaw8OD6l8o2K1Q5C-xwH8jkIAHuVa7FLHb2ETjd0qAivwWCFPiLXT9ZZXPeY43Cu5o8lS7TBjwqayJOGAuEMZ4z0iydiidhq4zMNIuaLf6Dr9tG2ulTw~rHlM70ywKYPk5BPw-r6VDllU1pEbTiKQVdcD1op3leUWcBpZJLuJLKqgAC3BbDqPBkEoEps62F22mYFunHJidPwoQ6WSbBMs7IR0wyYIBmtlHvdZxa2HKipy7sa1vl6bcauUHeMJRwtUNhlbBxPAO0FxwobJGq5F0D-Pol1QBt-w32Vivu89CRfpx1a9jELVWgidFfltcKqGHXjq34g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Matt presented proposed land‑use updates and revisions to the North Scott (NorScot) overlay, saying the changes implement recommendations from the city's comprehensive plan and are intended to ease reinvestment and redevelopment on North Scott. The proposals would replace a 36‑page overlay adopted in 2017 with a shorter, standards‑based approach that reduces setbacks where appropriate, allows updated materials standards in non‑street elevations (including certain metal panels), and adds standards for storefront transparency and screening of outdoor storage.

The draft land‑use table groups city uses into 14 categories and adds new, defined uses staff said reflect modern practices: community gardens and accessory gardens (agriculture group), indoor agriculture (industrial type uses, explicitly excluding marijuana cultivation), agritourism with special‑use permit provisions, food truck accessory uses and \"food truck courts\" (semi‑permanent collections of trucks with outdoor seating), pet care services separated from kennel standards where overnight boarding is short term, and clearer categories for retail by size (small, medium, large). Vehicle repair is proposed to be split into minor, major and heavy categories to better match intensity and siting needs.

Staff said the NorScot overlay changes aim to remove barriers that have inhibited reinvestment and discourage applicants by making required improvements too restrictive. The rewritten overlay would focus on incremental frontage and property maintenance improvements as part of upgrades, allow additional outdoor storage when screened, and introduce exceptions for industrial uses where dustproof chip and seal surfacing is acceptable to keep redevelopment affordable.

Andrea presented proposed code adjustments to Chapters 3 and 6 to align licensing procedures with a new Central Square eTracker implementation for business and liquor licensing: the amendments will rename \"permits\" to \"licenses,\" clarify renewal and delinquency periods, remove duplicate language, update the schedule of fees, and align references with state statute where appropriate. Matt noted the UDC update professional services agreement is expected before council on March 25 with a contract start in April and completion roughly 12 to 15 months later.

Next steps: a town hall on the NorScot and land‑use updates was scheduled the day after the workshop; planning commission public hearing is planned for March 18; staff aims for a first council reading April 15. Staff told council the changes are meant to encourage investment and simplify entitlement processes, not to eliminate design standards that improve frontage and site quality.

Ending: Staff asked for public feedback at the town hall and will forward a draft ordinance to planning commission for public hearing.","City planning staff proposed a rewrite of the citywide land‑use table, a condensed North Scott overlay, and amendments to business and liquor licensing chapters to remove duplicative language and introduce new land‑use categories.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305554,"Belton staff present conservative FY 2026 budget proposal; $6 million placeholder for water improvements, 5% proposed employee pay increase",3372,0,3372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f&start=0&end=3372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2445373-678a569c8b744d1664898281b5ab5f0f/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6305554/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-staff-present-conservative-FY-2026-budget-proposal-6-million-placeholder-for-water-improvements-5-proposed-employee-pay-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305554-aa5bcffadd04356ff64d443c27740387/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448829&Signature=YhPVFtE8RXpCqKNXDly01r04rYBKTa~4nesDHWcoSDNJaV-a~29yEz22h~syqhBXNSvl3Lw2zvNpoSG-0jXbpXhxPXplSkQmhGCo~G5cBhRuKtMmoeOsPGUzXB7UjizEBiGeHmH1Q~53qz953GB-gbG-Zx4FFx~eCmZAm1m4vR-RYZ8uXnvXK3u~2uNhEaCZ8pEujJrGdmSnUD6FtCc21Pp6OobN3RRUnLWr8ZF0ZYEwcx18Clj6G3tK-lQj0mQaZR504LhAnpyNlUHYlepIynLIwOocyhBQeNmbwt4ZK61Gb3M1l-31ZiD8TOOwNelUvdkevSogU4eAWiab4YkvMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ms. Cohen presented the city's proposed FY 2026 budget at a council workshop, saying the plan is largely \"status quo\" operationally while keeping a conservative approach to revenues and insurance costs. The proposal includes a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2.5% merit/step increase (a combined 5% for employees) and schedules two council readings in March, with an April 1 effective date if adopted.

The proposal assumes a 12% health insurance increase that already took effect Jan. 1, and budgets 15% for the next insurance year as a conservative contingency. Other assumptions include 5% estimated growth in sales tax revenues, a 5% increase in water costs from Kansas City, Missouri, a 5% increase from Little Blue Sewer District and a 15% estimated increase in liability insurance. Ms. Cohen said the city is \"super conservative\" on insurance budgeting to avoid surprises.

The presentation listed several notable changes and capital items. Staff proposes adding a temporary IT position to consolidate police and city IT services during a planned transition; a deputy police chief position that adds about $21,000 in salary/benefits; an estimated $50,000 in rental‑inspection revenue; a new debt service payment tied to recent bonds for steep‑street and stormwater work; and golf course debt that will make its final payment in FY 2026.

On water infrastructure, staff included a $6,000,000 placeholder in FY 2026 to begin water improvements and debt financing discussions, with up to $1,000,000 noted for the first phase of an automated meter initiative (AMI). Staff said the $6 million would allow starting projects this fiscal year if council approves and that a full program could be larger; a separate workshop on water improvements and prioritization is scheduled for March 25.

Parks and social services items noted in the proposal include a proposed increase to the homelessness committee reimbursement from $10,000 to $15,000 (to be budgeted but not necessarily allocated immediately) and a $25,000 general fund transfer to Parks for a recurring public event. Parks capital requests listed included an all‑inclusive playground (Wallace Park), Cleveland Lake parking expansion ($350,000), ADA fishing dock, pool repairs and a variety of building and equipment upgrades.

Staff presented fund‑by‑fund summaries: general fund revenue estimated at $29 million with an ending cash balance equating to a 35.8% fund balance; parks at about 14.3%; street impact and several capital funds with higher percentages because they are intended for future projects; water fund balance would be reduced if the $6 million is used but staff characterized water reserves as still healthy. Major capital projects listed in the presentation include Larkspur ($2.1 million: city $380,000, federal $1,000,000, bonds $720,000), Marquis Parkway ($3.7 million, partly federal), an $8 million street and curb plan, North Cass Parkway ($5 million), Hargis Gardens ($1.7 million) and other ongoing projects.

Staff emphasized the city's conservative posture in light of economic uncertainty and said the budget is intended to be intentional and measured rather than aggressive. The budget process timeline: first reading with a public hearing on March 11, a second public hearing and (proposed) final reading on March 25, and an intended April 1 effective date.

Ending: Staff offered to meet individually with councilmembers for deeper dives into lines and projects; councilmembers asked for follow up detail on homelessness reimbursements, the AMI workshop, and capital project timing. No ordinance or budget vote occurred at the workshop.","City staff presented a status‑quo FY 2026 budget proposal emphasizing conservative assumptions, steady operations, and targeted capital spending including a $6 million placeholder for water improvements and up to $1 million for an automated meter initiative.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Belton council asks staff to study paid family leave after staff survey of regional programs

Belton council opens narrow review of mayor's pay, declines action on council raises

Belton weighs permitting short‑term rentals; draft would require registration, inspections and local contact

Belton staff propose land‑use overhaul and a streamlined NorScot overlay; licensing code changes to follow

Belton staff present conservative FY 2026 budget proposal; $6 million placeholder for water improvements, 5% proposed employee pay increase