Belton council OKs voluntary annexation petition for remaining MoDOT right-of-way along Highway 58

The Belton City Council voted to accept a voluntary annexation petition from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MoDOT) for remaining portions of the Highway 58 right-of-way and an approximately 1,666-foot segment along Holmes Road, extending city limits along the corridor.

Staff said the petition covers MoDOT-owned right-of-way between the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad tracks west to the Route D/Holmes Road intersection and north along Holmes Road approximately 1,666 feet. The northern boundary of the revised area along Holmes Road was described as the southeast corner of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 16808 Holmes Road. Staff also said it coordinated with the village of Loch Lloyd and removed contiguous areas to address their concerns.

Staff provided MoDOT with required documentation in early August, including notices and responses from adjacent property owners and all jurisdictions within five miles of the annexation area. The petition and a separate annexation ordinance were approved so both could be submitted together to MoDOT. Staff recommended approval.

Council members asked whether the annexation would change snow removal responsibilities; staff confirmed it would not change state-maintained routes. Staff also told council that the voluntary petition had generated at least one other expression of interest to be considered later and that some property owners already inside the city had expressed interest in future development.

Council members noted the map creates two small unincorporated “islands” surrounded by city land; staff said that is permitted and that separate notices must be sent to those property owners as required by state law. Staff explained annexation can enable access to city utilities such as water and sewer and other city services when development or utility extension is desired; currently some properties use county water districts or septic systems.

Council approved the first-reading ordinance accepting the voluntary petition and approved the accompanying annexation ordinance that will more clearly define the city limits. Staff said Cass County is subject to RSMo 71.014, which allows approval of voluntary annexation by ordinance without a public hearing when statutory requirements are met. Public notices for the pending annexation had been published in the newspaper and posted on the city website as required by MoDOT procedures.