Mid-Continent Public Library and City agree to continue talks on downtown headquarters; no sale approved

The Independence City Council on Sept. 2 authorized staff to continue negotiations with Mid-Continent Public Library about locating its headquarters at Independence Square, but stopped short of approving any sale or final terms. The council approved Resolution 25-785, 6-0, authorizing city staff to pursue discussions with the library. Council member Stewart moved to approve the resolution and the motion received a second; the roll call vote was Fears, Perkins, Stewart, McCandless, Wiley and Mayor Roland — all in favor. Why it matters: the library system serves three counties and officials said a relocation to the square could bring employees and foot traffic to downtown. The council’s vote allows staff to pursue negotiations and public engagement without committing the city to a property sale or construction plan. Aaron Mason, director of Mid-Continent Public Library, told the council the library’s leadership believes a move to the square “has the…