Belton Council approves multifamily rezoning, jail MOU, trash rate change and several procurement contracts

The Belton City Council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions on measures that will affect development, public safety operations, utility billing and city purchases.

The most consequential land‑use action was the council’s final approval of bill 2024‑67, rezoning property for Creekstone at Autumn Ridge, a proposed 144‑unit multifamily development on the west side of South Mullen Road (between the Smoky Hill Railroad right of way and roughly 200 feet south of Sycamore Drive). The ordinance rezoned the site from C‑2 General Commercial to R‑3 PUD and passed on final reading by unanimous roll call.

Council also adopted a jail services memorandum of understanding with Cass County (ordinance 2025‑1) to provide temporary housing while the city’s municipal jail undergoes repairs. Chief Scott Lyons said the council needed the backup plan because “we do not have a backup plan in regards to where we house prisoners,” and described substantial plumbing work in a segregation cell that will require removing concrete benches and epoxy on the floor. Staff estimated the repairs will begin in about a month and last roughly 10 days, and that up to about 25 inmates could be affected during the short period.

On solid‑waste services, the council approved the first reading of bill 2025‑2, an amendment to section 111‑106(c) of the municipal code implementing a 4.1% rate increase with contractor GFL Environmental Inc. Staff said the change reflects the contract’s solid‑waste…