Residents urge Board to pause Whispering Creek annexation, cite safety and contiguity concerns

The Board held a public hearing on the proposed annexation of Whispering Creek Farms Phase I (Lots 1 and 4). Development Director Jack Hendrix explained the staff packet evidence and noted title irregularities on some parcels. Several nearby residents spoke in opposition, requesting the Board delay action.

Larry Yeatman said he had emailed the Board opposing the voluntary annexation and stated his north fence marks the city limits; he argued the annexation creates what he described as a “city island” surrounded by unincorporated property except for a narrow 297‑foot gap. Cheryl Lee presented Missouri Highway Patrol crash statistics for a two‑mile stretch of Mount Olivet Road south of Highway 92, saying the record included one fatality, 17 personal‑injury crashes and 31 property‑damage crashes over the past ten years and urging a 4‑way stop at Mount Olivet Road and 144th Street. Nicole Pfaff asked the Board to reconsider the annexation, requested a traffic study and asked that county residents be allowed input on future development.

Michael Ballenger raised a legal concern, citing Missouri Section 71.012 and arguing that the larger tract proposed for annexation may not meet the statute’s “contiguous and compact” requirement because most of that tract has little or no border directly contiguous with the City. He urged a careful legal review of contiguity before any action.

Mayor Boley opened the hearing and adjourned it at 7:15 p.m.; the transcript records no Board decision on the annexation during the meeting.