Resident urges VIPS vehicle escort for Santa Bus; board requires permit and safety plan

Chuck Johnston, a Grain Valley resident, asked the Board of Aldermen on Nov. 24 to allow a volunteer (VIPS) vehicle to escort the Santa Bus during its house-to-house route, saying he would pay fuel and that the escort has run for about 30 years to protect children. “I’m only thinking about the kids’ safety,” Johnston said during public comment.

Police Chief Ed Turner told the board the city has not denied vehicle use but that use of a city vehicle would be contingent on an approved operational safety plan and compliance with the city’s permit timeline. Turner said staff had discussed safety parameters with Johnston fewer than 10 days before the event and proposed as an alternative that a volunteer could equip a personal vehicle with a magnetic light to provide the same visible lead as a police vehicle.

Alderman Rick Knox moved to allow use of a VIPS vehicle and to collect more concrete guidance for future events, but no one seconded Knox’s motion, so it did not proceed. Mayor Mike Todd and Chief Turner reiterated the city’s position that the event must meet permitting requirements and an operational plan before a marked city vehicle could be used. Chief Turner said the alternative of a trained VIP driving a personal vehicle with appropriate equipment was reasonable but still required agreed procedures.

Board members expressed differing concerns about liability and timing. Alderman Ryan Skinner said allowing a city-owned vehicle to be used could expose the city and its constituents to liability; Skinner questioned why the organizer had not complied earlier with required timelines. Alderman Kyle Sole suggested a pragmatic fix—purchasing magnetic emergency lights for volunteers’ personal vehicles—and offered to help secure lights quickly. Alderman Brian Bray said past last-minute timeframes had contributed to the current situation.

Mayor Todd said the city was offering help but that staff needed the documentation and safety plan Chief Turner requested, including insurance information. Johnston said he did not have proof of insurance and that he believed an escort was necessary so children would not run into traffic; the mayor and other aldermen said the city’s requirements were not unreasonable and must be met before official involvement.

The board did not take formal action to change permitting requirements at the Nov. 24 meeting. Chief Turner said staff remained willing to work with the organizer to develop an operational plan; if Johnston provides the required documentation and meets permit deadlines, the board could revisit approval under the city’s procedures.