Founded in 1827, Independence was incorporated in 1849. In 1961, residents changed the city’s form of government to the city charter form of government it has today.
The city manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city, while the charter directs the mayor, City Council and city manager to oversee public funds and implement policy.
The City Council meets four times a month at 6 p.m. on Mondays in the council chambers of City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave.
On the first and third Mondays of the month, the council votes on ordinances and resolutions. The second and fourth Mondays of the month are reserved for study sessions, where departments heads, the city manager or other consultants update the city on a variety of matters and initiatives.There is no meeting on the fifth Monday in a month.
Individuals can speak at council meetings by calling the city clerk’s office at 816-325-7010. Individuals speaking for the first time on a matter can speak for five minutes. When speaking about a topic for the second time, an individual receives three minutes to talk.
City officials have taken several steps in the last year to improve security at council meetings, including the presence of two armed police officers and several other undisclosed security improvements.
The City Charter calls for seven council members: four representing districts and two at large. The mayor acts as a regular council member and votes on all matters the council votes on. The mayor does not break ties and cannot veto a council vote.
Mayor Don Reimal was elected to a four-year term in April 2006. He previously held the council seat for District 1. Marcie Gragg, Reimal’s successor on the council, was elected to finish Reimal’s term in 2006 and was elected to a full four-year term in April 2008.
District 3 Council Member Myron Paris was elected in April to fill the seat of former Council Member Renee Paluka-White, who did not seek re-election. District 4 Council Member Jim Page and District 2 Council Member Will Swoffer were also re-elected in April to four-year terms on the council.
At-Large Council Members Jim Schultz and Lucy Young have terms that expire in 2010.
For more information on the council, call 816-325-7022.
Robert Heacock
City manager
Third Floor, City Hall
111 E. Maple Ave.
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7019
rheacock@indepmo.org
Mayor Don Reimal
City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave.
Independence, MO 64050
Phone: 816-325-7027
Home phone: 816-461-6044
Fax: 816-325-7012
dreimal@indepmo.org
