City of St. Joseph, MO Government

🐾 Happy International Dog Day! If you are looking to add a furry friend into your life, St. Joseph Animal Control & Rescue has a variety of pooches waiting for find their forever home. For complete list, visit https://bit.ly/2XP1RPJ. For more information on the adoption process, visit https://bit.ly/3gV9ldK.

Alert for Drivers from MoDOT: The I-229 Double-Decker Bridge will be closed from September 9-13, weather permitting, for a biannual inspection. During this closure, crews will also take advantage of the time to complete various bridge maintenance and repair work. For more information on this MoDOT project, please visit https://www.modot.org/node/54135.

BUCHANAN COUNTY: The I-229 Double-Decker Bridge in St. Joseph will CLOSE Sept. 9-13 for it's biannual inspection.
Our crews will also take advantage of this time to complete various bridge maintenance and repair work. More info: https://www.modot.org/node/54135

☀️As the heat advisory for our area has been extended through 8pm this evening, August 26, make sure to stay safe and hydrated if you have to be outdoors. It's also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. For more heat safety tips, visit https://bit.ly/4aUxp6M.

Happy first day of classes Missouri Western State University students and staff! Whether you're starting your first year of college or have a few years under your belt, the city of St. Joseph would like to wish you all a happy and successful school year.

Get involved this week by attending one of the city of St. Joseph's public meetings. Stay connected by signing up for notifications and alerts through the city's website at stjosephmo.gov.

As the area has been placed under a heat advisory from 1pm today, August 24, through 8pm on Sunday, August 25, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
☀️Drink plenty of fluids.
☀️Pace yourself if you have to be outdoors and take breaks often.
☀️Check in those considered high risk to make sure they are staying safe.
☀️Do not leave children or pets in cars as cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures even with a window cracked open.
☀️Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

For more heat safety tips, visit https://bit.ly/4aUxp6M.

Looking for a new career opportunity? Would you like to work for the city of St. Joseph? Check out the current job postings including:
-Plant Operator I (Water Protection)
-WIC Clerk/Certifier
-Booking Officer (Civilian)
-Golf Course Attendant

Find the other most recent job opportunities and apply online by visiting our website at https://bit.ly/SJMOJobPostings.

🍎🚌📕 It's time to go back to school! The city of St. Joseph would like to wish all students and staff a happy and successful school year.

Missed the City Council meeting last night? To view the full council meeting, visit https://bit.ly/3x1o23d or to review some of the highlights, visit https://bit.ly/47177PR. To view all the past Council Action summaries, visit https://bit.ly/4dsmTpu.

The City Council meeting will begin at 5:30pm. Watch online at https://bit.ly/3x1o23d or on cable channel 19.

Tonight's City Council meeting will begin at 5:30pm, in the Council Chamber at City Hall. To read the full agenda, visit https://bit.ly/4dHAgBD.

A Council Work Session is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at 4pm, in the 4th Floor Conference Room at City Hall to discuss the following:
1. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning and allocation.

Happy 816 Day! There are several ways to celebrate what our area has to offer. From browsing the many one-of-a-kind local stores to experiencing the numerous recreational opportunities and treating your tastebuds to a variety of cuisine, it's always a great day in the 816. For more on our area, visit https://stjomo.com and https://uncommoncharacter.com.

The next City Council meeting will be Monday, August 19, at 5:30pm, in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The agenda includes:
-Authorizing the issuance of a purchase order to Auxier Construction Company in the amount of $466,384.26 for the Civic Center Park sidewalk and landing improvement project utilizing previously-approved American Rescue Plan Act funds
-Authorizing ex*****on of Change Order No. 1 with Brooner Construction & Crane in the amount of $10,086.00 for restroom facilities renovations at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, Northside Complex, and Bartlett Park and an amendment to the capital projects fund budget to provide the necessary funding
-Authorizing the ex*****on of a lump sum contract with DS Industrial Solutions and an amendment to the landfill fund budget in an amount not to exceed $118,120.00 for the landfill epoxy floor project

To read the full agenda, visit https://bit.ly/4dHAgBD.

Don’t forget, tonight is the MoDOT I-229 Public Hearing to consider the future of the I-229 Double-Decker Bridge through downtown St. Joseph. The hearing will be from 4-6pm, at Re*****on Nature Center.

Can't make the hearing? All materials and maps are available on the project website at https://www.modot.org/stjoe229. Comments will be accepted through August 30.

The I-229 Public Hearing will take place tonight, August 15, to consider the future of the I-229 Double-Decker Bridge through downtown St. Joseph.

The hearing begins at 4 p.m. and will end by 6 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at the Re*****on Nature Center. Your input will be critical to the project.

Can't make the hearing? All materials and maps are available on the project website at:https://www.modot.org/stjoe229. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 30, 2024.

It's hard to believe, but the new school year is just around the corner. As students get ready to head back, remember to always be aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
🍎Watch for children crossing streets or waiting at bus stops.
📚Exercise caution in school zones.
🚍Know the bus routes in your neighborhood.
✏️Remember you must stop for school buses.
📓Slow down and be mindful of posted school zone speeds.
🖍The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.

For more safety tips, visit https://bit.ly/3AnYi3U.

A Council Work Session is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, at 4pm, in the 4th Floor Conference Room at City Hall to discuss the following:
1. Krug Splash Park water system; and
2. Downtown Block Improvement ARPA Fund Aesthetic Improvements Proposal.

Join the St. Joseph Missouri Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities department this Friday, August 16, from 6-8:30pm, to discuss the development of Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square. The community engagement open house will take place at the Felix Street Square concessions building, located at the intersection of Felix and 7th Streets.

Share your aspirations to shape the initial planning of the performance and spectator area of Coleman Hawkins Park. City staff will be joined by the project contractor, Goldberg Group Architects, to facilitate discussions and listen to community input. Together, the purpose is to identify shared ambitions, common goals, and collective values on the renovation. Funding for the renovation is provided through the Parks Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2021.

Join the City of St. Joseph Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities Department to discuss the development of Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square. The community engagement open house will take place on Friday, August 16th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Felix Street Square concessions building, located at the intersection of Felix and 7th Streets.
Share your aspirations to shape the initial planning of the performance and spectator area of Coleman Hawkins Park. City staff will be joined by the project contractor, Goldberg Group Architects, to facilitate discussions and listen to community input. Together, the purpose is to identify shared ambitions, common goals, and collective values on the renovation.
Funding for the renovation is provided through the Parks Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2021.

Starting on Sunday, August 18, the St. Joseph Animal Control & Rescue shelter will be operating under new hours. The shelter will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5:30pm. For more information about Animal Control & Rescue operations and to view current adoptable pets, visit https://bit.ly/4dDguaw.

Interim Finance Director Dawn Lanning has been named as the director for the Finance Department for the City of St. Joseph.

Lanning is a native of St. Joseph and has been with the City of St. Joseph since 2000. She was named as the interim director in March 2023 and has led the department through completion of the FY23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and development of the $215,000,000 budget for fiscal year 2025. Under Lanning’s leadership, the department has enhanced analysis and reporting, improved the annual budget development process, and focused on the services provided by the Finance Department to other city departments.

City Manager Bryan Carter has been impressed by Lanning’s leadership, stating “Dawn’s leadership skills and the experience she has gained in her 24 years serving the city enabled her to immediately begin implementing positive process improvements within the Finance Department. Her ability to develop relationships also enhanced the service the department provided to other city departments and to the public. She has been a stabilizing influence whose work will, undoubtedly, continue to improve the service provided by the department.”

Mayor Josendale added “Dawn’s work has produced optimum transparency for city administration and the City Council. She has consistently provided understandable financial information that has enabled both the council and city administration to make well-informed decisions on a day-to-day basis and through the annual budgeting process. I’m excited to work with Dawn as the city strives to achieve its strategic goal of ensuring fiscal responsibility.”

Lanning’s appointment is effective immediately and her salary will be $120,743.

Reminder, MoDOT will be hosting a public hearing this Thursday, August 15, from 4-6pm, at Re*****on Nature Center concerning the future go the I-229 Double Decker Bridge. For more information, visit https://www.modot.org/stjoe229.

The upcoming Public Hearing concerning the I-229 bridge is just around the corner!

We look forward to your participation at the Re*****on Nature Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

More info: https://www.modot.org/stjoe229

Happy 203rd Missouri! On this day, August 10, 1821, Missouri become the 24th state. From big city adventures to rural community discoveries, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Find out what our state and city has to offer by visiting https://www.visitmo.com and https://stjomo.com.

💦There are a couple days left to make a splash at the Aquatic Park as the last day for the season is this Sunday, August 11. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3Vs0Qsv.

Help us close out the 2024 season at the Aquatic Park this weekend! Come make a splash Saturday from 11:30am - 2:15pm & 3:00pm - 5:45pm and, again, on Sunday from 1:30pm - 4:15pm. We hope to see you there!

Due to maintenance work, Fairview Municipal Golf Course will be closed on Monday, August 12. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Bryan Carter has announced his resignation as St. Joseph’s City Manager, effective September 6, 2024. Carter has served in the City Manager role since January 2021, when he was initially named Interim City Manager. He previously served in the city’s legal department beginning in 2011.

As City Manager, Carter has worked closely with city staff, the City Council, and community leaders to position St. Joseph for growth and redevelopment. Their efforts included implementation of a new long-term strategic plan focused on optimizing resources and building connections with the community and developing tax initiative proposals that were overwhelmingly supported by voters. Those efforts will enable significant improvements to public infrastructure and serve as a catalyst for growth.

Carter noted that leaving the City Manager role was a difficult decision, but one that will enable him to pursue other personal and career objectives. He stated, “I have been honored to serve as St. Joseph’s City Manager. I appreciate the immense support the City Council, our community members, and our dedicated city employees have provided. Although I will be stepping away from the City Manager role, I remain excited for St. Joseph’s future and will continue to be an advocate for this community.”

Mayor Josendale offered his immense gratitude to Carter for his service to the community, “Bryan has worked hard to establish solid partnerships with our community partners and help further the growth and development of our community. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves into this next chapter in his life.”

The City Council will appoint an interim city manager upon Carter’s departure and begin the search for a replacement immediately.