City Council Work Session 10/05/2026

At the City of Raymore City Council work session on October 5, 2026, staff presented plans for a comprehensive update to the Unified Development Code (UDC), intended to align development rules with the 2025 Blueprint 2045 comprehensive plan and clarify standards and approval processes. The Council supported proceeding with a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an outside consultant; staff estimated the work could cost about $150,000 and take at least a year. Staff identified $244,519.32 in extraordinary revenue as available after a separate $86,316 allocation for a stormwater study, but no specific UDC contract amount was approved. The process is expected to include substantial Council and public input, with a consultant recommendation and scope to return for further consideration.

The Council also agreed to the proposed wording and temporary City Hall patio location for a memorial bench, with the option to move it later. Budget-related discussion included Hawk Ridge lighting, for which engineers are preparing schematics and pricing; a proposed addition of about $1,500 for ballistic-shield training and per diem, with a further $500 for ammunition discussed for inclusion in the budget materials; and a proposed $2,000 allocation for a general-purpose drone, which remained open for discussion. No final budget adoption occurred at this work session; the budget hearing and first reading were scheduled for the following Monday. Staff said watershed improvements could require millions of dollars and a separate capital-funding or bond discussion. No vendor was selected or contract awarded.