A sign positioned just outside Creekmoor, a charming golf course subdivision nestled in Raymore, passionately urges passing drivers to take a stand against the proposed landfill that looms less than a mile away. In a determined effort, the city officials of Raymore are currently engaged in negotiations with the developers of the project, striving to prevent its construction from becoming a reality.
Communities in the Kansas City area are optimistic about resolving the controversy surrounding a proposed landfill through negotiations with the developers, with the goal of completely eliminating the project.
Communities bordering south Kansas City have been actively opposing a planned 270-acre landfill for over a year. They have been passionately urging state lawmakers to pass legislation in order to halt the project. Additionally, they have hired lobbyists and even established a political action committee to further their cause.
Last week, a group of state senators outside the Kansas City area successfully halted the push to vote on legislation aimed at terminating the landfill project, using a filibuster. However, there is now news that the city of Raymore is on the verge of reaching an agreement with developers. This agreement would bring the project to a halt, in return for receiving cash payments.
According to Melissa Harmer, a representative for Raymore, a city located near the proposed site bordering Kansas City, the city is actively working towards reaching an agreement with the developers. This agreement would involve the elimination of the landfill, but it is contingent on the legislation’s passage. While there are currently limited details to share, Harmer expresses optimism regarding the progress being made.
She chose not to respond to an email that asked follow-up questions.
The city of Raymore recently shared an agenda on its website, announcing a special meeting of the City Council. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and approve legislation that would establish an agreement. This agreement would involve the city making settlement payments in exchange for the implementation of restrictive covenants, which would ensure that the proposed site does not become a landfill. Additionally, the settlement would also include a commitment to support state legislation that aims to prevent the landfill from being developed at the designated location.
The agenda states that taking this local step is crucial for moving forward with the legislative election in Jefferson City and putting an end to the potential landfill near Raymore’s northern border.
In a statement on Wednesday, Jennifer Monheiser, one of the developers, expressed the team’s commitment to finding a solution that is suitable for all parties involved.
“Our team is dedicated to engaging in conversations that tackle the waste management needs of the region, along with addressing concerns regarding the environmental impact of our project,” Monheiser stated. When asked about potential negotiations with local municipalities, a spokeswoman for Monheiser refrained from providing further details, emphasizing that there are multiple factors involved.
The landfill, which was proposed by Monheiser’s business, KC Recycle & Waste Solutions, was planned to be located just south of Missouri Highway 150 in Kansas City. This proposed site is less than a mile away from the Creekmoor golf course community in Raymore, where homes are priced as high as $1 million.
According to the current regulations, KC Recycle & Waste Solutions can proceed with their plan to establish the landfill near the city’s boundary with a neighboring community, as long as they meet the state’s permitting requirements. However, if the landfill were to be located within a half mile of the city limits, it would also require the consent of the adjacent municipalities.
Critics from neighboring Raymore, Lee’s Summit, and other suburban Kansas City municipalities are advocating for an extension of the buffer zone to one mile. They strongly oppose the project, arguing that it will have adverse effects on their constituents’ property values, health, and overall quality of life.
Last year, despite unsuccessful attempts by lawmakers to prevent the project, local residents took matters into their own hands and established Kill The Fill. This political action committee has managed to raise funds through various means, including small donations, a golf tournament, and even a bourbon tasting event.
The PAC has enlisted the services of a seasoned Jefferson City lobbyist, Steve Tilley, who has close connections to Gov. Mike Parson. Since October, they have allocated a total of $46,500 towards lobbying and public relations efforts.
During an interview, Jennifer Phanton, the treasurer of Kill The Fill, mentioned that she has a clear view of the potential landfill location from her upstairs window.
He exclaimed, “I will be able to see this mountain of trash from my house.”
Phanton expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations between the developers and opponents, such as the city of Raymore, referring to the latter as being “close-lipped.”
According to her, the municipalities surrounding the landfill should have a say in the matter because its location will have an impact on them. She pointed out that the nearest fire station is not one belonging to Kansas City. Additionally, the roads that will experience a high volume of truck traffic to and from the landfill pass through the surrounding cities.
She expressed her disbelief, stating, “It’s absurd to me that you expect these neighboring municipalities to support this landfill without giving them a say in the matter.” She emphasized the unfairness of the situation, where the burden of the landfill falls on them while they are excluded from any decision-making process.
Lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of expanding the buffer zones in the Missouri General Assembly for the past two legislative sessions, but so far, no decision has been reached.
In March, the Missouri House cleared one of several identical bills aimed at increasing the buffer zone. This bill has also passed a Senate committee and is currently awaiting floor action. Last week, another version of the bill was brought up in the Missouri Senate. However, lawmakers from different parts of Missouri launched an hours-long filibuster, effectively shutting down the chamber.
State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, found herself in a similar situation last year, as she stood against the proposed legislation.
State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, who represents neighbors of the proposed landfill, took swift action in response. The very next day, he launched a filibuster with the intention of halting any further discussion on the state budget, which had a looming deadline for approval.
Kansas City-area senators have received criticism from their colleagues from other parts of the state for advocating for the landfill. They argue that those senators should respect the judgement of the representatives from the proposed project area in order to determine what is best for their respective communities.
State Senator Mike Cierpiot, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, expressed concern over the involvement of lawmakers who do not reside in the affected communities in the fight for the landfill. He emphasized the Senate’s tradition of deferring to the senators representing the specific areas impacted by legislation. Cierpiot finds it troubling that these lawmakers are advocating for the landfill despite the opposition of the senators from the Kansas City area.
According to Cierpiot, the entirety of the Kansas City delegation, comprising members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, unanimously concurs that the location is unsuitable for a landfill.
“I urge this body to place their trust in the senators who represent this entire region,” Cierpiot emphasized. “We understand what is most beneficial for our area, just as I am confident each one of you does.”
After a filibuster in the Missouri Senate, there is renewed hope among critics of the KC landfill that they will be able to reach a compromise with developers.
