Ash Grove aldermen hear from community on residential lots

Ash Grove Farmer’s Market not returning in 2025
At the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting on Feb. 25, the board took questions as part of a public hearing regarding the annexation of three lots on W. Northview Terrace. A few citizens relayed questions to the board, with one of the main concerns being the water runoff into other residential areas. One of those citizens was Mike Keck, who said that he was not against building in Ash Grove but was worried about the water retention in the area.
"I don't want to get flooded," he said.
Another citizen, Kim Brown, echoed this fear of flooding, though she does not live in the area that would be affected. According to Mayor Caleb Smith, the area has had issues with flooding in the past, citing a lack of accountability in the public works department at that time. Smith assured the citizens, though, that any new construction would be met with the appropriate amount of care by the city and by Public Works Director Chris Boyd.
"This time going into it with our public works lead, we will have a lot better handle on stuff with what's going in there," said Smith. "If there's issues, they'll be addressed, and we'll keep working."
Another issue that was brought to light by Kim Brown was the potential cost to the taxpayer in annexing this new property. She argued that the taxpayers would be covering the cost of bringing utilities to this new annexation; this, combined with the school's need for money, she argued, could bring higher taxes for the whole community. Smith attempted to ease this concern by explaining that this would be covered under an impact fee, which is usually paid for by the developer.
In other business
The consent agenda containing the reports from the Police and Public Works Departments, as well as from the city clerk and courts was accepted unanimously. Also as part of the consent agenda, the minutes from the previous meeting and the February financial reports were accepted.
As a part of new business, a bill was read and accepted unanimously that would amend a previously instituted ordinance regarding dangerous dogs in Ash Grove. The new language in this ordinance states that, if the owner disputes the determination that their dog is dangerous, they may make a written application for a hearing disputing that fact, after which one will take place within 15 days. During this time another bill was passed, officially banning lead in public and private drinking water in Ash Grove.
Future of park courts discussed
Also during new business, the board discussed the ongoing possibility of installing pickleball nets at the park, though an exact amount is yet unknown as the board has yet to decide between permanent or removable nets. Another project considered by the board at this time is the addition of a new frisbee golf course comprised of nine nets. Smith estimated that this project will cost about $4,800 and will not exceed $5,500. Keeping in the theme of improvements, Smith detailed his efforts to receive sponsorship from A&B Cycle for a renovation of the carriage house, which he believes will draw more cyclists to the town and generate publicity.
Farmer’s Market on hold
The meeting finished with announcements for the future, during which it was revealed that the local farmer's market will be taking a hiatus in 2025, which could be due to a lack of volunteers, according to Smith. Another announcement on the agenda detailed future concerts to be held in Ash Grove in the months of April, May, June and July, hosted by a local non-profit that supports those with terminal cancer. These concerts are slated to feature Christian and country music and will potentially be attended by vendors as well, according to Smith.
"[We want] to kind of make it look like the Fourth of July a little bit," said Smith. "This will be the start of it, and hopefully we can grow it each year."