August 2025

8-25-25 City Council – The Hill Report – City Admin Resigns, Foam Location Debate, and Borrowed Bleachers

29 August 2025
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, August 2025, Issues

Pleasant Hill Council Meeting Recap: Taxes Down, Events Approved, and a Resignation

By Connie Whitlock | PHMOmag

Pleasant Hill’s City Council covered a wide range of business at its August 25, 2025, meeting, from setting the annual tax levy to approving community events and accepting the resignation of a longtime city administrator.

Taxes Going Down in 2025
https://phmomag.com/pleasant-hill-council-passes-lower-2025-tax-levy/

The evening began with a public hearing on Bill 25-28, which sets the city’s property tax rates for 2025. Council members had advertised a maximum possible levy of 1.1017 but ultimately voted to adopt a lower rate of 1.0927. The levy covers general revenue, parks and recreation, public health, transportation, streets, and debt service. In simple terms, Pleasant Hill residents can expect a slight decrease in their property taxes next year.

Rodeo Seating Request

The council next heard from the mayor of East Lynn, who appeared in person to request the use of Pleasant Hill’s bleachers for a September 12–13 rodeo. The city agreed to loan portable bleachers for the event.

Haunted Trail Returns October 25

Council also approved the annual Haunted Trail fundraiser, organized by the Pleasant Hill Notables, the nonprofit booster group for the school choirs. The event will again take place on the MoPac Trail in downtown Pleasant Hill, this year on Saturday, October 25. Last year’s Haunted Trail drew a sold-out crowd of 600, underscoring the popularity of both the event and the choir program.

Foam Party Location Debate
https://phmomag.com/foam-party-sparks-debate-over-location/


One of the more spirited discussions of the night centered around the September 5 Foam Party, hosted by the nonprofit Downtown Pleasant Hill, Inc. Organizers requested moving the event from the gazebo area — which features a hill and rock wall — back to Gray’s Lot, where a June foam party had been held.

Representatives from Historic Pleasant Hill and the Farmers Market opposed the move, citing muddy conditions that lingered for weeks after the June event. With the farmers’ market and a special KC Wolf tailgate event scheduled for the next morning, they feared similar problems. After debate, the council decided to allow the foam party to go forward on Depot Way instead. The September 5 event will feature two foam machines, offering a festive kickoff to the school year.

City Administrator Resigns

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the evening came when City Administrator Shelby Teufel announced her resignation after more than a decade of service. Teufel, who helped guide Pleasant Hill through the COVID-19 years and numerous downtown projects, was recognized with gratitude and some tears from those in attendance. Nikki Wilson will serve as interim city administrator while the city conducts its search for a permanent replacement.

Looking Ahead

With taxes lowered, events lined up, and a significant leadership change on the horizon, Pleasant Hill heads into the fall with plenty to watch. Residents can look forward to the foam party on September 5, the East Lynn Rodeo on September 12–13, the KC Wolf tailgate on September 13, and the Haunted Trail on October 25.

Cultivating Heritage and Community: The Heart Behind The Heirloom Farm, LLC

27 August 2025
Bunny Tuttle
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Categories: All News, August 2025, Issues


By Bunny Tuttle

Nestled just outside Pleasant Hill, Missouri, The Heirloom Farm, LLC is more than a working farm; it’s a living classroom, a place where history, sustainability, and heart come together. Founded in 2019 by Brianne Orr, this unique urban farm is quietly leading a movement to preserve heritage breeds, teach forgotten skills, and reconnect people of all ages with the land.

Brianne’s story is as rooted as the heirloom vegetables she grows. “I’ve wanted to create an educational farm specializing in heirloom produce and heritage breeds since I was nine years old,” she says. What started as a modest market garden has blossomed into a vibrant micro-farm with a mission: to bring people and animals together, and to inspire a deeper understanding of the food we eat and the skills we’ve lost along the way.

At The Heirloom Farm, visitors will find a charming variety of animals — heritage sheep and rabbits for fiber and meat, goats for milk, and poultry for both eggs and meat. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Brianne also grows heirloom vegetables, which she sells fresh, along with homemade jams, jellies, syrups, and delightful dairy creations, such as goat milk fudge, cajeta, yogurt, and more.

One of the most beloved offerings at the farm is her monthly cheese parties. These community-centered gatherings are both educational and delicious. Guests sample a rotating selection of house-made cheeses paired with meats, fruits, nuts, and even chocolate. “Everyone’s flavor palette is different,” Brianne says, “and sometimes all it takes is a little fig or honey to turn a ‘maybe’ into a ‘yes, please!’”

While her farm has recently transitioned off rental property and is temporarily operating in a smaller capacity, Brianne is using this time to increase open house days and community education. Her vision for the future is big: she hopes to acquire a permanent property where the farm can flourish and grow into a regional hub for agrarian education.

Her dreams go well beyond produce and poultry. Brianne envisions The Heirloom Farm as a sanctuary for children, particularly those in foster care or in need of a safe and nurturing space. “Animals and plants allow children and adults to view the world differently,” she says. “They form a bond that brings joy and healing. Often, all anyone needs is a hug from my dairy cow or a kiss from one of the goats to brighten their day.”

With that same heart for education, Brianne has also launched a beta year of her Farm School. Using the farm as her classroom, she teaches core academic subjects through agricultural experience. One of her eighth-grade students, Ada, learns pre-algebra through feed ratios, science through goat genetics and fecal analysis, and history through the role of farming in civilization. “I’m loving it,” she shares, “and so is she!”  Brianne is also thankful for her right-hand men, Mark and Rod.

Brianne is also a published author of three books, two of which center on farming, and she’s working on more, aiming to pair them with illustrated, Montessori-inspired learning guides and printable materials for both traditional and homeschool settings.

In a world that often moves too fast, The Heirloom Farm invites us to slow down, dig in, and remember the value of connection to nature, to animals, and to one another. Whether you’re looking to sample some handcrafted cheese, learn a lost art like soapmaking or cheese-making, or breathe in the scent of earth and livestock, a visit to The Heirloom Farm is more than a trip to the country; it’s an experience you’ll carry with you.

To learn more about upcoming classes, events, or how to support The Heirloom Farm’s next significant chapter, contact Brianne at brisheirloomurbanfarm@gmail.com.

A Sweet Expression: A Store, A Story, A Heartfelt Legacy

27 August 2025
Bunny Tuttle
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Categories: All News, August 2025, Issues

By Bunny Tuttle

If you find yourself strolling through the Historic Downtown District of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, one storefront in particular might catch your eye: the red-and-white striped awning, the brick façade, and yes—the carousel horse in the window. At the center of it all is its spirited owner, Debbie Aiman, who has shared her story.

From Hardship to Heart

Debbie’s story is a testament to resilience. Born in the 1950s, she grew up during the transformative years of the Woodstock era, the Vietnam War, and the Hippie Movement. The eldest of seven, she struck out on her own early, married at 18, and raised five children. Although life was challenging, she pursued education with determination and earned her GED at 28, and later an Associate of Arts degree from Longview Community College.  While studying, she worked at Rockhill Care Center, where her knack for planning joyful events blossomed. That passion eventually led her to a teaching career at the prestigious North Rock Creek/Korte Academy of Environmental Sciences in Kansas City.

Debbie’s teaching years were marked by creativity and vision—writing grants, introducing environmental learning through aquariums and animals, and even securing a two-week dolphin research trip in Costa Rica. But beyond the classroom, Debbie had another world, one filled with Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Klingon Defense Force. Her role in the sci-fi fan community provided her with experience in organizing significant events, building community, and, unexpectedly, connecting with a future mentor through candy arrangements.

A Dream Wrapped in Cellophane and Ribbon

It was a fellow Klingon fleet member, Lisa Brinkley, who introduced Debbie to the art of hand-wrapped candy bouquets. What started as a hobby, selling silk flower wreaths at a flea market, turned into something more when Debbie made her first candy bouquet delivery on Valentine’s Day. That brave cold call to a local gas station led to regular orders—and a turning point. 

In March of 2000, Debbie left the classroom to follow her passion full-time. She launched Silk Expressions, a tiny office space in Lee’s Summit. By fall, she’d relocated to a charming brick storefront on 3rd Street just in time for Oktoberfest.  A Sweet Expression was officially born, a delightful blend of candy, cookies, ice cream, fudge, balloon arches, and imagination.

Then came 9/11, rising property taxes, and the shifting retail landscape. Like many small business owners, Debbie faced challenges, but a suggestion from a friend, Joi Tydings, led her to Pleasant Hill. In 2001, she bought her current building on 1st Street in the Historic District.  She didn’t just gain a location—she found a community. When floods threatened the town in 2004, neighbors and city workers came together to protect her shop.  “That’s when I truly understood the heart of Pleasant Hill,” Debbie recalls.

Still Creating, Still Giving

Now 72, Debbie is still dreaming, “I’d love to start a cookbook group,” she says, “where we meet monthly to share regional recipes, church cookbooks, and stories behind the food.” It’s just another way she builds community, one sweet expression at a time.

Debbie’s building dates back to 1864, and she sees herself as its caretaker. That 150-year-old carousel horse in the window has followed her for 26 years. Just like the store itself, it has kind of became a local landmark.

So the next time someone asks, “Isn’t that the store with the horse in the window?”, you can answer, “Yes—and so much more.”

Visit A Sweet Expression

Located at 138 1st Street in Pleasant Hill, MO, the shop welcomes patrons on Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 6pm, and Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, their doors are open to indulge in an array of delightful candies. So come for the candy and stay for the story; she can’t wait to share our delicious tales with you!

Debate Bubbles Up Over Foam Party Location

26 August 2025
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, August 2025, Issues

Pleasant Hill, MO — Downtown Pleasant Hill’s popular foam party is set to return in September, but city leaders and community members are still weighing where the sudsy celebration should take place.

The Request

At the August 25th council meeting, Downtown Pleasant Hill, Inc. asked to amend its special event permit for the First Friday celebration on September 5th. The event was originally approved for Depot Park, but organizers requested a move to Gray’s Lot, a grassy downtown space.
Event organizer Don Donovan, president of the nonprofit, told council members Gray’s Lot would better accommodate the crowd.

Don Donavon, President of Pleasant Hill Downtown, Inc.

“With the number of families who came out last time, we want to make sure there’s enough space and that kids are safe,” Donovan said, noting that the lot is flatter and safer than Depot Park, which has a rock wall and uneven ground.

The Concerns

Not everyone welcomed the idea. Julie Brown and Bonnie Chambers, representing the Pleasant Hill Historic District and Farmers Market, voiced concerns based on the June foam party. Heavy rains beforehand left the ground saturated, and once the foam cleared, the lot became a mud pit that lingered for nearly three weeks.

Julie Brown, Farmers Market (PHHD) Representative

They also noted that Adirondack chairs were displaced, barricades were left on private property, and the farmers’ market lost usable vendor space. With a Chiefs tailgate featuring KC Wolf scheduled the following week — and new gazebos under construction on the lot — organizers feared the foam party could again cause headaches.

“It was an awesome event and the kids loved it,” Brown said, “but it left a real mess that disrupted our market for weeks.”

Possible Compromise

Director of Parks and Facilities, Jeff Hull reminded the council that the June damage was worsened by heavy rain and that conditions might be drier this time, though the risk can’t be ruled out. Donovan added that the event vendor would actually prefer hosting the foam party on Depot Way, the street itself, to avoid turf issues altogether.

“It eliminates the mud problem completely,” Donovan explained. He explained that they would need help getting approval from Depot Way businesses.

Mayor John King said he would reach out to downtown businesses about the street option. If Depot Way isn’t possible, other alternatives — including the fairgrounds — may be considered before defaulting to Gray’s Lot.

What’s Next

Council members expressed mixed feelings: some favored Gray’s Lot for safety, while others worried about damage, scheduling conflicts, and vendor frustrations. In the end, the council approved the foam party to move forward, with the exact location to be determined later.

(As of August 26, the event will be held on Depot Way.)








                                            

                                    
                                
            

            
        
    


                            

                                                    

                                


    
                


                                        

                                            Pleasant Hill Council Passes Lower 2025 Tax Levy
                                    

                        
                                        



    
                            

                

                
                                    
                        26 August 2025
                    
                            

                
                            

                

                
                                    Connie Whitlock
                            

                
                            

                

                
                                                    
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                                    Categories: 
                
                
                    August 2025,                    Issues                                    
            

                
                        
    


                        
        

        
                
                        


                                                                        
                                
                                                                    

                                                                                






Pleasant Hill, MO — At last night’s city council meeting, Pleasant Hill leaders voted to adopt a lower property tax levy for 2025, easing the burden on homeowners while ensuring the city maintains funding for essential services.





What Happened





The council held its required public hearing on Bill 25-28, an ordinance establishing the city’s tax levy for fiscal year 2025. By law, the city must advertise the maximum levy allowed by the Missouri State Auditor — in this case, 1.1017 per $100 of assessed property value. However, after discussion, the council unanimously approved the staff-recommended rollback to 1.0927, slightly less than last year’s levy.





The Numbers





Here’s how Pleasant Hill’s 2025 levy breaks down compared to last year:





    

  • General Revenue: 0.3026 (down from 0.3229)
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  • Parks & Recreation: 0.0604 (down from 0.0645)
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  • Public Health: 0.0604 (down from 0.0645)
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  • Transportation & Streets: 0.1134 (down from 0.1210)
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  • Debt Service: 0.5559 (down from 0.5934)
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  • Total Levy: 1.0927 (down from 1.1663)
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For a homeowner with a property assessed at $100,000, the new levy equals approximately $1,092.70 in city property taxes, which is roughly $74 less than last year.





Why It Matters





City staff explained that while Pleasant Hill is required to publish the maximum allowable rates, the council has the discretion to set lower ones. The Hancock Amendment, a state constitutional rule, requires rollbacks whenever rising property values would otherwise increase city revenue beyond authorized limits. This ensures that taxpayers don’t pay more simply because property values have increased.





The approved rollback means Pleasant Hill can still fund operations for general government, parks, public health, and road maintenance, while also covering debt service; however, residents will see slightly smaller tax bills in 2025.





Resident Impact





No residents spoke during the public hearing, and the decision drew no objections from council members. The unanimous approval signals broad agreement that the city’s finances remain stable enough to support a lower levy.


                                            

                                    
                                
            

            
        
    


                            

                                                    

                                


    
                


                                        

                                            Pleasant Hill City Council Recap – August 11, 2025
                                    

                        
                                        



    
                            

                

                
                                    
                        14 August 2025
                    
                            

                
                            

                

                
                                    Connie Whitlock
                            

                
                            

                

                
                                                    
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                                    Categories: 
                
                
                    All News,                    August 2025,                    City Business                                    
            

                
                        
    


                        
        

        
                
                        


                                                                        
                                
                                                                    

                                                                                



















From multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects to changes in park rules — and even parade planning — Pleasant Hill’s City Council moved through a packed agenda at its August 11 meeting.





$3.3 Million Approved for Water and Sewer Upgrades





The biggest-ticket item of the evening was the approval of Bill 25-26, which authorizes a $3.3 million draw from the $10 million in water and sewer bonds voters passed in April 2024. This is the second draw — the first, for $2.5 million, was issued earlier, leaving about $4.2 million still available.





The funds will support 13 infrastructure projects aimed at replacing aging, undersized water lines, addressing low water pressure in certain neighborhoods, and installing a backup water feed to District One to enhance system resilience.





The city also received good news from S&P Global Ratings, which assigned the bond an “A” rating — considered “upper-medium grade” investment quality. That means Pleasant Hill is a safe, reliable borrower. In practical terms, it’s like having a personal credit score in the mid-700s: the better the score, the lower the interest rates, which ultimately saves taxpayers money.





Homecoming Parade Approved — with a Condition





Pleasant Hill High School received the green light to hold the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 26. The parade will follow last year’s route, beginning at the high school and ending near the police department, with closures on Lake, Myrtle, Veterans, Cedar, and Locust.





Police Chief Tommy Wright recommended the approval come with one key condition: “If approved, I’d recommend making it contingent on them getting the MoDOT permit… I’ll work with them on it. It’s not complicated, but it can be cumbersome.”





Fleet Management Update Shows Gains





A presentation from Enterprise Fleet Management revealed the city’s fleet is now newer, more efficient, and more valuable. Since 2021, the average vehicle age has dropped from nine years to about four. Newer vehicles mean lower maintenance costs and better fuel economy, and the city’s resale program brought in nearly $100,000 above market value in the past year alone.





Grant Funds for New Speed Limit Signs





The council also approved accepting a $9,600 grant for two solar-powered speed limit signs. The Pleasant Hill Police will decide locations based on traffic and safety data.





Chief Wright said the project fits into a larger vision: “We want to do more of this across the community, so we’ll be targeting more grants that will get us additional signs.”





Park Rules Tightened for Smoking and Pets





Council members had a split vote, and Mayor John King was the deciding vote that passed updates to park regulations. Smoking will now only be allowed in clearly designated areas — City Lake will remain more lenient — and pets will be prohibited at the Pleasant Hill Recreation Complex and on the turf playground at City Park. The changes mean to protect expensive turf fields from damage and maintain cleanliness.





Some council members suggested that the city do more to explain the reasoning to residents up front to avoid confusion or pushback on social media.





Street Maintenance Contract on Agenda





The council also considered a contract for microsealing 155th Street. While the discussion was not part of the portion of the meeting reviewed for this article, the project remains listed as an agenda item.