Aaron Beckman

The Council Workshop Meeting agenda included introductory items such as roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, presentations, and reports from department heads. The Engineering Department was scheduled to discuss Erosion Assistance, Food Trucks, and flooding at Tiemann & West Main. The Parks Department had several items concerning final payment requests and budget amendments for the Main Stage Roof project involving Cochran and SCE, Inc. The Water/Wastewater Department planned to discuss a Precision I&I Microdetection Study. The agenda concluded with a provision for an Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal, or real estate matters, followed by adjournment.

The City Council meeting addressed several items. Key discussions included granting permission for a fireworks display fundraiser organized by John G's Bier Deck for the Franklin County Honor Flight, scheduled for May 28, 2021, with a backup date of June 4, 2021. The Mayor issued several proclamations, recognizing the St. Francis Borgia Regional High School Cheerleading State Championship, proclaiming the area the "Best-Read Community in America" based on the Community Literacy Foundation's initiative, designating May 2021 as Historic Preservation Month, and observing National Police Week (May 9-15, 2021). Reappointments to the Industrial Development Authority were approved, as were the 2021 Council Committee Liaison Assignments. Department heads provided updates, including a report on the first Lime Scooter accident. Several ordinances were approved, authorizing execution of a Consent to Access for Environmental Investigation/Response with the EPA, accepting bids and approving the purchase of three Pavilions with Rock Columns at Lions Lake and electrical services for two of them, authorizing the purchase of a John Deere Mower, and authorizing the purchase of a Blower. A Boundary Adjustment for Terrace in Washington, Plat 2 was also approved. The session included an executive session to discuss personnel, legal, and real estate matters.

Key discussions included the Parks Report, noting that members and staff attended the America In Bloom Symposium and secured three awards for the city. The department also hosted the Witches on Main Street event and conducted the Citywide Garage Sale. Operational updates covered the draining and winterization of the pool by Midwest Pool Management and a successful Rotary Riverfront Trail Day. In Old Business, an update was provided on the Trail Connection Grant bids at Riverfront Park, and the Lions Lake Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) status was discussed, noting ongoing toxicity issues. In New Business, the Parks Office bids came in over budget, leading to a decision to split the project into two phases, with Phase I (exterior work) currently out to bid. The Commission also reviewed control mechanisms for future events, such as the Monster Truck show, specifically regarding parking fees, as the city only rented the space.

The key discussions for this meeting focused on several agenda items requiring Council action. Introductory items included accepting reports from the Collector and investments for November 2020. Priority items involved the appointment of a City Physician and reappointment within the Police Department. Unfinished business was listed as empty. Department heads were scheduled to report on auditorium electrical work. The council agenda included numerous ordinances: authorizing contracts for the 2021 Circle Drive Overlay Project, accepting bids for extrication tools and headset systems, executing a Fire Protection Service Agreement, and authorizing a contract for tree removal along the east Riverfront Trail. Several ordinances involved amending sections of the City Code (700.010, 700.020, 700.180, 700.200, 700.210). An ordinance to sell and purchase real estate involving the Marcellus Jasper Family Trust was also scheduled. Public hearings were conducted regarding the voluntary annexation and rezoning (R-1A to R-1D) of acreage for The Overlook at Weber Farms subdivision. Additionally, public hearings addressed a Special Use Permit for the Elks Lodge to add up to four RV parking spots, and a Special Use Permit for a 175-foot AT&T monopole cell tower, which generated significant discussion concerning setbacks, fall radius, and co-location possibilities with an existing tower.

The key discussion item for this special meeting involved a public vote on whether to proceed with a closed session to discuss real estate matters, pursuant to Section 610.021 RSMo (2000).