Amy Hess

The board meeting included the election of 2026 officers, retaining the current President and Secretary. Key discussions focused on a proposal to display America 250 Banners in Simpson Park for the US Semiquincentennial Celebration, which was approved. Additional updates were provided regarding annual budget projections and a comprehensive Director's Report covering various winter activities and facility utility upgrades.

The council held a workshop and a regular meeting to address city finances and budget amendments for the current and upcoming fiscal years. Key discussions included urgent repairs for the airport's AWOS system, engineering services for street improvement projects, and updates on PAPI lights. The council approved several ordinances for municipal services, including mowing, fuel procurement, and the purchase of a fire department fill station and compressor. Additionally, the council authorized contracts for recreational, economic development, and public transportation services, and amended the personnel policy handbook regarding overtime and compensation time. A public hearing was held for the adoption of the 2018-2019 budget, which was subsequently approved. The council also addressed an executive session regarding financial and personnel matters and authorized the destruction of records.

The council discussed various procurement matters, including the acquisition of a new mini excavator, radio equipment for emergency services, and a new aerial ladder for the fire department. Financial strategies for these purchases were reviewed, such as lease purchase agreements and budget transfers. Legislative actions included approving ordinances for street improvements, a chip seal project, and participation in the HGACBuy cooperative purchasing program. Furthermore, the council approved an aviation consultant agreement, authorized an application for a community development block grant, and addressed municipal ordinances related to grant guidelines, residential relocation, and civil rights demonstration regulations. An executive session was held to discuss personnel or financial matters, and the council deliberated on administrative leave policies.

The council authorized payments for invoices and payroll, accepted several bids for city improvement projects including street repairs, city hall wall restoration, airport hangar sewer work, railroad bridge tie replacements, and the purchase of a skid steer loader and a police vehicle. A public hearing was held regarding a property annexation request. The council also approved amendments to planning and zoning meeting times, issued a proclamation for Drinking Water Week, re-appointed a member to the Parks and Recreation Board, authorized a railroad crossing license, and approved an agreement for transportation alternative funds related to a sidewalk grant. Additionally, the council reached a consensus to authorize park sidewalk repairs.

The council held a workshop to discuss funding for holiday snowflakes and received an overview of the fiscal year. During the regular meeting, the council approved various invoices and payrolls. Key actions included accepting a gift of a cat sanctuary container along with an endowment for maintenance, authorizing an easement and rail spur construction license for Sonoco Plastics, and approving a bond compliance contract with Gilmore and Bell. The council also authorized agreements for railroad bridge repair engineering services, a cash rent lease for agricultural land, and a sidewalk improvement project with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Discussion regarding welcome signs was tabled, and the session concluded after an executive session and general council comments.