Amy McVicker

The council discussed various operational and project-based items, including an update on the GNWWC financing deadline and planning for the annual fireworks event. Key legislative actions included the passage of an ordinance authorizing a dispatch services contract with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, the approval of a VoIP phone system agreement, authorization for a matching grant application for playground surface improvements, and the awarding of a contract for City Hall roof repairs. Staff reports covered updates on city improvement projects, infrastructure maintenance, and upcoming departmental activities. The council also convened in executive session to discuss attorney-client communications, real estate, and negotiated contracts.

The Public Safety Committee meeting, characterized as a Council Committee work session, addressed two primary agenda items. The discussions focused on the Fire Department's storage building and Police Department vacancies and staffing issues. The committee recommended adding both topics as discussion items for the next regular Council Meeting for broader discussion.

The agenda for the meeting included standard proceedings such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call, followed by a section for Public Participation with Council members. Key items for discussion included authorizing a contract with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office for dispatch services, approving an agreement with TrueVoIP for a city-wide VoIP phone system, supporting a grant application for playground surface material, and authorizing a contract for roof repairs at Cameron City Hall. The session also reserved time for miscellaneous comments from staff and council, concluding with an Executive Session to discuss attorney-client communications, real estate, and negotiated contracts.

Key discussions during the session included the opening of bids for City Hall roof repairs, which are expected to be contracted in the next agenda, and the recent installation of the fire suppression system at City Hall. Staff reported on a planned shift from a report-based violation system to a ticketing process in collaboration with the City's Prosecutor. A debrief on the recent structure fire on Third Street was conducted. In new business, the Council passed Resolution 2026-12 authorizing a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for new in-car cameras, body cameras, and Tasers for the Police Department, noting the annual cost and warranty provisions. Resolution 2026-13 was passed to award the BB Highway Sewer Main Extension Project bid to Abay Construction for $679,175. The Council also discussed the potential transition to a TrueVoIP Communication System due to persistent phone issues, which is projected to result in monthly savings. Furthermore, the need for a Fire Department Storage Facility was discussed, with consensus reached to proceed with obtaining estimates between $325,000 and $350,000, to be funded by Fire sales tax reserves. Council also discussed barricade removal at the Third Street fire site and the possibility of issuing water refunds.

Key discussions during the session included public participation regarding the disbanding of the Friends for Fireworks group, the presentation of a refund check for Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Treatment Plant budget savings, and updates on the Kickin' It In Cameron (KiiC) project related to the 2026 World Cup. In the City Manager's Report, updates were provided on the City Hall project progress, plans to streamline the violation process, the execution of a new lease with NBH Bank (Bank Midwest), and an improvement in the City's MIRMA review score to 99%. New Business involved the passage of several resolutions: Resolution 2026-6 approving the sale of real estate via Quit Claim Deed, Resolution 2026-7 accepting bids for agricultural properties, Resolution 2026-8 authorizing an application for a MoDOT grant for police patrols, Resolution 2026-9 expressing opposition to proposed legislation HB 2761 & SB 1586 concerning solid waste districts, Resolution 2026-10 authorizing an application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund Program for financing water line replacement on Third Street, and Resolution 2026-11 authorizing the fifth amendment to the Solid Waste Collection Agreement with R & W Container to adjust holiday observance schedules. Staff also reported on salt replenishment, upcoming bid openings for the sewer line extension, receipt of new MDT's for the Police Department, progress on VoIP proposals, and commencement of seasonal hiring.