Andrew Dawson

The meeting commenced with the legislative prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion points focused on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget highlights, with ongoing deliberations to resolve a deficit of approximately $282,000. The Finance Administration presented adjustments, including funding the ERP system implementation through the capital improvements fund and noting funding timing influenced by the fire and bowling center projects. Discussions included potential budget reductions such as eliminating the full Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution ($100/month), which could save approximately $214,000 annually, and considering alternatives like reducing the contribution by half. The council confirmed that the budget currently includes a 2% merit raise, and eliminating the full HSA contribution would reduce the deficit significantly, resulting in a potential surplus of approximately $16,000 when combined with other considerations. Items discussed for inclusion or decision involved the MML conference, Whiteman area leadership conference, Christmas parade funding, Hecker Community Center memberships, Scott Jofflin Festival, Christmas lunch, tuition reimbursement, downtown Christmas lights, and a landmark plaque for the Carnegie Library. There were also discussions regarding the significant increase in health insurance costs, which impacts the general fund heavily, and options for mitigating this expense in future fiscal years.

The meeting commenced with legislative prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on the Christmas light contest awards, which were presented by the community engagement director. The Finance and Administration committee presented a strategic planning update for downtown, detailing visitor data analyzed via Placer AI, demographic snapshots, year-over-year visitor trends, and identified areas for improvement such as green space maintenance and communication consistency. Goals for the coming year across Economic Vitality, Design, Organization, and Promotion committees were outlined, including plans for vacant properties tours, facade grants, new business recruitment efforts, and event scheduling. The Public Works committee presented a strategic budget planning overview for Fiscal Year 2027, covering street operations (maintenance, asphalt, concrete work, crack sealing, snow removal), signage, and progress on 26 infrastructure projects, noting the postponement of a water line replacement project. Collaboration with Pettis County Road and Bridge on various projects was also noted.

The key discussion topics for this special council meeting included the legislative prayer and pledge of allegiance. Following the approval of previous minutes from the February 2nd, 2026 meeting and acceptance of the January 14th, 2026 minutes from the Citizens Traffic Advisory Commission, the council addressed standing committee reports. The Finance Administration committee recommended approval for the lawful destruction of departmental records exceeding retention periods. The Public Works committee discussed the renewal of a cooperative agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation for property management around Springport Lake, which was approved and passed as Bill number 2026-21. The council then considered Bill number 2026-22 regarding the establishment of a four-way stop at West Third Street and South Park Avenue; however, due to a recommendation against installation by the advisory commission and a lack of motion, the bill died. All bids for the 2021 GI7 CDBG sidewalk improvement project were rejected due to non-compliant bid documents and insufficient file documentation necessary for grant funding eligibility, with plans to rebid the project. The council then approved one new special event liquor license and eleven renewals for various local establishments before moving into a closed session based on specific subsections.

The meeting focused on a budget work session, including a review of financial trends for fiscal year 2026 and an analysis of revenue sources for the general fund, such as sales, use, marijuana, and utility franchise taxes. Discussions covered the allocation of funds for various departments, the status of the transportation tax fund, and capital projects fund expenditures, noting delays in major projects like the bowling and fiber projects. Furthermore, key expenditure areas like park expenses (due to Liberty Stadium work) and animal shelter costs (related to in-house veterinarian services) were detailed. Financial projections emphasized conservative revenue estimates due to past variability and noted significant increases in health insurance costs, which impacts the general fund balance. A key goal discussed was ensuring enterprise funds, specifically sanitation and transportation, become solvent to avoid reliance on the general fund for asset purchases.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming attendance. The primary discussion involved the reading and approval of liquor licenses. Specifically, one new license was approved for Amy Overbeck for bartending services at an event hosted by Pro Energy Holiday Party at the Missouri State Fairgrounds on January 10th. Following the approval of the license, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting temporarily to a strategic planning session, allowing the administrator to lead the subsequent discussion.