Carol Barnes

The meeting featured a comprehensive departmental update from the Public Works and Community Development director, covering operations and statistics for various divisions including airport, engineering, streets, and wastewater. Key topics discussed included infrastructure maintenance, ongoing construction projects like bridge and culvert replacements, utility conflict management, equipment procurement, and updates on sidewalk and street improvement programs involving state transportation agencies. Additionally, the Council reviewed staffing updates and future planning initiatives for the community.

The Council meeting included a departmental update from the Parks and Recreation Department covering fiscal year activities, cemetery operations, park maintenance, and animal shelter statistics. The Council authorized a contract of obligation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources regarding post-closure activities for the city's sanitary landfill. Additionally, the Council discussed the feasibility of utilizing the former cancer center site for a new city hall, police, and fire station, clarifying the project's coexistence with future hospital development plans.

The City Council meeting addressed multiple administrative and operational items. Key discussions included a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for property on West Monroe Street and the consideration of ordinances and resolutions related to zoning amendments. The Council evaluated engineering services agreements for Transportation Alternatives Program projects, including sidewalk improvements on South Morris Street and electrical system upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additional business covered staff reports on the purchase of equipment for the street division, the acquisition of a human resource information system, and discussions concerning the location and facilities for City Hall and Public Safety operations. The meeting also included an update from the Parks and Recreation department.

The council meeting involved several key discussions and actions. The proceedings began with a roll call, followed by the approval of the minutes from the regular session held on November 24, 2025. A public hearing was opened to consider a request for an additional use permit for two shipping containers to be placed at 700 East Liberty Street for a new transmission work business, primarily for security purposes. The proposal involved placing an 8-foot chain-link fence with privacy slats around the area. Council deliberations on the use permit addressed traffic hazards, fire hazards (both voted as no adverse effect), character of the neighborhood (one member noted adverse effect), general welfare, and utility taxation. The council ultimately voted to approve the additional use permit request. New business included Ordinance Bill number 2025-85, which revised the budget for the City of Mexico, Missouri, for the fiscal year October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This revision adjusted the $750,000 allocated for the demolition and hazardous material abatement of the old hospital property, moving the entire amount into the current fiscal year's budget for clarity and authorization of expenditure.

The meeting included a roll call, approval of previous minutes, and discussions under New Business. Key new business involved Resolution 202601, authorizing a change order for the North Washington Street storm water project due to unforeseen circumstances like bedrock excavation and ADA improvements, totaling $16,588. Another significant item addressed required replacement of approximately 40 feet of aging clay sanitary sewer pipe along Fairground Street with ductile iron pipe, estimated at $13,139, funded from the wastewater fund. Board appointments included approving Jennifer Prior for a vacancy on the Mexico Tourism Commission and Cheryl Slegel for a vacancy on the Audrain County Library Board. Council members also inquired about the status of the AP Green property marketing efforts and updates regarding the Harden Gym CDBG emergency application. There was also a brief discussion concerning an extension related to the Fluid Power annexation and the appearance of the vacant building at Jefferson and Promenade.