Diane Green

The Regular Session included a Public Hearing regarding the Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for installing sidewalks and pedestrian crossing improvements on College and Miami streets. Committee reports covered a Stormwater Tip from the Municipal Services and Personnel Committee, a weather delay update on slurry seal work, and the planned placement of "No Trucks" signage on High Street. The Property, Finance, Budget and Audit Committee reported on ongoing departmental budget request processes. The Community Development and Code Committee noted upcoming discussions on a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Council discussed developing a policy for city-owned residential lots. Business from the Audience included a request for an update on an eroding church property and an announcement regarding a church-operated ice cream truck giveaway program. Council approved an appointment for the Planning and Zoning Commission and elected a Council Member to serve as the Employer Representative for LAGERS. Furthermore, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to execute a task order for stormwater survey work and passed an ordinance making appropriations for the payment of accounts from city funds.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. A Public Hearing was held regarding the 2025-26 Tax Levy, during which no comments or concerns were brought forward before the hearing was closed. Committee reports covered revenues and expenditures, noting the budget is nearing completion and a special meeting is planned for amendments. The Community Development and Code Committee reported on July permits and the need to review permit fees. The Public Safety Committee provided detailed statistics for the Police Department, including traffic stops, arrests, calls for service, and animal control/nuisance case updates. The Municipal Services Committee reported on increased airport fuel sales and the expected completion of the Slurry Seal project. The City Administrator provided updates on traffic signal modification proposals, completion of stormwater and crosswalk projects, and installation of 'NO TRUCKS' signs. Resolutions approved included Change Order #01 for the USDA Conduit Contract with Kramer Service Group LLC, and a resolution affirming the City incurs no liability regarding the Marshall Park Board's loan agreement for converting Osage Field to synthetic turf and other upgrades. Ordinances passed included the levy of taxes for 2025 and an ordinance establishing testing requirements for Master Plumber licenses, updating standards to ICC requirements. The Council also discussed community concerns regarding recreational activities for children and addressed outstanding issues with audio/video equipment.

Key discussions included committee reports, where the Fire Department provided statistics for August calls. The Municipal Services & Personnel committee shared a stormwater tip regarding pollution prevention and noted the completion of the slurry seal project. The Property, Finance, Budget and Audit Committee reviewed the proposed budget. The City Administrator reported on scheduling a Work Session to discuss permit fees, a follow-up meeting with contractors, and the ongoing review of the comprehensive plan with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council approved requests from Bud's Café and the Marshall Chamber of Commerce to suspend the Code of Ordinances Section 600.070 (G) regarding Drinking in Public for upcoming events. Two ordinances were passed: one establishing testing requirements for Master Plumber's License applicants (Ordinance No. 8895), and another making appropriations for the payment of accounts out of City funds (Ordinance No. 8896). The ordinance accepting the 2025-2026 budget and the ordinance approving the annual operating budget for the Board of Public Works received their first readings. An update was promised regarding a proposed housing development project.

The City Council agenda was adopted as written. Committee reports included Fire Department statistics for January, covering responses to fires, medical calls, and false alarms. The Municipal Services and Personnel Committee discussed stormwater management plans for construction sites and presented findings from street evaluations, which will form a three-year plan presented publicly, including scenarios with and without a sales tax. The Compost Area resumed winter hours. Council members discussed the need for a dedicated street tax to fund ongoing street maintenance. Financial reporting indicated revenues at 43.75% of budget and expenditures at 43.52% of budget, with updates on recent grant funding awards in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The City Administrator reported on secured funding for the Boyd Street storm sewer and FEMA funding for work behind Eastwood School, noting that administrative work continues despite weather delays. The Mayor reported on a recent Contractor's meeting. The Council approved one appointment to the Library Board. Several ordinances were passed, including one authorizing a contract with Septagon Construction for natural gas line modifications, an ordinance authorizing a contract with Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LLC, an emergency management agreement with Saline County, and an ordinance making appropriations for payments out of various City funds. Other business included a request for the administration to develop a formal process for code enforcement concerns.

The meeting agenda was adopted as written. Committee reports included a Stormwater Tip from the Municipal Services and Personnel Committee, and a Financial Report from the Property, Finance, Budget and Audit Committee, noting revenues at 27.85% and expenditures at 34.82% as of December 31, 2025. The Community Development and Code Committee reported 17 building, electrical, and plumbing permits issued in December totaling $464.00 in fees. The Fire Department report detailed 57 total responses, including calls for fire, medical assistance, and false alarms. The City Administrator's report mentioned meetings regarding Fitzgibbon Hospital and IBTS, along with street paving contracts. The Mayor discussed the Sales Tax proposal for street improvements on the April 7, 2026 Ballot. Business from the audience included updates on Main Street events, thanks for creek cleanup, and support for the sales tax. Council approved two resolutions: one authorizing a professional services contract with Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission for grant administration services related to a stormwater project, and another approving a rate change for the Board of Public Works. Two ordinances were advanced and ultimately passed: one rezoning property from Agricultural to Light Industrial district, and another submitting a proposal for a one-half of one percent local sales tax for transportation purposes to the voters. A final ordinance concerning appropriations for payment of accounts was also passed. Other business involved discussing community education for the sales tax proposal and addressing burning debris regulations.