Gary Felkner

The meeting began with public comments, including a concern from a food truck operator regarding upcoming vendor regulations and a request for city involvement in an annual Peace Festival planned for expansion. The consent agenda, which was approved, included minutes from January 13, 2026, and approvals for the Callaway County Humane Society Easter egg hunt and the Kingdom Pilots Association annual breakfast. Discussions followed regarding the annual breakfast event's donation structure. A presentation and acceptance of the Department of Energy (DOE) report included commendations for police academy graduates and updates on the Fire Department's high school student program success. The December 2025 financial statement was accepted, noting increased sales tax and use tax collections, along with year-end accounting procedures for payroll expenses. Council members expressed significant appreciation for city crews' and utility workers' performance during a recent severe cold weather event, specifically regarding road clearing and utility service maintenance. Council members also discussed the importance of residents clearing sidewalks post-snowfall and the need to review the overall zoning plan for future development.

The meeting included public hearings regarding several proposed rezoning requests for properties located at 311 West 9th Street, 313 West 9th Street, 315 West 9th Street, and 1412 Coatsandescent Road in Fulton, Missouri. All rezoning hearings concluded with no public testimony provided for opposition or in favor. The council then approved the consent agenda, modifying it to strike an item related to a non-denominational revival event which had been relocated. The Director of Administration (DOA) reported on successful September activities, including the Mayor's Cup golf tournament raising $9,283.58 for ServeThis, and attendance at the MML conference. The financial statement showed sales tax collections up 2.66% and use tax up 11.37% compared to the previous year; a discussion followed regarding the potential cost savings of establishing a local solid waste transfer station. Council concerns focused on the critical need for residents to clearly post legible addresses for emergency services. The council adopted Resolution No. 3594, designating a voting representative to the Municipal Electric Commission (MEC) of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA). Finally, an ordinance (Bill No. 1761) authorizing an agreement with Callaway County Special Services to support inclusive play improvements at Carver Park was introduced, with discussion deferred pending further review, as Councilman Luther recused himself.

The meeting commenced with council roll call, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a period for public comments, during which no one came forward. The consent agenda, including approvals for several upcoming local events like 'Trunk or Treat' and 'Strides and Bites,' was approved. Key discussion points included a briefing on an active shooter awareness session presented by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the election of new officers for the Human Rights Commission and Park Board, and discussions regarding improvements to public safety for pedestrians and cyclists due to an increase in distracted driving incidents. The Council also reviewed updates on the Jane Peterman F Humanitarian Award process and the Celia Vigil event scheduling, both being turned over to community-led committees. Council members discussed issues related to recent water outages and boil orders, noting plans to enhance website communication tools. Furthermore, the Council addressed an update on the demolition project timeline. Two primary resolutions were passed: one authorizing an amendatory agreement for power sales with the Southwestern Power Administration, and another acknowledging the 2026 annual utility rate increase for electric, gas, and water services, which prompted a discussion regarding the impact on low-income residents due to reduced assistance caps from CMCA. Councilman Washington was congratulated for being named the Fulton High School Homecoming Grand Marshall.

The meeting included public hearings concerning the proposed rezoning of land located on Churchill Drive from R1 to R3 residential, and a subsequent proposal to rezone lots on Easy Street from R1 to R3 residential. Public comments were received for both hearings, primarily expressing concern over increased traffic and safety risks associated with higher density housing. The consent agenda involved approving an item related to "Morals and Microbus" scheduled for May 2nd, 2026, and approving the appointment of Andrew Huey to the Planning and Zoning Commission, with discussion clarifying that he would need to abstain from voting on matters affecting his business interests. New business included excusing the Mayor from council meetings from February 10th through May 5th due to illness, recognizing the Deputy Mayor as acting mayor, and subsequently passing a motion to cancel the March 10th council meeting to accommodate the Kingdom Supper community event. Council reports covered the success of the Celia visual event, planning for the upcoming Juneteenth celebration with Wanda Brown as the speaker, discussions about the Jane Beerman F Award nominations, and a poster contest for Fair Housing Month in April.

The meeting commenced with public comments, though no visitors addressed the council. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing the life-saving efforts of various individuals and agencies following two separate cardiac arrest incidents in November and December 2025, highlighting the importance of CPR training, AED accessibility, and inter-agency coordination. The council approved the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting. Under new business, the council passed two resolutions: Resolution 3599, authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IAFF Local 2945 regarding shift scheduling and overtime procedures, and Resolution 3600, authorizing an agricultural land lease agreement with Reagan's Farm for land near the airport. Councilman West introduced a second, similar agricultural land lease resolution, 3601, with Rehagen Farms, which was also passed. Councilwoman Recue presented Bill Number 1773 for the first reading, an ordinance concerning an offense for minors after midnight, sparking discussion about the rationale for the midnight cutoff time, which the Police Chief explained was intended to promote public safety and make parents more aware of juvenile activities. Council members also provided updates on various commission activities, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Public Utility Board (addressing recycling costs), Historic Preservation Commission, and the Housing Development Task Force. Council members also voiced appreciation for recent holiday lighting displays.