John D. Chittenden

The council conducted a public hearing regarding zoning code amendments to permit Equine Therapy businesses and electronic billboards as conditional uses. During the regular session, the council approved demolition bids for two properties and accepted mowing bids. Other key discussions included reports on local police activity, animal control efforts, fire department calls, public works budget thresholds, code enforcement projects, and recreation center programs. Additionally, the council passed ordinances fixing compensation for the City Marshal and amending the code to include equine therapy facilities among permissible conditional uses, and discussed specific water billing complaints.

The proceedings began with a Public Hearing regarding adopting an ordinance to approve capital facilities lease financing for repairs and replacements at the Caruthersville Recreation Center and the construction of pickleball courts at England Park. Following this, the regular session addressed the yearly audit by Smith & Davis for the financial statements ending June 30, 2025, which prompted discussion on budget curtailment and the necessity of increasing sewer rates due to the Water fund subsidizing the Sewer fund. Unfinished business included conditional use permit approvals for a digital billboard sign at Whiskey Ken's and a horse therapy facility, while a request for rezoning for a multi-family complex was tabled pending further information. Department reports covered fire incidents, utility worker hiring, water treatment plant maintenance (including rebuilding an air compressor), wastewater treatment repairs, and code enforcement activities such as asbestos inspections and flood wall project updates. New business included granting a variance for a manufactured home placement and referring a billboard variance request to the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Council also discussed holding an E-Waste event and reviewed a proposed ordinance to eliminate illegal gambling machines. Several ordinances were passed, including one for lease certificates of participation totaling $1,140,000 plus premium for recreation center repairs and park courts, and another imposing the established 2018 sales tax on domestic utilities. A resolution determining intent to reimburse capital expenditures for pickleball courts was approved. The session concluded with a closed session for personnel and legal matters.

The council considered adopting an ordinance to approve capital lease financing for repairs and replacement of the Recreation roof and HVAC system, as well as the construction of Pickleball courts at England Park. The council voted to approve the auditor's representation letter for the City of Caruthersville's financial statements audit for the period ending June 30, 2025. Reports included updates from the Police Chief regarding road clearing efforts during inclement weather, the Humane Shelter's status following the winter storm, and the Fire Chief's report detailing five recent calls and discussion about the July 4, 2026 celebration aligning with America's 250th Anniversary. The Library reported on various upcoming literacy and celebration events. The Finance report noted progress with Tyler Technologies software implementation. Business from the floor included a motion for the City to absorb the cost of a tap on Brown, and an inquiry regarding the status of a building on Ward Ave.

The council meeting included several significant actions and reports. Bids for the Recreation Center roof and HVAC system were reviewed and approved based on A2H's recommendations, awarding contracts to Strickland Roofing CO Inc. and Buffington Brothers, respectively. The council authorized L J Hart & CO to proceed with drafting the Public Hearing Notice and Resolution for $1,140,000 in Lease Certificates of Participation Series 2026 funding. Department reports covered police grant funding agreements, shelter activity, fire incidents, and extensive updates from Public Works regarding personnel, water treatment plant repairs, wastewater operations, and collection system maintenance. Code Enforcement reported on necessary repairs for a lift station pump, demolition status, and street repairs, and scheduled a Planning & Zoning Committee meeting. The Recreation report detailed financial turnover and committee restructuring to oversee youth programs. New business included considering a bid for city mowing services and approving funding to restore the water tower with donated labor. Finally, the council approved allowing the VFW to use a room at the Armory as their home base.

The Council meeting involved several significant discussions and approvals. Key financial topics included reviewing the feasibility of acquiring USDA Rural Development loan funds for Police/Fire Equipment and City Vehicles to potentially secure grant funds. The Council accepted a bid from Michael Lewis Construction for the replacement of bollard lights at Veterans Park and subsequently approved a change order for additional bollard light replacement at the Recreation Center. Management approved granting employees the Friday after Christmas as a day off. Reports covered updates from the Humane Society, Fire Department activities, and extensive Public Works operations metrics, including water treatment, distribution, and sewer collections. The Code Enforcement update detailed equipment status and pending demolition and repair projects. The Recreation report involved approving revised operating hours and admission/membership rates for the Recreation Center. The Library reported on recent community events, and the City Collector provided a summary of recent tax collections. In New Business, the Council decided to investigate the implications of amending legislation regarding electronic gaming machines before making a decision.