John Wesley Russell

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the passing of Ordinance 01-2026 regarding the sale of real estate to JJS Modern Properties, LLC, and the awarding of a CDBG demolition program contract to Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments. The council approved the placement of a Veterans Memorial at St. Judes Park. Discussions and approvals were held regarding police department vehicle repairs and a pest control contract for the Humane Shelter. Several water utility projects were approved, including bids for metering pumps and fluoride analyzers, as well as a sewer line reimbursement. Additionally, the board approved pool rates and lifeguard training costs, and reviewed and approved various financial bills.

The City Council meeting included a public hearing regarding a community development block grant for a demolition project involving residential and commercial properties. The Council also heard a report from the Board of Adjustment regarding a variance request for a storage building. Additionally, the Council approved a 5K run/walk event sponsored by a local business for the humane society, held discussions with the local fire protection district regarding hold harmless agreements, fire hydrant maintenance, and emergency management planning, and received a presentation on water and wastewater rate reviews.

The council adopted a Section 504 ADA grievance procedure, designating the HR representative and city clerk as the contacts for grievances. Bid approvals were granted for asbestos inspection services to Roberts Demolition and Roll Off, and for demolition inspection services to the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission, both pending review by the regional council of governments. The council also held a discussion with the Chamber of Commerce regarding the potential for the city to assume responsibility for hosting parades to mitigate insurance costs, though concerns were raised regarding liability and insurance requirements.

The council reviewed and discussed the annual budget and the implementation of new accounting software. Key agenda items included the selection of an engineering consultant for the airport project, an update on the emerging contaminants grant, and the status of property code violation enforcement. The council tabled a bill concerning budget line item adjustments and approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a real estate contract for the sale of city-owned property. Additionally, the council authorized the submission of a CDBG demolition grant application to support future property demolition efforts.

The council discussed updates to building permit and fee structures, including costs for meter installations and service upgrades. A report was provided regarding the need for additional engineering work for formal bid documents for a project. The clerk provided updates on staff training and property tax rate evaluations, and upcoming collection schedules for economic development sales tax were noted. The council approved a bid for cemetery stone repairs, appointed members to the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, and conducted readings for an ordinance on conflicts of interest. Evaluation scoring for engineering firms regarding an emerging contaminant study was also reviewed.