Karen Michelle Findora

This Strategic Priorities Report outlines the City of Odessa's strategic direction for the next five years, following a 2025 planning retreat. The plan focuses on six key pillars: Community Engagement, Electric, Planning, Police, Streets, and Water. The overarching goal is to rebuild public trust, strengthen core infrastructure, and foster inclusive, long-term planning, ultimately delivering exceptional basic services and ensuring meaningful progress for the community.

The agenda includes approval of minutes, police and municipal court reports, community development reports, and contractor payment certifications. The board will discuss the introduction of new staff, a transportation use tax, a public safety sales tax, and a resolution with Paypoint HR, LLC. Additionally, they will discuss the downtown water supply. The meeting also involves a public hearing and public comments.

The agenda includes recognition of the Court Clerk for an appointment to the Missouri Association for Court Administration, discussion and possible approval of a special event application for the VFW Beer Garden during Puddle Jumper Days, presentation of the Parks 2024 Annual Report, introduction and readings of Bill No. 2025-13 regarding Dowell Industrial Lots, a presentation on the Code Enforcement Public Platform, recommendation and appointment of a Parks and Recreation Board Member, a motion to approve improved lettering for the I-70 Interchange Bridge, and discussion of meeting procedures and public comment.

The Finance Committee convened to address several key items, including selecting a Finance Committee Chairman and reviewing financials from February and March 2025. The committee also discussed 2005 Series Bond Payments and the possibility of inviting the City's Financial Advisor to a future meeting to discuss current and future city financing. The review of the Purchas Policy was postponed until after the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget is complete.

The Finance Committee meeting included discussions and reviews of various financial matters. Topics covered included investment options with presentations from MOSIP and the City's investment advisor, concerns about increasing credit card processing fees, and a discussion on the potential implementation of a purchase order module. The committee also reviewed June and July 2025 financials, including summary and detail check reports, purchase card activity, budget summaries, long-term debt payments, and sales tax reports. Other discussion items included the purchasing policy and investment policy.