Marti Porter

Key discussions during the meeting included the adjustment of budget resolutions for the Police Department and Fire Department, which involved reallocating funds due to necessary expenditures such as a furnace replacement for the Fire Department. The Council accepted the sole bid for the Salt & Sand Shed from Taylor Construction. Departmental reports for payroll, bills, Public Works, Fire Dept/Code Enforcement, and PD activity were reviewed and accepted. The City Attorney addressed the need to contact representatives regarding a bill proposing to eliminate food sales tax. Updates on health insurance coverage were provided. Additionally, the Mayor confirmed follow-up with MoDot regarding signals and crosswalks at Y Hwy & 160 Hwy, and the Council permitted the Collector to adjust a resident's water bill due to a leak, including waiving the late fee and adjusting the sewer charge.

Key discussions and actions included the rehire of the Ball Park Program Director for the 2026 season. A visitor requested permission to place bat boxes around the City, with follow-up pending specifics. Departmental reports for February, including the MMDA Trial Balance, Routine Bills, Sales Tax, Payroll/Bills, Public Works, Code Enforcement/Zoning, Fire Dept, and Police Dept reports, were accepted. The Council approved changing an ordinance to establish two handicapped parking spots on Charles Street and passed an ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding no parking zones. There was discussion regarding a property code violation on Lafayette Street and cost estimates for the approach to the Sand shed. Permission was granted for a Food Truck to be present at a book sale event. A special meeting was announced for March 16th to open mowing and lawn maintenance bids. An update on the TAP project indicated a start date of April 20, 2026. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the passage of an ordinance amending the City Attorney's compensation.

The meeting addressed Old Business, including the approval of the T.A.P. Sidewalk Grant Bid, awarded to Dickens & Swafford. The Council agreed that MoDOT should proceed with preparations for crosswalks across Highway 160 to Highway Y. A budget amendment for the Transportation Department was accepted, and the FY 2024-2025 audit report was presented, noting it was unremarkable. Visitors discussed the Active Transportation Plan, which aims to help the City obtain grants, and the availability of SBA funds for businesses and individuals affected by the 2025 Spring storms. Departmental reports covering payroll, sales tax, Public Works, Fire Department activity, and the MMDA Trial Balance were accepted. During Open Discussion, the City Clerk provided an update on potential changes to the tier 1 insurance plan, a demolition grant for seven properties was approved, and the Council discussed potential legislation allowing charges for fire department lift assists. The Council also addressed a citizen inquiry regarding the trash contract and a reported penny shortage.