Matthew Easley

The council meeting included discussions on event requests, including food truck sales and street closures for a July Fourth celebration, which were ultimately approved. The council reviewed and accepted the March departmental report and the March financial statement. Additionally, city staff provided updates on the response and cleanup efforts following a recent storm that impacted the area.

The council conducted several public hearings regarding the rezoning of various tracts of land from R1 residential to R2 residential, and from C1 central business district to C2 commercial. The meeting also included reports from the city staff regarding the successful closeout of a CDBG project, an update on working relationships with the local health department, a financial report highlighting sales and use tax trends, and council member updates on various commission activities and upcoming community events.

The council meeting addressed the resignation of a council member and the subsequent appointment of a replacement to fill the vacancy. Other actions included the certification of election results, the approval of two ordinances reclassifying local property from commercial business to commercial district, the adoption of council rules and orders, and the election of a deputy mayor. Additionally, the council heard public comments regarding board appointments and zoning procedures, and received updates from various commissions regarding their recent activities.

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.