Tom Barnes

The primary discussion revolved around a significant water usage issue at an address following a prior water leak and subsequent shut-off for non-payment. The council reviewed usage data spanning several months, noting substantial usage even after the water was reportedly turned off, indicating a potential unmonitored connection or leak. Key points included determining liability for the high water volume (approximately 225,000 gallons detected between the leak period and recent discovery) and the related sewer charges for hauled water. There was extensive deliberation regarding the fairness of billing the property owner for water usage when the meter was believed to be inactive or non-functional by the system software. Furthermore, the council discussed the process for handling inactive meters, specifically whether the system should report usage from meters marked as inactive, and the need to verify this procedure with the software provider.

Key discussions included addressing issues with the live streaming audio quality and planning for new equipment acquisition. Zoning matters involved approving occupancy use permits for Navan Kelley's home business and Casey's General Store. The Council approved a two-year contract for Mercury Fiber to use West Lake as a laydown area, with Attorney Barnes tasked to draft the contract. During interviews, the Council hired Gavin Smith for the Maintenance II position. Maintenance updates covered the installation of the Excel Reporter at the water plant, the completion of a patch in the Skips parking lot, and ongoing waterline projects contingent on warmer weather. The Council addressed the need to update the peddler ordinance to include guidelines on criminal history and solicitation timeframes. Significant discussion occurred regarding the promotion of Officer Shultz to Sergeant Shultz, resulting in a compensation adjustment plan (3% increase immediately, plus an additional 2% after a one-year probationary period). Training plans for Chief Seals and Sergeant Shultz were approved, including funding for Sergeant Shultz to attend a conference in St. Louis. The employment application was amended to incorporate automatic disqualifications, and follow-up was scheduled regarding third-party IT support.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items, including discussion and approval of the January 19th, 2026 meeting minutes, with specific corrections noted regarding police vehicle usage and fuel purchase documentation. The council reviewed and approved two occupancy use business permits: one for home-based writing procedures/documentation services and one for Casey's, after confirming payment. Significant discussion took place regarding a proposal from Mercury Wireless to establish a two-year lease for a laydown yard on city property near West Lake, which included considerations about truck traffic impact and easement access. The council also discussed a substantial financial saving related to a highway project, where approximately $200,000 was saved because previously undocumented work (pipe replacement) was completed by the contractor. Finally, the council entered executive session for interviews for maintenance positions, resulting in contingent job offers extended to Gavin Smith and Joshua Smith for Maintenance II positions at an $18 per hour starting rate.

The meeting involved the approval of the minutes from the February 2nd, 2026 meeting. Key discussions focused on a contract with Mercury Wireless, which involved reviewing and approving a commercial real estate lease agreement. There was a detailed deliberation regarding the potential purchase of new heavy equipment (skid steers), comparing Caterpillar and Case models based on performance metrics, pricing, trade-in value, and budgetary impact, with a preference leaning towards the backhoe replacement first due to increased capability. The council also entered an executive session for five minutes to interview a candidate for the maintenance department, resulting in a motion to extend an employment offer to John Hoffman for the Maintenance 2 position at $18 per hour upon returning to the regular session.

The meeting involved the approval of prior meeting minutes with corrections. Key discussions included the abatement of two properties, which entails cleaning up code violations and removing vehicles, with the resolution awaiting further consideration for one case involving a resident on active duty orders. Public comments raised concerns regarding turning utilities back on for a property with outstanding balances, with the council discussing requiring a partial payment before reinstatement. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of two PLC units (Programmable Logic Controllers) for the water plant, not to exceed $1100, and authorized repairs for a tractor from Can Equip not to exceed $5,000. A pending annual contract renewal for instrumentation for the following year was also mentioned.