City Council — New Attorney, $500K Study, and a City Hall on Its Last Legs

Key Decisions

• The board approved a new city attorney nomination, Kyle Cronin from Curtis, Heinz, Garrett, and O'Keefe law firm in Clayton, Missouri. The vote passed with two opposed.
• Alderman Nathan Huckaba was appointed board president, serving in the absence of the mayor.
• An ordinance was passed to execute a contract with C B Engineering, Inc. (DBA Cochran) to conduct a water and sewer utility rate study for $500,000 as part of a grant requirement for a sewer project.
• The board approved $7,485.45 payment to Burns & McDonnell for airport project work completed through February 28, 2026, believed to be the final payment.
• Police department repairs totaling $4,061.38 for a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor at Madison County Auto Repair were approved.
• The board authorized a Temporary Catering License for the Fraternal Order of Eagles for May 2, 2026 during the Azalea Festival truck pulls.
• Renewal of Field Service Partnership with HACH for water plant lab equipment calibration was approved at $11,100.
• Purchase of a new pump from HACH for $5,664 for the water plant was approved.
• Request to paint fire hydrants red, white, and blue was denied due to color-coded pressure ratings important for ISO ratings and insurance purposes.
• The board approved financing the sewer vac truck through New Era Bank, which offered the best interest rate over five years.

Coming Up

• City Hall relocation planning underway. The board directed staff to obtain design and pricing estimates for rebuilding at the current downtown location versus more affordable options at alternative locations. Current City Hall building is structurally unsound and must be demolished.

Other Business