City Council — New alderman sworn in

Key Decisions

• Council appointed Tiara Smith to fill the vacant Ward 1 alderman seat for the remainder of the term. Smith, a finance professional and mother of two, is married to a city police officer. She will abstain from votes involving her husband's direct financial interests.
• Council approved a resolution supporting law enforcement and pursuing Missouri Blue Shield designation, which is tied to a grant opportunity.
• Council adopted the subdivision plat for Robert Lloyd Sergeant subdivision as a minor subdivision.
• Council tabled an ordinance restricting recreational vehicle residency to ensure it doesn't conflict with existing mobile home park regulations.
• Council authorized a $58,882.50 purchase of a Dodge Durango pursuit vehicle for the police department from Pettis Chrysler. The all-wheel-drive vehicle is fully outfitted with lights, decals, and graphics. Delivery estimated at 6-8 weeks.
• Council approved architectural services contract with Dille Pollard LLC for evaluation, design, and construction of a new city hall building.
• Council approved installing a free fuel tank at the police station, supplied by Bomb and Oil. The city will pay only for fuel delivered. The 500-gallon tank will include a pump, tracking log, and on-site camera monitoring.
• Council approved passing the full remaining power purchase adjustment (PPA) charge to customers this month at $2.41 per 1,000 kilowatts, completing the pass-through for the entire year rather than spreading it over 12 months.

Budget & Finance

• Approved $11,261.64 for dump truck emissions and computer repairs at Rush Trucking Centers.
• Approved $4,633.30 for annual field fertilizer at the sports complex from Advanced Turf Solutions.
• Approved $43,445.50 for emergency fire hydrant replacement and valve installation in North Town by Vern Bauman Contracting.
• Approved $19,755.93 for budgeted valve repairs on North Mine Lamont and Molly streets.
• Approved $3,890 for lift station repairs on O Highway by Equipment Pro Incorporated.
• Approved contract with Thomas and Tara Pruett for cutting and baling hay on city properties at 311 South Chamber and 1935 Highway, same terms as prior year.
• Approved $1,500 contract with Thomas and Tara Pruett for hay cutting and baling at the transfer station and airport.

Coming Up

• Spring cleanup scheduled for April 20-25. Curbside pickup available for $10 per household; registration required at city hall. Residents only—no businesses, contractors, realtors, or landlords.
• Pool scheduled to open on time. Three managers hired and lifeguard interviews completed.
• Azalea Festival scheduled May 1-3 at Azalea Park, including parade with street closures on Marshall, Benson, and Virginia streets. Beer garden operated by American Legion on lower JC ballfield Friday and Saturday. Fireworks request pending review of city ordinance requirements.
• Music on the Square approved for the fourth Friday of each month from May through October (first event May 15). Liquor license and street closures approved for the quarter by the old movie theater sign. Special event with Flat River Band on August 26 will include full closure of streets around the square.
• Relay for Life pickleball tournament scheduled May 23. Event includes closure of one block of Benson Street for food trucks and vendors.

Other Business

• Council enacted mandatory fire department reporting requirements via an electronic platform, with a phase-in period for compliance.
• Chief Hovis and several officers approved for training: Reed Technique of Investigation Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation Techniques (August 11-14, St. Louis), TESL Cool Adaptive Training (July 18-23, Bristol, PA), and Merrma conference (July 21-24, Branson).
• Discussion of a possible community center building at the sports complex was postponed; requester Chris Reagan did not attend.