Key Decisions
- Council approved a resolution declaring a certain area of the downtown district as a blighted area (passed unanimously)
- Council approved two sets of accounts payable bills (both passed, with one abstention on the second bill)
Community Voices
Shannon Rehkop, owner of Torrez Sanitation, addressed the council about the city's construction and demolition (C&D) waste disposal rates at the transfer station. Rehkop stated the current C&D gate rate is significantly higher than industry standards and requested the city reduce the rate to a more competitive level.
Rehkop explained that every transfer station and landfill in surrounding areas charges a single gate rate regardless of debris type, while Fredericktown charges a premium for construction waste. Rehkop noted that Torrez Sanitation disposes of approximately 5,000 tons of material annually through the transfer station and has done business with the city for 30 years. Several local contractors are considering alternative disposal options due to current pricing, Rehkop said.
The council discussed the request at length but took no action. The C&D rate was implemented in November 2025 after the city experienced a surge in construction waste from out-of-county and out-of-state sources (including Illinois) taking advantage of lower rates. Officials explained that construction waste fills trailers with less weight, costing the city more per ton to dispose of since they pay a flat fee per trailer, not by weight. The city is contracted for three trailers per day and sometimes struggles to get extras when needed.
Council members discussed various alternatives including raising out-of-county rates while lowering C&D rates, but determined enforcement would be difficult.
Budget & Finance
- The city is paying approximately $95 more per hour for its new city attorney compared to the previous attorney, though office staff rates are $10 per hour cheaper (net increase of roughly $85 per hour)
- Council approved two accounts payable bills (specific amounts not stated in transcript)
Watch This
- A proposed ordinance authorizing a contract with Torrez Sanitation for solid waste disposal rates did not receive a motion and was not voted on. The contract would have provided a 20% discount off current rates and runs through June 1st (the existing contract expires June 1, 2026). The matter may return at a future meeting.
- The city's contract with its trash haulers and landfill expires in March 2027. Officials expect rates will increase when the contract is rebid.
- Council may schedule a special meeting to discuss the waste disposal rate structure in closed session.
Other Business
The mayor thanked the Azalea Festival board for another successful event, noting it appeared to have strong attendance and more vendors than in previous years.
The city administrator reported that the recent city-wide trash cleanup was successful, with 89 tons collected — more than average participation.
A property (referred to as "the old cleaner") is being monitored by the city, though officials declined to discuss details in open session.
Council member Kevin Smith noted he conducts demolition projects and typically brings about two tons per load to the transfer station using a dump trailer.
Recaps are based on the official meeting recording and may contain errors or omissions. Always refer to the full recording for authoritative information.