Key Decisions
- The council enacted a new code of ethics for elected officials, appointed officials, and employees through Chapter 140 of the city code.
- The council amended the disorderly conduct ordinance to remove "obscene" language as an element, leaving only "abusive" language as a qualifier when combined with other conduct elements such as face-to-face confrontation.
- The council approved the SWNC minor subdivision plat located on South Kiro.
- The council amended utility billing ordinances to remove the requirement for notices about financial assistance from the Division of Family Services on utility bills due to space constraints.
- The council approved purchasing a new jetter truck from Sewer Equipment of America for approximately $554,765, to be financed over five years. The truck is used for cleaning sewer lines, removing clogs, and hydro-excavation.
- The council approved purchasing utility poles from Desoto Treated Materials for $11,187 and transformers from TNR Electrical for $44,599.
- The council opted for a 12-month payment plan to address a $600,000 power purchase bill (normally $250,000-$350,000), caused by increased energy costs during the winter storm. The increase will be spread over 12 months to ease the burden on residents, particularly low-income customers.
Coming Up
- The March 9, 2026 board of aldermen meeting is cancelled due to city clerks attending the MOCCFOA conference March 8-12 in Columbia.
- A chocolate walk event sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will be held February 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other Business
Several training requests were approved including: camp airport manager attending the MAMA-MoSAC conference March 24-27; city clerks attending the MOCCFOA conference March 8-12; police K9 officers attending the NAPWDA Missouri workshop April 20-24; fire chief and three firefighters attending FDIC training April 23-25 in Indianapolis; building inspector attending the Missouri Association of Building Codes Administrators conference April 1-3; and police chief attending the Missouri Police Chiefs Association conference May 3-5.
Fire Chief Clark requested approval for a reporting system called Reporting Made Easy at no cost to the city. The system allows fire inspection companies to report findings digitally, creating records for the city and reducing liability. The council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for the next meeting.
Police Chief Hovis presented information about installing a fuel pump at the police department location. Companies quoted $0 installation and maintenance costs, with fuel prices 10-12 cents per gallon cheaper than local stations, potentially saving approximately $2,800 annually. The council requested additional information about tank size and any concrete containment requirements before making a decision.
Discussion of purchasing a 2025 F-150 police truck for $50,335 was tabled. The council requested additional information including total outfitting costs and turnaround time for ordering a Dodge Durango alternative, which would cost approximately $7,000 less.
Recaps are based on the official meeting recording and may contain errors or omissions. Always refer to the full recording for authoritative information.