Key Decisions
- Council approved a 93-acre farmland lease at Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport to Drew Murphy (bill 8682, adopted unanimously).
- Council accepted a bid from RL Persons Construction Inc. for construction of a two-bay box hangar at the regional airport (bill 8683, adopted unanimously).
- Council accepted a bid from Clinton Construction LLC for repairs to Fire Station Number 3 (bill 8684, adopted unanimously).
- Council amended the city code to update farmers marketplace permit requirements, specifically section 605.390 (bill 8685, adopted unanimously).
- Council adopted a resolution recognizing 911 telecommunicators at the Police Department as first responders (resolution 2069, adopted unanimously).
- Council approved lease of city-owned flood buyout property at 113 Relief Street to John Thacker for parking and gardening. Motion moved to May 4 voting session.
- Council approved annual budget amendments for fiscal year 2025. Motion moved to May 4 voting session.
- Council approved purchase of new storm siren system at a cost of approximately $45,000, replacing outdated 2012 system using unsupported Windows 10. Motion moved to May 4 voting session.
- Council approved destruction of antiquated records from the Fire Department. Motion moved to May 4 voting session.
Community Voices
Richard White and Austin Kirby, representatives of the Railroad Museum at 303 Moran Street, reported ongoing vandalism and damage from homeless individuals. They detailed multiple incidents including stripped electrical wiring creating fire hazards, broken windows in display cabooses, damage to HVAC units, cut water faucets resulting in flooding, fires lit inside railcars, and human waste left on the property. The museum has installed cameras capturing vandals on multiple occasions. Representatives from the Historic Train Depot reported similar issues including extensive graffiti with explicit imagery. Museum representatives requested the city address the homeless population and consider an ordinance requiring other jurisdictions to retrieve individuals sent to Poplar Bluff for treatment programs. Mayor Smith acknowledged the problem affects the entire downtown area and noted the city recently met with police, city attorney, and agencies including CMO Behavioral Health to develop solutions, though progress has been slow due to legal protections.
Budget & Finance
- Council scheduled discussion of fiscal year 2026 budget amendments for purchase of new storm siren system at approximately $45,000. City Manager Lori Phelps identified cuts to other capital budgets to fund the purchase. The new system will replace outdated 2012 equipment using Windows 10, which is no longer supported by Microsoft and uses semiconductor chips that will soon be obsolete. Missouri State University will pay half the programming costs. Installation expected in 30-60 days.
- Council discussed using tourism tax funds from fiscal year 2026 to install roof-mounted HVAC system at historic Frisco Railroad Depot, estimated at $30,000-$38,000 based on similar work at Wheatley School. The proposal also includes hiring a grant consultant to prepare application for State Historic Preservation grant for multi-year depot restoration. Discussion moved to May 4 workshop meeting for budget amendment.
Watch This
- Public fiscal forum scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at the police station training room. All city department heads will present their individual budgets and programs to the public.
- Missouri Main Street Connection community meeting scheduled for May (specific date not provided in transcript) at 5 p.m. at Rogers Theater. Representatives will tour downtown and present on revitalization efforts as part of grant application process. Meeting will last one hour and include popcorn and beverages.
- Notice of interest submitted for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant for Alice Street emergency backup well project, estimated at $1.7 million. Grant would cover 75 percent with Municipal Utilities providing 25 percent match. This is the city's third application attempt after two previous denials. Formal application to follow pending council consensus, which was given.
- City auditors will arrive at City Hall in approximately two weeks to conduct annual audit.
Other Business
The council held its annual reorganization meeting. Robert L. Smith was elected mayor for 2026-2027 by a vote of 4-3 over Billy Depew. Lisa Parson was elected mayor pro tem for 2026-2027 by a vote of 4-3 over Billy Depew. Three council members were sworn in: Robert L. Smith (Fifth Ward), Billy Depew (at-large), and newly elected Michael Jones (at-large). Mark Massingham, who did not seek re-election, was recognized for 30 years of city service in various roles including finance director and city manager. Smith received 60 votes in the Fifth Ward election, defeating Richard Bruder (27 votes) and Barbara Marino (44 votes). In the at-large race, Depew received 434 votes and Jones received 363 votes, defeating Marty Paschal who received 264 votes. An Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bacon Park pavilion number two. The city has been designated Tree City USA for the fifth consecutive year.
Recaps are based on the official meeting recording and may contain errors or omissions. Always refer to the full recording for authoritative information.