Key Decisions
- Approved a consent agenda that included routine city business. Councilman Boyer added two items for future discussion: completion of downtown trash can purchases and maintenance of American flags along city streets.
- Advanced an ordinance amending Section 210.720 to regulate public solicitation while exempting veterans organizations from restrictions. The measure passed 5-2, with Mayor Pro Tem Parson and Mayor Smith voting no. The ordinance allows groups like Vietnam Veterans of America and the Marine Corps League to continue their twice-yearly "boots on the ground" fundraising events.
- Approved professional services contracts for the historic Frisco Depot restoration project, including selection of Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission for grant administration (passed unanimously) and Dille Pollard Architecture for architectural services (passed unanimously). Both contracts relate to a community development block grant project.
- Approved addendum number one to the engineering services contract with S.H. Smith and Company for the industrial park paving improvement project (passed unanimously).
- Approved Resolution 2073 authorizing submission of a grant application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for exhaust systems at fire stations (passed unanimously).
Community Voices
Representatives from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1056 and the Poplar Bluff Marine Corps League addressed the council regarding the solicitation ordinance. Larry Kimbrow, speaking for multiple veterans groups including VFW, American Legion, and Disabled Veterans, expressed initial concern about restrictions on their fundraising activities. He explained that their twice-yearly "boots on the ground" fundraising events raise money for homeless veterans, veterans honor tours, Valentine's for vets, shop with the cop programs, and Boy Scout flag donations. Ted Doherty of the Marine Corps League thanked the council for the exemption and requested city support for a 9-11 memorial event at the Coliseum during the 250th anniversary year. The council indicated support for the request.
Budget & Finance
- Moved forward with bids for roof repairs at the Black River Coliseum. Six sealed bids were received for repairs to the portico area and a 12-by-36-foot breezeway with rubberized roofing. Director Greg Smith recommended Summit Commercial Roofing as the lowest bidder for the shingled portion and suggested splitting the contract with J.R. Kennedy for the second portion. The item was moved to a voting session scheduled for July 6, 2026. Smith noted the roof is original to the building and shingles are deteriorating.
Watch This
- The council will vote July 6, 2026, on dissolving the Fair Housing Committee and Residential Housing Board. Planner James Six explained that most cities have either a Fair Housing Committee or Disability Advisory Board, not both, and that the city faces a shortage of volunteers for board positions. The Disability Advisory Board would absorb fair housing issues, while the Building Standards Board already handles most residential housing matters.
- Councilman Boyer requested that the incomplete downtown trash can purchase be added as a workshop item at the next meeting. The street department originally requested 20 trash cans; 10 were delivered and paid for by downtown Poplar Bluff and Grow Downtown groups, but no funds have been allocated for the remaining units.
Other Business
The council honored the Poplar Bluff High School boys track and field team with a proclamation recognizing their 2026 Class 4 State Championship—the first in school history. The team won district, sectional, and state titles under head coach Jeff Mannon. Eight team members won individual state championships, and five were named all-state.
Discussion arose about the condition of American flags displayed along Westwood Boulevard and Pine Street. Councilman Boyer noted that many flags appeared torn, faded, or damaged, with at least one on the ground. City attorney Todd Richardson explained that Boy Scout Troop 166 from First Christian Church has maintained the 250 flags for over 25 years through community donations, primarily from VFW and other veterans organizations. The flags were left up longer than usual this year for the city's 250th anniversary celebration. Richardson noted that vandalism and theft result in the loss of five to six flags each display period, and that the flags are mounted low enough for 12-year-old scouts to reach. He invited donations to Troop 166 at First Christian Church or to the local VFW. Councilman Boyer committed to donating and encouraged others to do the same. Richardson clarified that individual flags cost approximately $20-25 each, including aluminum poles.
Recaps are based on the official meeting recording and may contain errors or omissions. Always refer to the full recording for authoritative information.