City Council - Regular Meeting

Okay, we'll now take a comments from the visitors at this time for visitors to address the council with any concerns or comments. The council will not interact with you but may address your comments at a later time. And if you I'm sorry. If you'd like to address the council, please come forward, give your name, address, and limit your comments to no more than three minutes. Thank you. Okay, seeing nobody coming forward tonight, we want to recognize the life-saving efforts of two cardiac arrest incidents. Chief Singh, please come forward and make the presentation. Deputy mayor, council members, and guest, I stand honored here before you this afternoon evening um as the fire chief for the city of Fton. I'd like to take a moment and share and recognize two incidents which outstanding teamwork, training, and rapid response resulted in lives being saved in our community. On November 26th, 2025, Robert Juel called for a called 911 for a cardiac arrest. The patient's daughter, Jill Lubbert, immediately began CPR, assisted by Sue Moser. Their quick action was the first critical link in a saving of a life. This incident occurred at the YMCA where the staff members are required to maintain CPR and AED certification. Because of this training, YMCA staff were able to quickly recognize the emergency, assist those on scene. The presence of an AED at the facility played a critical role in achieving rapid defibrillation.

Folton Police Department, Fton Fire Department, and Callaway Ambulance District were dispatched and responded without delay. From the moment the call was received, dispatchers Rebecca Swain and Jenny Dun Meyer provided calm, professional guidance to those on scene while also relaying vital information to responding units, ensuring a well-coordinated response. During the event, Sue requested the AED, which was promptly applied. Upon arrival, Bolton Police Officer Whittington and Officer Rutherford took over patient care, working together to provide high quality CPR and utilize the AED. The device analyzed the patient's condition and a shock was administered. As a result of these coordinated efforts, the patient had a pulse and was breathing independently by the time fire and EMS personnel arrived and assumed advanced care. This incident is an example of the chain of survival which includes early recognition and activation of 911, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation with an AED, advanced care by fire and EMS, and continued medical treatment. Each link in that chain worked exactly as intended. Lives were saved when citizens act. Trained staff intervene, dispatchers guide, law enforcement responds, and fire and EMS provide advanced care. All working together when seconds matter the most. This successful outcome highlights the importance of CPR and AED training, AC accessible AED placement in public facilities, and strong coordination among public safety partners. Now, I'd like for Robert, Jill, Sue, the YMCA staff,

dispatcher Rebecca Swain, Jenny Dun Meyer, Officer Ruford and Whittington to come forward along with uh Police Chief Ladwick. You all can come forward to be recognized. [applause] [applause] So what I'll let you do is introduce who you are so that everybody knows.

All right. So you want to start? site. Don't Keeping You don't want microphone.

[applause]

As you all are aware, there's a second one I'd like to recognize. Um, this one is another demonstration of the effectiveness of teamwork, our training, and coordinated emergency response within the community. On December 20th, 2025, Callaway County Joint Communications Dispatchers McKenna Bear and Gail Higgins received a 911 call for a cardiac arrest at a residence here in Fulton. Their prompt call processing and accurate dispatch ensured that emergency re resources were mobilized without delay. Pton Fire Department personnel John Mays and James Seronomous arrived on scene and were directed to the patient where Fton Police Sergeant Magade and Officer Crowder were already performing highquality CPR. Fire personnel quickly applied AED pads and initiated patient analysis. The AE AED advised a shock which was immediately delivered shortly after Callaway County Ambulance District arrived and assumed advanced patient care. The responding medic crew, paramedic Casey Hibberger, EMT Dylan Drum, and medic supervisor Greg Johnson continued the resuscitative efforts during which a second shock was administered. These coordinated actions resulted in the patient regaining a heartbeat and breathing independently. This incident once again highlights the chain of survival in action. Each agency performed its role professionally and the outcome reflects the importance of continued investment in training equipment and strong inter agency partnerships. On behalf of the Fton Fire Department, I extend sincere appreciation to everyone involved for

their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to protecting our community. Now those dispatchers and firefighters, EMS, if you all would come forward and the officer Crowder and Sergeant Mega Dams. [applause] [applause] I will give you all

[applause] [applause] photo.

Right. Thank you, Deputy Mayor and Council, for your continued support of public safety and the men and women who serve our community every day. These two incidents highlight the value of continued investment in public safety training, emergency communications, and community education, including CPR and AED accessibility. Because of those investments, and the people behind them, two lives were saved. Thank you.

Thank you, Chief Singh. And I just want to state that these people are I'd like to state that these people are bonafide heroes and the city of Fulton really appreciates them all. To take that even further, I mean the departments obviously Fulton Fulton Fire Fton Police Department. I'm incredibly proud of you guys every single day and the work that you do. We don't take it lightly that you see and deal with things that the average person could not handle very well. But I also want to highlight obviously our county partners and our community partners because there were individuals here that were not public safety officials that also stepped in in a time of need. And so I think this just shows that it takes all of us working together in those dire moments to make sure that we we keep everybody alive and safe. So thank you guys as well for being here and congratulations to everybody. Really remarkable. [applause] Okay, we will now move on to the consent agenda which includes the approval of the city council meeting minutes from December 16th, 2025.

Move for approval. Second. Got me. We have an approval and a motion for approval and a second. Is there any conversation? Seeing none. All in favor say I. I.

All oppose say nay. Motion pass. We do not have any unfinished business tonight. It's agenda. So we'll move on to new business. Well and then we do not have any new business tonight. So next we'll have council concerns. We'll start with Councilman Combmes.

Uh yes, Deputy Mayor. Uh the Planning and Zoning Commission has uh not met since our last meeting. We do have a meeting uh later on this month to discuss two different properties. Um in terms of concerns, I don't think I have any additional tonight. Thank you, Councilman Commes. Councilman Washington. Yes. Um,

I thought I hurt myself. [laughter] I want to uh thank u the staff member of the city of Fulton and Courtney for the wonderful Christmas cards and I appreciate uh the thought and it was pretty nice. Uh, no concerns um at this time. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Washington. Council Councilwoman Nelson.

Yes. Thank you. Um the public utility board has not had a meeting. Um I know last time whenever we had council, we had mentioned the recycling. Um I do want to uh readress that again. Um the city is trying to do everything that we can um to help with the cost of that. We understand that the increase um has burdened some people that really want to recycle. Um, and so I do have an update here, um, that there are going to be containers that are located at the police department. Is that correct?

We're actually, so we're working through some of those details and we're going to provide an update probably on social media and through our text and email. But yes, we do still have the recycling container at Fulton Police Department that was out around the holidays.

Excellent. Excellent. And um you know, we just want to recognize too for everybody again that um we're trying to uh negate those costs so it's affordable for everybody. You know, recycling is one of those things that um people want to do and we want to um improve our communities and and that is something I know that um people really enjoy. And so we are trying to look into all of the options um to try to make that an affordable option for everybody. Um I don't have any other concerns.

If we can back up, I want to mention that the park board will be having a meeting on the 17th and I believe this is Thursday. Is is that still on? It's the 20th. Okay. I I stand to be corrected. Thank you. On the 20th. Yes. Okay.

Thank you, Councilwoman Nelson and Councilman Washington. Okay. Um, I have, as a councilman, I have no public no uh, no concerns, but I would like to thank the city for the beautiful work that they did on the lights throughout the town. It was beautiful. The park was beautiful. It seems to get better every year and we really appreciate that. Um, and there was not a public safety commission meeting since the last meeting and uh, next person will be Councilman West. If I can get the microphone to come on. Sure. Okay. Um, the human rights commission has not met. Um, I was unable to make the Celia event on the 21st of December, but I understand it went off very nicely. Um, I had family at the house, so I couldn't get away. Um, I am still concerned with recycling. I think it's something we need to continue to talk about and explore our options. Um, hopefully the the um the market will improve on that as as well. And I also want to say how proud I am as a citizen of the of the city of our firefighters, our police, our ambulance, and all and just our citizens in general that that uh work to to do these these life saving uh and I'm sure there's a lot of them that go unrecognized that we don't even know about. So um they put their life on the line frequently. Maybe not daily, but I'm I'm sure it very very frequently. So, I really appreciate appreciate that. And that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman West. Councilwoman Recruit. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Um, I have no concerns at this time, but the public safety commission has not had a meeting in the last month. We will have one scheduled in uh the couple weeks, and I have no other concerns at this time. Thank you, Councilwoman Reclu. Councilwoman Hansen.

Yes, thank you. Um I also um well, let's see. Let's start with the historic preservation commission. They did meet earlier this week and are working on an education event for homes that are in historic districts throughout town. And so there will be more information coming on about that. And next month, the commission is planning to come and talk with council a little bit more. Um, and then also I think that tonight the display of recognition was wonderful. I love to see when our city and county work together and and um care about each other which is just great to see. Um there is also a um between city and county we have a housing development task force that uh is meeting this week and if anyone is interested in serving on that task force or wants to know more information I would love to tell you more about that.

That's all. Thank you. Thank you Councilwoman Hansen. Councilman Luther.

Yes. As far as concerns uh no specific concerns uh for tonight. Uh I would like to reiterate what Chief Singh said about the importance of training as well as uh the having the right equipment, right? Um we all understand we got to live within our fiscal means uh especially doing our due diligence as a council. But I just want I ask that this council, future councils, uh with or without us present, make sure we have those tough challenging discussions on the importance of the new fire truck, the AED equipment. Uh because again at the end of the day, one life saved would be worth the amount of money spent on one fire truck or one a. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Luther. Okay, we'll now move on to resolutions. Councilman Nelson, please present resolution 3599.

Yes, Deputy Mayor. Resolution 3599, MOU with City of Fulton Fire Department. IAFF Local 2945, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the city of Fulton, Missouri to execute a memorandum of understanding with Fulton Professional Firefighters Local 2945 regarding shift shift scheduling and overtime procedures and establishing an effective date. I make a motion we pass resolution 3599 at tonight's council meeting. Second.

We have a motion by Councilman Nelson and a second by Councilman West. Um, is there any conversation on this? Okay. Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. All oppose? Nay. Councilman Washington, please present resolution 3600.

Thank you. Resolution 3600, agricultural land lease agreement with the Reagan's farm. uh a resolution authorizing the mayor on the behalf of the city of Fulton, Missouri to enter into a lease agreement with the Reagan Farm of the Freezeburg, Missouri for the lease of approximately 164 plus acres of agriculture land located at the Elton Hinsley Memorial Airport for a cost of 19356 per acre and establish an effective date. I make a a motion that we pass resolution 3600 on tonight's council meeting.

Second. We have a We [snorts] have a motion by Councilman Washington and a second by Councilman Reclu. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I.

All oppose? Nay. Okay. Councilman West, please present resolution number 36001. All right. Agricultural land lease agreement with Rayhagen Farms. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the city of Fulton, Missouri to enter into a lease agreement with Rehagen Farms of Freeberg, Missouri for the lease of approximately 105 plus or minus acres of agricultural land located on the property formerly known as a YTO farm for a cost of 193.56 per acre. I move for uh passage of resolution number 361 at tonight's council meeting. We have a motion from Councilman West for resolution 3601 and a second by Councilman or Councilwoman uh Nelson. All are any discussion on this hearing? None. All in favor, please signify by saying I. I.

All opposed? Nay. We'll now move on to the reading of the ordinance. Councilman Councilwoman Recue, please present bill number 1773 for the first reading.

Yes. Uh I asked to read this um uh ordinance uh tonight. It's something that's important to me. And uh I had an incident happen this last year where a young man that was heading the right direction. was in the wrong spot in the middle of the night and was deceased. So, this uh this ordinance is um the uh offense miners after midnight. Okay. And I'd like to read this ordinance. It's something that u I think we need to keep our eye on a little bit more here in our city. Okay. Bill number 1773, code amend u offense concerning minors an ordinance amending chapter 78 of the code of ordinance of the city of Fulton, Missouri by adding article uh seven offense concerning minors to promote public safety, prevent juvenile crime uh pro provide for enforcement and penalties and establish an effective date. Uh, I make a motion that bill number 1773 uh be um for second reading at our next council meeting. Council Councilwoman Reclu move to approve bill 1773 and Coun Councilwoman uh Nelson second it. Is there any discussion?

Yes, Mr. Deputy Mayor. Um, how did we arrive at midnight? Yeah, I mean, I can understand that maybe on Friday and Saturday night, but the rest of the week I think that's a little bit late, but that's Mike's personal opinion. Um, just wondering how we arrived at the time we arrived. Chief, would you mind coming up and explaining a little bit more? That's a good question. Thank you, [snorts] Chief Blackwood. 17 year olds used to be considered adults until the law changed a couple of years ago. Uh they are now minors.

Um some of those people uh some of those kids do have jobs or may be out doing things for their parents or going to the movies, things like that. Right.

Nothing you nothing good usually happens after midnight if you're [laughter] unsupervised juvenile in town. And this isn't designed to punish anybody, but to maybe make parents more aware of where their children are because we have instances of vandalism, theft, car theft, they're being committed by juveniles, but the parents have no idea where they are. [snorts] Uh, and this will I I think help ensure that maybe on the first defense, if we've never dealt with a juvenile before, a little education for them and their parents,

but if it's the second and third and fourth, because we do sometimes the same kids multiple times that are out at 2, 3, 4:00 in the morning. There's usually not anything good going on at that time. We were all young. We we we were long ago. Um but parents need to have a little more understanding of where their children are, especially when they're 14, 15, 16, and out doing things they shouldn't be doing. Right. Okay. Thank you. Um Chief,

we modeled this after another um didn't I believe Tory Missouri Tori I believe there there are a lot of uh municipalities in the state do have uh even stricter guidelines with this yeah because this is my [clears throat] only other question is how are we going to educate the public about this we have a communication plan social media city website um I've already talked with the juvenile office for some of their um clients and their parents. It's a it's a great way to get to those that probably need to know the most. Okay. Thank you.

I would also say that our communications coordinator is going to be working very closely with Chief and the Fulton Police Department uh and our school district as well to make sure that we get that message out effectively um [clears throat] ahead of this going into effect. Great. Thank you. And I think the other thing to remember too is we're not totally locking down kids where they cannot be out at all at night. They but they have to have their parents have to be or or a guardian has to be knowledgeable and and cognizant of what they're doing, where they're doing it, and why they're doing it. Correct. Mr. Washington.

Yes. I was just uh concerned. I believe that uh if if you're under a certain age when you're driving and I think some of the sporting events might be uh releasing a little late due to ball games and some of our 17 year olds are driving and [clears throat] they may get home after 12. Uh if you are to my understanding if you're coming from that type of event or something or job you should there's no problem. Is that okay? No problem at all. Just got to justify why you're sense. Yes, that's what I said. Thank you.

Yeah, there's a couple more things I'd like to read that we had that must provide for us. Uh yeah, exactly what Mr. Wner was saying. Um if they're on an errand for their for say this is an emergency and they're on an errand for their parent or something like that, that's different. If there's something that closes a church facil, something going on at church, something going on, whatever that no problem with that type of thing. No problem. That's all at all. Yeah. Okay. It's just if they're on the street not doing the right thing. Correct. Thank you. achieve any kids out here about two to three mornings around.

I think what we're going to do is we're going to enlist council members to just, you know, have a little station around town. We'll see if we can enlist you guys in some assistance and rounding people [laughter] up if that's what we have to do. No, no, but again, I think as chief mentioned, it's going to be all about common sense. We want to make sure again, public safety is is at the forefront um while balancing that with common sense and duties that we totally understand. There's a lot of young people who are 16, 17, 18, [clears throat] well, 16, 17, who are doing a lot of things for their family. So, the goal of this is not to not to lock anybody down, but just to make sure that we maintain public safety for everybody. Okay. You have something, Mr. Com? Yeah, you can go. Go ahead. Go ahead.

I just got a couple questions. One was my assumption kind of like he was saying already that under 18, you already can't be out between Yes. midnight and six while driving. Is that correct? Still, there's graduated driver's license that they shouldn't be, nor should a person with an intermediate license have four or five other people in the car with they allow one passenger. You don't want a whole car load at two in the morning going too fast. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. Um my second piece was this kind of seems to echo a little bit of what the schools are talking about with attendance.

They're telling parents that kids need to be in school but kids still aren't showing up to school. Um and so I've got a little bit of a concern there like we're dealing with the same problem really right. um accountability. Parents are already somewhat responsible for the actions of their kids like if they are damaging things. Are we having a hard time like prosecuting kids or addressing those sorts of situations where like if a kid does damage somebody's car that we can't go through [clears throat] the whole uh court system to actually make them minors are adjudicated through the juvenile office once we send that report to them.

It's so we're we're out of it and the juvenile office takes care of that. But sometimes you see the same individuals. sure that you're dealing with that for whatever reason parents don't understand that they shouldn't be out at 2 a.m. Yeah. when they're 14 or 15.

Yeah. And I mean I witnessed this almost every day right now. But knowing like it's the same kids that aren't going to school whose parents aren't home to make sure they're not there. And that it's a bigger issue I think in town than than we realize. Um, and I don't know if enforcing this or even having it is really going to change the ability for those parents to actually do something. Um, because in the instance, Mary, you brought up earlier like those kids were driving so they were already um having issues there. They there was other illegal things going on and so was this actually going to solve that problem? And my only concern because I want to support you guys in what you're doing 100%. Is like you do stuff like this, it doesn't go away. Like you never go back and amend and say, "No, we don't need a curfew anymore." It's like, "No, you just assume it's there." And so trying to decide if we need it. There's always been a curfew, but it's um basically [clears throat] uh a status offense that would be handled through the juvenile office. What this ordinance actually does is uh through municipal court, the the parent is the one who would give the ticket. Oh,

okay. That's what Yeah. And that I think will maybe help them with accountability if they have a a little something in the game, shall we say? Yeah. In addition, it allows our law enforcement officers to make arrests accordingly. Yeah. This isn't if it's a if it's a kid we've never had contact with before and the parents, you can tell they obviously they snuck out. I mean, it's not it's not going to be used to punish parents in situations like that. It's kids that are constantly being seen out at 2, 3, 4:00 in the morning and there's a crying involved.

That that's what it that's the tool that it's really. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chief.

Again, uh just kind of echo to what Councilman Comb said. I mean just with the things that are already on the books um rules that already apply. Um guess just still hesitant on you know is this a we're trying to hold we say we're trying to hold the parents accountable but we're trying to hold them accountable or tell them how to parent. Um you know another example I don't want to be told as a parent what to feed what I can and can't feed my kids. Um I want to be a parent. We all we've all learned the hard way sometimes, but just not sure if this is the right action for a municipality to take for kids that should they're out. It shouldn't be. Um besides maybe some of the laws that are on the books. So,

all right, let's we'll uh go on to the vote now. All in favor, please signify by saying I.

All oppose, please signify by saying nay. That was how many Nate? Just you. Both of you. Okay. All right. Thank you. So, the uh the ordinance passes or passes on to the next meeting. Councilman Luther, please present bill number 1774. Yes. Bill number 1774 code amend open burning recreational fires and burn permits an ordinance amending chapter 50 of code of ordinances of the city of Fulton Missouri by adding article six open burning uh recreational fires and burn permits or is that article four? Article four sorry

out of practice on Roman numerals. Thank you. uh recreational fires and burn permits to establish clear standards for outdoor fires, promote public safety, and establishing an effective date. Uh at this time, I'll make a motion in place bill number 1774 for second reading and next regular scheduled council meeting, but uh I'm open for discussion on this one as well. Chief Singh, could you go ahead and come up as well? I'm certain we'll have some questions. Thank you, Councilman Luther, for the motion. And thank you, Coun Councilwoman Nelson for the second.

Was there any questions? You you've been up here a lot already tonight, so we just wanted to bring you back up for more. But, um, can you give us a little bit of of insight into kind of this ordinance and what what brought you to bringing it forward? But I know there's been a lot of confusion over burn permits, when they're required, what the regulations are, and this also does tie over into some building code requirements as well. That's it.

Um, so what this does is it clears it up to where the citizens can understand, have a clearer way of knowing what is prohibited um and what they can burn. Uh the distance prior for the current one, it's 50t. There's a lot of residents in town that can't technically according the way it is currently, they can't even do a recreational fire to do marshmallows because they don't have 50ft clearance in their yard. So this shortens that clearance up, but it makes it more clear for not just the citizens, but for the fire personnel that have been, you know, oh, it's this way and different interpretations prior to where this will make it a lot easier for everybody. Thank you. We used we used to uh call the fire department to have them to come and look at our site. Do we still require is it still required for us to come to city hall and get a burnt permit?

So we Yeah. What the way it happens now and the way it's supposed to happen is that you'll call the fire department. The fire department will come and look at the area and make sure they're not burn you're not burning uh trees fur leaves stuff like that. It has to be limbs. Yes. Right. Okay. So, we just Okay. Thank you. To clarify a little bit further, too, you actually issue the burn permit as the fire department. So, yeah, they're going to come take a look and determine safety requirements and what is being burned before issuing a permit or issuing a denial if that's necessary. They also take into consideration weather conditions, uh, air conditions, all those things as well.

Yes. And we have had instances where people are burning. We get called for a structure fire because somebody drives by and they didn't have a burn permit or whatever. And then we're calling everybody in, you know, it's just a brush pile behind the house that wasn't approved. So, gives us a little more help.

Do have a question. Uh, I I asked prior to the meeting, but I think I still need some clarification here. So, uh, section 50-85 permits for other burning. Uh written permit from the fire department is required for any burning not allowed in section 50-84. Uh 50-84 talks about recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed. So basically recreational burning. Uh does not reference 50-83. 50-83 says open burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, trash is prohibited within the city limits. I asked the question, so if I have enough land and I cut down fullsize trees, can I burn those in the city limits? Um but the way this reads I can't

without a burn. So that would be where we would come and have to look at it if I'm remember it correctly. I don't have it in front of Yeah. I mean that's I think that's how it should be. But this reads 50-84 but 50-83 says no burning period. Not having it in front of me I but I definitely look into it and make sure we can I just want to make sure that's if you can indeed burn trees with the proper permit. Just want to make sure this I'm not reading it incorrectly. I guess because I have personally I have like eight fulls size trees to drop that I do not want to haul off. So [laughter] So you're sorry. What numbers are your

So if you look at uh I'm on uh section 50-85 says written permit for anything not allowed in 50-84. So that references only 50-84, which is recreational burning, but it doesn't reference 50-83, which says basically no burning of trees. So it's I want to make sure it's as clear that you can still burn a brush pile if you have the proper permits. And let me do some looking into this and I can get back with you on that and just make sure that it's worded exactly how I appreciate it. make sure that's clear

for clarification. Uh, and we don't necessarily need an amendment tonight. We can certainly get one, but is the council's desire to allow brush burning or tree burning, if you will, if you have the proper clearance and a burn permit is obtained. I'm assuming that's everyone's desire here. Okay. Well, then, yes, Chief, we'll take a look at that. We'll make sure the language is updated and certainly if there's an amendment, we'll make sure you guys are aware of that before you do a secondary vote at the next meeting. Awesome. We can take care of that.

Sorry to catch you off guard, too. I got a couple questions real quick too just and may maybe somebody else wants to clarify. Um so you said we we moved it from 50 feet to 25 ft. Um just thinking back in the last year um when I walk southwind there have been people having a fire pit in their driveway that's with like 10 feet from their house. according to this, they could get in trouble. Um, if the house is set back 30 feet, that means they're on the sidewalk before they can use their fire pit. Um,

well, the backyard is where we would obviously approve it. If it's within that, we would not approve that because it a fire pit though, like they don't have the approval for a fire pit. The pit should be approved by the fire department. Okay. So then even if a backyard if they have a tree or anything like that technically this would say no as long you have to be 25 ft away from your house and 25 ft away from a tree. Correct. Yes. But also has some I guess leeway as to the fire department gets there and they verify that you have a water source available that it is safe then you know

I'm just going by basically what it reads and if we add that in then I would be fine but I'm thinking most most of the older homes have trees and if they have a tree or I have a playhouse and my house my whole yard's gone if I try to get 25 ft away from those. Um, and then the other piece which kind of ties to that too is uh I know I've got some friends out in Tanglewood who like to have fires in their backyard till midnight. This also stops them at 10:00. I don't know that we want to stop people from having fires till midnight on a weekend if they want to have, you know, their family around or their kids around or whatever. So part of that is due to, you know, when, like I said, people calling in.

Sure. And late at night after 10:00, people see a fire in the backyard, they're calling 911 saying there's a building on fire, a car on fire. Sure. And then that's Yeah. resources again. Um so by having that time, you know, then we know Okay, this really probably something and then it's just kind of getting that time. Yeah. One one thought with that is uh of course I know we're going to look at some minor word changes but maybe even unattended after 10. Yeah.

Um you know if you don't see anyone sitting around a fire then I I would be cautioned myself. But you see obviously a couple people hanging around having a cold beverage. Um hopefully I wouldn't be a concern on the weekend. on the weekend during the work week. Okay. Just not it.

Yes, we could make that amendment. You guys could make that amendment tonight or we could do it as a complete amendment once Chief Singh has the ability to work with Kathy on this other language as well. Uh, I think that would probably be a little bit more appropriate so we could just make all the changes at one time, bring them back to you guys. I'd like to ask all of you who have these good suggestions to email them to Courtney so that she can get these put together. Don't do that. Don't do that. I've got some great notes, but of course, if there's any any other thoughts that pop up between now and I would say the end of the week, just let us know. And again, Kathy, Chief Singh, and myself will take a look at that.

Okay. All in favor of moving this on, please signify by saying I. All opposed? Nay. The bill will be moved on. Councilman Colmes, please present bill number 1775.

Yes, Deputy Mayor. Uh, bill number 1775, code amend commercial food service activities and establishments, an ordinance repealing and reenacting article one of chapter 58 of the code of the city of Fulton, Missouri, updating regulations governing food establishments and sanitation, amending chapter 120 by enacting new regulations regarding commercial food service activities and establishing an effective date. I make a motion to place bill number 1775 u for moving to the next meeting. Second.

Thank you Councilman Commes for the motion and thank you Councilman Luther for the second. Do we have any discussion?

Do want to give a little bit of insight. Um Kathy obviously is not here tonight but she put a a great deal of work into this. So currently city zoning requirements do not allow for residential food areas but there is a little bit of a disparity. Um so as you all know the city does not do our own health inspections. We rely on the county health department to manage that. Um, so there have been again some issues where perhaps a home food preparer receives a county health or health department permit uh, but it doesn't conform with city code, whether that's zoning or some of the other safety and business license requirements that we have as well. So, this is just to clarify that language. It is not to take away the opportunity for fundraisers or student council preparing food out at a football game in a tent. Um but just to again bring everything together into one clear code that indicates that commercial food services um need to be conducted in a commercial location with the proper safety and health regulations enforced as well and it also ties in those zoning requirements.

Certainly any questions happy to answer them. I have a question. Um so people and you mentioned uh um fundraisers, you know, people might have a bake sale or something of that nature that they're cooking cupcake baking baking cupcakes or cake or something in their home oven and then taking it to church or wherever it's selling it or

I do want to clarify baked goods are covered by the Missouri state cottage law. So that this does not apply to that. This would be warm food, anything that's not a baked item. You're cooking ribs and you want to sell them to somebody or um again, anything that's not not a baked good specifically. Okay. Thank you for that clarification because I am not familiar with that law because I don't do that sort of thing. Thank you.

All in favor of moving I got a question real quick because I actually emailed Kathy and Courtney about this earlier today. Um I know Kathy, you said Kathy did a lot of work trying to clarify some of the other issues because the like you said the county manages the health department side, we have our own ordinances side. Um, and I know they're still responsible for enforcing those. Do we think adding this language is going to make it easier to enforce the other codes that we already have in place? because like I know there's a lot I shouldn't say a lot there are other commercial practices happening in non-commercial areas and just the things that she shared were like we have codes for those already or we having a problem enforcing those without this.

We are having an issue enforcing those without this. So, what this allows us to do is to look specifically at the location and make sure that it's zoned appropriately and it fits with all those other business license requirements. Um, and again, just kind of brings all that together. So, um, we do have issues from time to time with unregulated food stations that again maybe do meet the requirements from the health department standard to receive a health permit. They don't meet city code requirements. So, this this ordinance does help us enforce that more effectively through the city clerk's office and through the Fton Police Department if necessary. Um, but again, I think that this is a good use of pulling all that information together and giving it a little bit more teeth.

Courtney, how does that affect people who like when you know a lot of funerals, a lot of people at the funerals, they have food after and uh after the funeral services. How does that We're not going to mess with that, Bob. Okay. I don't want to get involved with that. No. Um, so this is specifically about business. So if someone were if someone were selling it, that would be when this would trigger. But if it's a private event and and someone's catering or doing a family event, this does not apply. Food trucks. Yeah.

Yes. So food trucks are handled just And actually, you know what? I should make our deputy clerk answer this question, but I'm not going to put her through that. Um, so food trucks are licensed just like any other food establishment or any other business. Um, and so this doesn't directly impact them. This is simply just to make sure that we all understand we can't have those u sales and business transactions, food specifically, in an area that is residential and is not regulated or does not conform with city regulations. Um, so food trucks will still be licensed. um they do have to be on private property. As of right now, food trucks cannot park on city streets or on public property uh unless the city council gives special permission for that. So again, the goal of this is not to inhibit anything with cottage law, food preparation or food trucks. Simply to just clarify the regulations that are in place and then make sure that we have the appropriate um placement of these food establishments.

Uh one example, just a question here. So, if I rent the uh park down the street and I have a big old barbecue grill and I'm cooking up a the greatest ribs you've ever seen, um can I do that? Was does that still fall under this article one or is that something are you selling them? If you're not selling them, then you're perfectly fine to be at the park and to be cooking food and you're enjoying yourself. How do I know? Oh, I'm not selling them. You're not selling it. But I know 58-2 says prepared, cooked, or sold. So, if I'm cooking and preparing, I'm giving it away.

Little different when you're talking about if you're giving it away, then you're probably okay. Uh, and if you're receiving it, just be mindful. You're taking food from a park from a person you don't know, but you know, whatever floats your boat. Uh, that being said, you you can absolutely do that. This again primarily deals with food establishments that are being run out of a tent in a residential area which is a common issue that we're seeing or more frequently seeing I should say. Um so the goal of this ordinance and and the clarification and Kathy will we'll definitely take a look at that language and make sure it's there's no confusion. The goal of this though is to handle those uh tent or non-conforming operations in a residential area where someone is selling food versus giving it away. You love that salad though. That's right.

Courtney, a lot of churches, sometimes churches have uh dinners that they sell, but that would affect that affect them, too.

So, typically, again, that's going to come down to whatever the health department requirements are going to be for for food handling. Um, but if a church does a fundraiser, first off, the likelihood of us knowing about that, we're not probably going to know about that. But secondly, um, I would say that, you know, that's something we could we could look at providing clarification. The goal here is not to shut down church fundraisers or student council at a high school football game. Simply to make sure that everyone, you know, the primary goal of this is to make sure that our businesses are all licensed equitably and that the food that is being sold is safe for the public to consume. So, the way to do that would be to make sure that we have these clarifications in place.

Kind of so an example, it's coming up pretty soon. Um, fish fries at St. computers for during lint. Um, you know, I'm not going to mess with that either because I'm there. I know. I am too. [laughter] I am too. They they u they get a temporary food permit for that. So, that's how that sort of thing is covered. I just want to make sure that language is clear. Yeah. I see. We'll say according to this though, even if they get a temporary food permit, you can't sell it out of a tent. Out of a tent. So, you have to have it some sort of other contained. I've not ever been so I don't know outside the building. But I know a lot of fish fries happen outside of the tent. Yeah, [laughter] that's true. They don't sell out there. They may just cook it there.

And Brad don't give away any potato salad. Okay. [laughter] And Brad, when is this ribs for and we're invited? I would point out that it's for commercial. Like this is for commercial use. So a fundraiser for a church would not be considered commercial use. Very good. Thank you, deputy clerk. Very good. And I swear if you all just take that after I've had to talk so much and now you're not going to ask any more questions. No. All right. I think that exhausted discussions. So, all in favor of moving this forward, please signify by saying I.

All oppose. Nay. The motion pass. Okay. We'll now move on to second reading of ordinances. Councilman West, uh, please present bill number 1771 for the second reading. And you'll also do the third reading, too, if I choose to. Yes, please. Yes.

Okay. Bill number 1771, ordinance number blank. Code amendments, contracts, and property property documents, signature authority, an ordinance adding section 2-14 to the city code allowing the director of administration to sign contracts, deeds, and conveyances of interest, and property when authorized to do so by the mayor. I move I make a motion to place bill number 1771 for third reading at this council meeting. Second. Thank you, Councilman West, for the motion and councilwoman for the second. Any discussion? All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I.

All oppose. Nay. Okay. We Councilman West, please present bill number 1771 for the third reading. Okay. Bill number 1771, Ordinance number blank, code amendment, contracts and property documents signature authority. an ordinance adding section 2-14 to the city code allowing the director of administration to sign contracts, deeds, and conveyances of interest and property when authorized to do so by the mayor. I make a motion to place bill number 1771 for final passage at this council meeting.

Thank you, Councilman West and Councilwoman Nelson. All in favor, please signify by saying I. All oppose, nay. Madame clerk, will you please call roll on that? Yes. Miss Hansen? Yes. Mr. Henchie? Yes. Mr. Luther? Yes. Miss Nelson? Yes. Miss Reclu? Yes. Mr. Washington? Mr. West? Yes. Mr. Combmes? Yes. Eight. Affirmative.

Okay. Okay, the bill passes and Councilman Hansen, will you please present bill number 1772 for second reading and the third reading?

Yes. Uh, bill number 1772, enact article 5 of chapter 98, snow and ice control, an ordinance amending chapter 98 of the code of the city of Fulton, Missouri, by repealing sections 98 through 96 through 9898. Let me try that again. by repealing sections 98-96 through 98-98 and enacting a new article 5 snow and ice control in lie thereof and establishing an effective date. I would like to make a motion um to put this up for the third reading at tonight's meeting.

Thank you and thank you Councilwoman Hansen and Councilman West. Any discussion? All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. All oppose. Nay. Councilwoman, please present bill number 1772 for the third reading. Uh, bill number 1772, enact article 5 of chapter 98, snow and ice control, an ordinance amending chapter 98 of the code of the city of Fulton, Missouri, by repealing sections 98-96 through 98-98 and enacting a new article 5 snow and ice control in lie thereof in establishing an effective date. Make a motion that we pass bill number 1772 at tonight's meeting.

Second. Thank you, Councilman Hansen and Councilman [clears throat] Regloo. All in favor, please sign. Oh, any discussion. All in favor, please signify by signifying by I. I. All oppose, nay. The bill 1772 has been read three times. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Yes. Mr. Henchie, yes. Mr. Luther, yes. Miss Nelson, yes. Mr. Reclu, yes. Mr. Washington, yes. Mr. West, yes. Mr. Holmes. Yes. Miss Hansen, yes. Eight. Affirmative.

Okay. Bill number 1772 passes.

Now we'll move on to the announcement. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th at 2026 at um 6:30 p.m. City of Fulton Legion Reclex and Solid Waste Department will be closed January 19th. Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Emergency services will be in normal operations. We'll have a need to do an executive session under Missouri state statute 610-021 for item one and item nine regulated to legal matters and labor negotiations. I'll entertain a motion to move to the executive session.

Thank you, Councilwoman Nelson. Okay. and Councilman West. All in favor, please signify by saying I. All oppose? Nay. We will move to executive session. Quickly, we do need to go ahead and do a roll call vote before we Oh, yeah. Madam clerk, please do a roll call on that. Yes. Mr. Luther, yes. Miss Nelson, yes. Miss Reclu, Mr. Washington, Mr. West. Yes.