City Council - Regular Meeting

and then the Pope is gonna do a prayer and then remain standing, please, for the flag of allegiance.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together tonight to serve our community. Grant us wisdom as we discuss the matters before us, humility to listen to one another, and courage to make decisions that are fair, thoughtful, and in the best interest of those we serve. Help us seek the common good and act in accordance with your instruction. with liberty and justice for all.

All right, thank you very much. Welcome to everybody that joined us tonight. We will call the meeting to order and go to item two, roll call.

Callers? Here. Allen? Here. Holt? Here. Puzzleton? Here. Doe? Here. Ampeter? Present. Lester? Here. Michael?

Here.

Young? Present.

Item 3, adoption of the agenda. Second. We've got a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? All right. Item 4, 480, appoint and swear in Ward 3 council member. We've got two candidates the council has brought forward. Susan Cook and Mr. Howe Dooley. So those names will be before you, but before we do that, are there any comments, questions, anything before we do the vote? Councilman Lester.

I just want to share my observations during this process of candidate selection. Thank you, that's my vote. it may influence yours i don't know uh from the beginning uh mr dooly has appeared less serious than this cook about wanting to serve on the council on the council at every stage of the process he seems to have made a little minimal effort uh his letter of interest was just that a couple of sentences announcing he had an interest His endorsements for more three residents consisted of his wife, Scott Spencer, and Mrs. Spencer. He's not reached out to me or several others on the council to meet us or engage with us. So all of this leads me to question whether Mr. Dooley takes serving on the council seriously. Would he put an effort to engage with residents or with all council members to do the work of the council. In all respects, Mrs. Cook has shown through the process more than interest. She's shown commitment to serve, to engage with all, to each best decisions when issues come into force. These, among other reasons, are important for Ms. Cook. Thank you. All right.

Seeing no other comments, the way it will work, you have two candidates. We're gonna do a roll call, we'll start, and just name the last name of the candidate that you are supporting.

Allers. Dooley. Allen. Cook. Holt. Dooley. Hoselton. Dooley.

Joe.

Cook. Camp Peter?

Dooley.

Lester? Cook. Lichell? Dooley. Young? Cook. We have four Cooks and five Dooley.

All right well congratulations thanks to both who submitted your applications and we will go through the process with the clerk and get our new council member seated.

Uh, repeat after me and hold your right hand up. I held duly. I held duly solemnly swear that I possess all the qualifications prescribed by law.

I do solemnly swear that I possess all of the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of city council member of the city of Jefferson. for the Office of City Council Member, City of Jefferson.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Missouri.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Missouri.

The provisions of the laws of the state of Missouri.

The provisions of the laws of the state of Missouri.

The charter of the city of Jefferson, Missouri.

The charter of the city of Jefferson, Missouri.

And all ordinances of the city.

And all ordinances of the city.

And will faithfully demean myself in office.

And will faithfully demean myself in office.

Congratulations.

Well, thank you very much.

I'll have you sign it. I gotta sign it. Yes, sign your letter. You can have a seat up here. We have your iPad ready for you.

Thank you very much.

Yeah, welcome.

All right, second item. We get to present the proclamation to

Organized here to the Jefferson City Disc Golf Day presentation to Chris Neff, who's the president. And just read a quick statement and then I thank Ms. Bryan and Mr. Greffrath are going to help talk about it real quick. It is a running sport in our community and we're so excited that this golf club provides leagues for the area and tournaments that bring in people from All over the country last year they held a tournament that brought people from all over the world to our city and we like to hear that we are about economic development. This group is committed to making our local scene the best it can be and it shows they're all volunteers. Chris Neff especially does a lot of coordination so I will invite Chris to the microphone and then We'll have Mr. Bryan and Mr. Greff for reverse order. Make some comments. Welcome, it's great to have you with us.

Thank you.

If you could just identify yourself for the folks on YouTube. Chris Neff, Ward 5. President of the Jefferson City Disc Golf Club for the past seven years, I think. Started in 2008, shortly after the club was formed in 2004. We've got 20 plus years of experience of volunteerism that's bringing world-class disc golf course to Jefferson City. We partner with Columbia to host a well that we've done. We did amateur girls last year. We did a national masters a couple years before that and then in 2027, we're going to do the US women's nationals and it's going to be cool. We love pouring our balls into this project. And we also have a good focus on the beginners. So while we're trying to make the advanced player challenge, we're also trying to be good hosts and good stewards to younger players. We have things in place on the courses that we have, but we've also been working with the park staff on a project over at McClung that would be very fun for anybody who wants to get started in the sport. um i could talk all day about this i won't i know you have a long meeting i do have a gift for the mayor it is a our club logo on a piece of cedar that we got from one of the holes at hole uh 15 i think at the damn course uh with our club logo so you can put this in your drawer of things that you get like this but i look at this spot that is nice yeah thank you

Thank you very much. I'll be around there. We'll do a picture, but all right. Hold on. Mr. Bryan or Mr. Griffrath? Yeah, I'll go ahead.

Thanks, Mr. Mayor and Council. You know, when you think of partnerships within the city, the Jefferson City Disc Golf Club and JC Parks, it definitely exemplifies what partnerships truly look like because When Chris speaks of a seven year occupancy as president of the club, that speaks volume as well as his commitment, not only to the club, but the community as well. Anytime that there's stuff that needs to be done in preparation for tournaments coming up, making suggestions, they're always the first ones to send messages, but they're also the first ones to show up to do the work. So we couldn't do what we do without their help, their support. And then as Chris alluded to, we are anxious to potentially construct a short course at McClung. It won't only impact the beginners, but we're hoping with the Boys and Girls Club being nearby, the JC Parks camps that go on nearby, that we can only continue to grow this sport and follow the great lead and the examples that they are setting. One thing that Chris didn't mention that I will, that's coming up, we have the 19th annual or they have the 19th annual JC Open. pro JC August 22nd and 23rd so our park staff are busy getting prepared for that once again so are they and then following that Labor Day weekend they have the amateur JC as well competition but I will certainly turn it over to miss Brian I know that she's an active player herself so I'm sure she has a lot of great things to say as well so Chris thank you and thank you

Like, Chris, I can talk about this while the rest of the meeting, but I won't I just want to say 1 of the things Jefferson cities focused on is when people move from out of town or younger families move in. What can we do in Jefferson city? And the 1st thing my husband and I looked at 4 years ago, we moved here with our local disc golf community. And we're just so lucky that we've got Chris and the club running our scene here. There's an awesome course in Holt Summit. We've got two championship level courses at Binder and County Park has a great course. So the local scene is amazing. It's free. It's great for all ages. And I encourage anybody to get out there and play one of our courses. If you don't know how to play, reach out to anybody at the club. Their leagues are great. Every single week it's given my husband lots of friends and things to do. And so it's just, it's great for the community. Thank you so much.

Any comments from council?

That's my knowledge. I just want to say as the liaison for parks from last year, your presentation about what we might be able to do at McClellan Park I thought was very fascinating. What a great location to, proximity to what they said the Boys and Girls Club but also Lincoln University. And it is a testament to your leadership. You've been there for seven years. I was fascinated by the different briefings you brought to show to tell what they can do and what they can't do. So I look forward to hopefully in my years off of this to get more involved with that since golf is kind of waning on me. And just want to say congratulations. Thank you for stepping up into that role for seven years. Absolutely.

Yeah, it's my pleasure. Councilman, do you think you would lose as many discs as golf balls? It is way easier to lose a golf ball.

Thank you for that slight answer. Any other comments?

All right, I'm going to read the proclamation and we'll do a picture. But again, thank you so much for what you're doing. I think it's just Brian. We all here, there's nothing to do in Jefferson city. There is an amazing list of things about Jefferson city. And this is just another example. So, thanks. Proclamation reads, whereas the. This golf is recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for outdoor exercise, friendly competition, social connection and lifelong participation. Whereas the Jefferson City Disc Golf Club established in 2004, has dedicated more than two decades to promoting the sport of disc golf while enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout Jefferson City and the surrounding region. And whereas the Jefferson City Disc Golf Club works in partnership with JC Parks to improve and maintain high quality disc golf courses and now we find out maybe adding another one so that's great as recognized among the finest in missouri and whereas club members volunteer countless hours each year to maximize course organize leagues host tournaments and provide opportunities for Recreation and community engagement for players of all skill levels. And whereas through annual ice ball charity tournament, the Jefferson city disc golf club has raised more than 60,000 dollars collected more than 3500 pounds of food to support the Samaritan center of Jefferson city. Demonstrating the club's commitment to serving neighbors. So now, therefore, I, Ron Fitzwater, Mayor of Jefferson City, Missouri, do hereby proclaim August 22nd, 2026, as Jefferson City Disc Golf Day in Jefferson City, Missouri, and encourage all residents to recognize the positive contributions of Jefferson City Disc Golf Club, celebrate the sport of disc golf, and welcome participants and visitors attending the Jefferson City Open. In witness thereof, I have hereby set my hand to cause the seal of the City of Jefferson to affix to this on the 22nd of August 2026. So again, thank you very much for all that you do. It's an honor. I'll come around and we'll go down and do a picture real quick. All right. And council will wind up behind us.

I'm super contemplating like where should I put this? Do you think I should stand in the back?

We have to work another one in. We're used to doing nine for a while. Scrambling for positions.

Ready? One, two, three. Make a size 13 hole.

Thanks. Thank you so much.

five comes on so that did they get you worked into the blading there councilman yes i'm ready all right well again thank you very much item five's opportunity for actually i skipped over we've got item four c we've got the local fire union 671 and fraternal order police lodge 19 is speaking on the public safety sales tax so Detective Amber, welcome.

Good evening, members of the Mayor and members of the Council. I wanted to briefly speak on behalf of the FOP and Local 671, although I'm sure President Noel will have some words as well. We want to emphasize that both organizations support the quarter cent public safety tax. and both recognize and embrace moving forward together for the benefit of our community. Both the FOP and Local 671 have also acknowledged and agreed upon a memorandum of understanding that is before you tonight, I believe, as a resolution. We believe this agreement provides a clear understanding between both organizations and demonstrates our commitment to working together. It also gives parameters and percentage splits to both groups that are relative to their department sizes. This MOU also holds each entity, the city, the FOP, and Local 671 accountable, which is a strong statement and stance to all of us believing in transparency and stewards of taxpayers' investment. Going forth, there's several local civic groups that we've been in contact with, with potential meetings already being set up. The support is encouraging because this is bigger than our organizations. It's about public safety and the future of our community. I've often highlighted that public safety is a foundation building block of economic growth. With the support that Jefferson City affords to us both, it's evident that that desire and belief is already something that is shared. We appreciate the council's consideration, and we hope you will support not only the ordinance placing the tax on the November ballot, but as well as the adoption of the MOU. And I'm available for any questions if there are any. Thank you.

All right. And we've also got the president of the local fire union 671, Mr. Knopf. Sorry.

All right, ladies and gentlemen of the council, Mr. Mayor, we appreciate your interest and have us here tonight to talk about the digital tax increase going on the November ballot. Myself, I'm James Noah, representative of Jeff City Firefighters Local 671. As we come through this process, we had a lot of accountability and transparency questions and concerns. And I can tell you first and foremost, those questions will be answered when we start campaigning for this tax. As we all know, whenever we see tax increases, our ballot language or campaigning for council candidates, local 671 shows up in force knocking out on doors. And we're committed to do that again. Throughout this tax process, we wanna make sure we sell this to the citizens. as what it is and that's accountability and transparency of what this text not only does for us as employees of the city of jefferson but as well as the citizens of jefferson city and i appreciate your time this evening uh i won't be here to board your next council meeting uh unfortunately be out of town but any questions i will be available by phone by email or by our facebook profile thank you all right are there any questions or comments from council

Thank you both for being here and what Mr. Ambler said about public safety is a vital part of economic development here. If people don't feel this area is controlled and safe, there are chances of wanting to invest in this. This area in this city is greatly diminished. I think you all have a great track record of public safety. We know that the market is very competitive, and we're trying to stay up with it. And unfortunately, we're competing with close entities with the county and the state. And I look forward to supporting you all in this endeavor, and I think it's much needed for this city. Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Young.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I again want to both thank you all for being here as well. This is something I definitely will be supporting. I thank you for your service to Jefferson City. I particularly feel safe and here and it's only because of what you all do. So I just wanted for the record to say that I will be supporting and I wish you all the best with this. Thank you for bringing it forward.

Thank you. We appreciate it.

I find this measure to be extremely important, but you guys have taken on this task. It's time that we get this past and pay our officers what they deserve. Thank you. Thank you.

All right, thanks. Appreciate you being with us. Thank you. Have a good night. All right, now we will jump to item five. Opportunity for public comment. We have two signed up. First is Caleb Crocker. Good morning. Identify yourself. Welcome. There'll be a clock up there. You've got four minutes and we appreciate you being with us.

All right, good evening, members of this council. I promise I won't take four minutes. 3.59, no promises. One, since we're here, Chris already took off on us, see. I want to thank Chris Neff as somebody who actually uses the, his golf courses. quite often i'm also head of security out at the capital region amphitheater and i know that several of the band crews that have come in have utilized our services there so that's kind of fun to hear as far as losing golf balls and losing discs he obviously has never seen me throw a frisbee No, I'm actually here as a matter, just to bring it to your attention, of traffic safety. I am a lifelong JC native and I really do care about this community. My family has been here for over 100 years. I think we actually moved here in 1866. This is what my genealogy report says, that we moved to Jefferson City. I have currently lived in Ward 4 for about eight years, directly near the intersection of Leandra Lane and South Country Club Drive over by the Modine Factory. This past weekend, we had another what I would call major collision at that intersection. It seems that these accidents are becoming more and more frequent. I know right now they're happening on either every month, if not every month, every two months, there is a collision right out in front of my house. I do know that I do need to follow this up with the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Ms. Allen here has been absolutely wonderful in guiding me through this. I'm going to follow up with an email with them and with her to try to get this resolved. I would essentially like to see the intersection of Leandra Lane and South Country Club Drive become a four-way stop. Just like they have just down the street at South Country Club in Scruggs. Again, thank you all for everything you guys do. For those of you who have known me for years, I will not eat any more of your food. Yeah, and stories. Anyway, guys, thank you for hearing me tonight. Thank you very much. Appreciate you being here.

Next is Jim Snyder. Mr. Snyder, welcome. Thank you. You could just identify yourself when you get to the microphone. We've got folks watching at home. Thank you.

My name is John Snyder, and I live in Ward 3. And I had a unique problem, and you all came to my rescue. Under your agreement with Mediacom, you agreed that they could spread their lives if they were in my neighborhood underground. So that becomes a problem when there's a problem with the line. And they came out and spread a line in the curb one month, seven and a half months ago. And they failed to respond to my twice monthly call. And I finally emailed the mayor and talked by the phone with Councilman Young. And three days later, it was over a weekend, it was fixed. And I wanna tell you, that's a responsible city government, and I appreciate it. I will take, my God, gosh, I got a lot more time, but I won't take it all. You all have a beautiful chamber here. Hal and I hang out in the House Appropriations Committee for more years than I want to admit. And you've got a lot nicer place to meet than they do in their state government. Again, thank you for what you do. I appreciate the fact that you all are so responsive for streets. I think that's extremely important to the rank and falsity of the government. And I would also encourage you to do whatever you can with low-income housing in this community. And as I know, you've made an effort. That's going to continue to be a challenge as we grow as a city. But again, thank you very much.

Well, you were so generous to respond to me, and we had a good interchange. And you said you wanted to come in and thank our staff. And I said, you can always come in and thank our staff. So thank you.

I've worked in government for a lot of years. I worked for the University of Missouri as their lobbyist. We didn't want to admit that we had one, but I was there over in the capital. And too often, people aren't recognized for what they do in the service to local, state, county government.

Thank you very much. We appreciate you being here. That's all we had signed up. Anybody else jumping up? So we will move on to item 668 public hearing on 2026-023.

In ordinance of the City of Jefferson, Missouri, providing for the levy of city taxes and establishing the rate of taxation for the City of Jefferson, Missouri for the calendar year 2026.

All right, I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing and last Miss Convery. If you have any comments on that before we go to. Okay, not at this time. Okay. All right. I will ask for if there's anyone here that wants to speak in favor of this issue, if you could come to the microphone. All right. Anybody here to speak in opposition to 2026-23? All right. We will go ahead and close the public hearing, but it will open it for Council if there's any comments or questions from Council. All right, seeing none, this is up for final read tonight, so we will do a roll call vote. You're voting on 2026-023. Pollers? Aye. Helen? Aye. Dooley? Aye. Holt? Aye.

Puzzleton? Aye. Joe? Aye. Camp Peter?

Aye.

Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye. Young? Aye. Little Passos?

All right. Item 7, appointments by the Mayor. There are none tonight. Item 8, presentations from staff and consultants. Financial update? That team is covered.

Thank you, Mayor. So hopefully this is short and sweet. So we received the August 1% sales tax, about $1.3 million, which is $26,663 more than projected for August. So the January through August overage is $794,675, which is about 5.5% over projection. I'd be happy to answer any questions. There's more details below. Okay, revenue model. Everything's looking pretty much in line and our projected overage for FY26 is about $1.8 million. Again, backup detail is attached. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Councilwoman Allen?

So, I'm sorry, you know, I have the same question. So that overage would be above the 17% required. That's correct. And it takes into account any transfers or anything else that we might, I know there are some unknowns, but other than the unknowns of not knowing what we would collect for sure, and the unknown of like workers comp, this takes into account any transfers and those types of things. Correct. Okay, thank you.

So that leads me into the estimated fund balance. The only change I have on this one as of now is the possible supplemental for workers' comp insurance. That increased to about $404,000 that we will have to possibly supplement at the end of the year. But still well over 17%. I'd be happy to answer any questions on that.

So whenever it comes to supplementing that that we have more than generous access to cover that so we're good this year.

Based on my projections, yes.

Very good. Thank you.

So then that leads into kind of the backup on the potential of the supplemental for the workers' comp and health insurance. Health insurance is still good. And then the workers' comp, I've got that detailed out for you guys in the packet. I'd be happy to answer any questions on those.

I think those that were on council a couple years ago will remember what a nightmare this health insurance has been. Our staff has done an amazing job of helping lead us through some options that I think have worked the way we anticipated or hoped they would work.

It's definitely great to see it this way this year.

Yes, this meeting was not as fun a couple years ago and we were facing some really difficult challenges. But I think we told people at the time that we would take care of it and I think our staff has done a good job of doing that. Any other comments or questions? Anything else that you have for Council? Alright, we're gonna move on. Announcements by Mayor, Council, and staff. Administration Committee, Councilman Howard.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We will be beating in September on the 7th, I do believe. The second, I'm sorry, I was looking at October. Sorry. Thank you, Paul. September the 2nd, across the hall, we have a couple items brought to your attention that we're going to place on the agenda. And we'll also see how that goes, if we have any things from JC Rep for our conference center. And we'll probably have some appointments at that time, too.

Thank you so much.

all right finance committee councilman thank you mr mayor uh kicking off the budget season this wednesday 5 30 in this chamber public safety councilman thank you mr mayor our next meeting will be august 27th thursday at 3 30 in the marina castle hall

finally public works and plan uh september 10th 7 30 it's a thursday here in chambers any other announcements planning and zoning same night september 10th 5 15 here in the council chambers all right any other council announcements

All right, that takes us to item 10 consent agenda. Do you see four items in front of you? I believe one of those is coming up. Is that accurate? So do you want to request it officially? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Item B. Item B? All right. Anything else? A, C, and D?

Are you looking for a motion then to accept or do we have to take a vote on that first, Mr. Mayor?

No, we'll take a motion on the three that remain and complete the consent and then we'll go back to item B as a buoyant.

I will make that motion.

Second. I've got a motion of second. Any other discussion? We're voting on items A, C, and D. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? All right, I'm gonna go back to item B and I'll turn it over to Councilman Holt.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I understand that the utilization of license plate readers provides an extra layer of public safety, provides officers the ability to ascertain the locations of vehicles within the network of cameras that are provided throughout the state as well as other states. I believe that the personal security aspect is important. I also think that arming our police and law enforcement officers with the most advanced tools to be able to do their job is a good thing. But I think the potential invasion of public privacy is outweighed by that risk. And a discussion about this subject might be important.

It comes from Lester. I think it'd be useful to have some description about how we use the thought cameras and also about the safeguards to prevent the type of abuses that we've probably heard about through the news or media in terms of inappropriate use to track people in the community. So what safeguards we might have for such things.

Councilman Haselton and Councilman Leipold.

Perhaps a public presentation put together by our public safety folks might be in order and maybe we can revisit this one at a later time.

Councilman Leipold. I'm of the opinion that We need to give as many resources and assets to our police department to apprehend folks that do some bad things, and no community is immune to that. And based on some of the things that I've read recently, that there have been one in Columbia and one in Florida particularly, but one in Columbia as recently as I think last week, The crime was committed within minutes. They were apprehended because of the flock camera. I think those unfortunately are not celebrated, not designed to be celebrated necessarily other than to take the broader view of protecting our community and being safe. To address one thing that was brought up about any potential misuse, as it relates to this department, this city, I would give full faith and confidence in our police chief and our leadership that if, and I say if, there was some misuse that they would take appropriate action. And that's something that we would expect them to. The advantages for this block system and the ability to identify people that have created or caused pain and suffering to others is another tool that we would be immensely hurting our police department our community by not giving them those resources and tools and they've given us absolutely no reason not to fully faith give faith and trust in their ability to monitor and and uh promote this system so thank you councilman campion yeah i just want to councilman now second uh councilman michael's comments uh

Until something happens to you, I just don't see why you wouldn't want this. It protects. A lot of things that happen when these are used, you need minutes, seconds matter. A car can leave Jeff City pretty fast, and we do not have enough staff in Jeff City to sit here and watch, physically watch cameras or watch this. Systems like this are able to track them before they even get to the Missouri River Bridge, which could be within seconds. I just see why there's a question about it. We 100% trust our public safety. I'm not saying you guys don't, but this is one of their tools. Police cars are one of their tools. When you drive by them, they're tracking you. I mean, it's just another tool for them. There's so many things that track you. Your phone tracks you. Your computer tracks you. Your iPad tracks you. So, I just think we need to really think about this, that you're, you're putting Jeff city's public safety at risk if you're, you know, trying to limit the use of these or remove them at all.

Councilman, then councilman, thank you.

1st of all, I had been working with the chief and, um. Administrator crane on having a discussion of public safety, not about whether these are needed because I think 1st of all, this is a renewal and that's why it was on consent. Any type of thing that's already been approved automatically when it renews, it goes on consent. So there's nothing. Just to reassure everyone, there's nothing nefarious about this at all. Secondly, it's good to know that I know the city does have policies around this. So it's good to know that. And in today's world, we tend to mistrust and what I would encourage everybody is we have a great community in Jefferson City. And yes, we have to hold people accountable, but we also need to fight the mistrust that we live with every day, but reading all the headlines. that don't apply here and um i'm not saying you can't ask questions and we shouldn't ask questions but i just would caution us just not throw the baby out with the bath water i do know these have been very useful in some law enforcement issues that we've had and we expect a safe city in jefferson city Everyone does, and when it's your time for a crime to happen to you, or with your property, that's the time that you will wish that that these were present. So nothing wrong with asking questions. I think that's great. But we had already been talking about doing some presentation public safety. I also understand this is, you know. Driven by a grant and the renewal has to be paid. So I just urge us not to hold it up. It can go through the process, but it needs to get paid and renewed. Thank you.

Just for sake of clarity, and I have no, nothing but faith in our. law enforcement officers and public safety officials in the city of Jefferson. They do a fantastic job. And I think this tool does assist them in doing that job. I don't think there's any allegations or concerns, at least from myself, in these reachouts with regards to abuse by law enforcement. I think there's some interest right now with the companies providing the service that their retention and correction. and their use of that information and who they share that information with. While I understand that this tool is a renewal, I just thought it was important to have a discussion about that. Those are my comments on it.

I know, Chief, you had an extended interview last week. You answered, within that interview, some of the questions that have been raised tonight. I don't know if you knew this was coming up, but I would extend an opportunity for you to make comments if you would like.

Yeah, just in basic general terms, I would say a few points I'd like to make is that this technology, ALBR, automated license plate readers, has been available and used in Jefferson City for well over two decades. It transitioned to the flock system about four years ago. So we've been using this technology. The technology continues to evolve and get better, but it is absolutely invaluable to us. You don't hear the stories, but Since we've had the flock cameras for the last four years, we've solved three homicides through use of those cameras and had violent offenders in custody within hours and minutes, not days and weeks. And so, yes, it's a great tool. Another point I'd like to make about your concerns, as law enforcement, we have so many tools that we can utilize to violate your constitutional rights. this weapon, this pepper spray, tasers, our radios, using them incorrectly. How we defeat that is ongoing and rigorous training, oversight, policy, and auditing. And that's exactly what we do with the new technology is that we train on it. We establish policy and we audit, audit, audit the data and what we're using it for. And when we find inconsistencies, we come together and we talk about it. And if something's wrong, we absolutely will still discipline. So this is just another tool that we use that has become one of the most effective I've seen in my career in affecting public safety, not only for our community, but us as a region, because I've never had the opportunity in the past to say, We just had a shooting suspect leave Jefferson City and we know they're headed towards Columbia or they're headed towards Fulton or vice versa. They do the same things with us. So as a region, I can attest to the fact that these make us safer. They've been an invaluable tool. But I also want to say I understand everybody's concern. We're in a state and time and place in our world where there's not a lot of trust in big government. And I understand that too, because we hear about it every day. So as we move forward, I understand that I understand the weight on my shoulders and on the officer's shoulders about the proper implementation of this technology, the right use of the technology, and that we continue to audit to make sure we don't step out of those bounds.

great other comments how would you like to dispense of this item or we will move on uh motion to approve second all right we've got a motion and a second to approve item 10b other comments We're going to do a roll call vote.

Alan? Aye. Dooley? Aye. Holt?

No.

Hossleton? Aye. Joe? Aye. Campeter? Aye. Lester? Aye. Leifoldt? Aye. Young? Aye. Pollard? Aye. Motion passes.

All right. It takes us to item 11 bills introduced item 11 a 2026 dash 26 and ordinance of the city of Denver, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute 2 agreements with the Missouri highways and transportation commission.

For amending to funding agreements for the construction of an air traffic control tower.

Welcome. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Yes, two different agreements, both for funding for the air traffic control tower. These were part of the mix and part of the equation from the onset, so would like to see these approved tonight. The combined amount is about $420,000 from these two different grants. From the federal government, we're looking at about 400,000 and from the state grants around 20,000. So our obligation is right at $40,000. So a little bit less than 10%. So if there's any questions.

Councilman Liefeld. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

It's going to be a while, unfortunately. The construction, the construction, physical construction is, you know, getting closer and, you know, before the end of the year, I think it'll be physically built. But there's a lot of equipment, yeah, that has to be purchased, transported, hooked up, tested, all that kind of thing. So it'll be next, unfortunately, it'll be next year, sometime next year. It's not going to be anytime soon.

sure councilman yeah i would like to request to suspend the rules for 2026-026 hearing no opposition unless the clerk to read it again and then we'll take any further comments

An ordinance of the city of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute 2 agreements with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for amending 2 funding agreements for the construction of an air traffic control tower.

All right, you've got 2026 dash 26 in front of you any other comments. All right, we'll do a roll call vote.

All right, I can be 2026 dash 027. In order to the city of Jefferson, Missouri, many chapter, 19, motor vehicles, traffic schedule, parking time limits section B, parking times and be by the removal of 2 spots on the South side of the 1000 block of history.

Yes, back in 2020 birthright overall high street. Requested short term parking spots since then they recently. Let us know that those short term parking spots are. Are not needed, and I would like to see those reverted back to like, to how the rest of the parking spots on the street are right now, which is no, no time restriction. So with that, we took. uh this topic to uh traffic transportation where it was approved unanimously uh recommendations so if there's any questions all right i'm seeing just turn that back saying none move to item c 2026-28

In ordinance of the city of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to amend the lease agreement with new singular wireless. L. C. authorizing city switched up go on LLC to build the cell tower and all this quarter part.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Several years back, AT&T began implementing a built-to-suit program. As part of this, they have the option and authority to assign the lease to one of their qualified built-to-suit vendors. For the sake of this one, City Switch is the BTS vendor and will be the new owner of the tower. AT&T and New Singular Wireless will no longer be a part of the ground lease agreements. Happy to answer any questions.

Mayor, I'd like to suspend the rules on this for council.

Hearing no opposition, we'll ask the clerk to read the bill again in order to the city of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to amend the lease agreement with new singular wireless PCS LLC, authorizing city switched up to 1 LLC to build the cell tower and Alice Porter Park.

Any other comments on 2026? 0 to 8. All right, what's the roll call vote?

Holt? Aye. Hossleton? Aye. Joe? Aye. Cam Peter? Aye. Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye.

Young?

Aye. Collars? Aye. Allen? Aye. Dooley? Aye. Bill passes.

All right, item D, 2026-029.

An ordinance authorizing the city of Jefferson, Missouri to enter into a schedule of equipment number four to the existing master equipment lease purchase agreement to pay costs of acquiring certain police vehicles for the city, approving certain documents, and authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith.

Thank you. During FY26's budget preparation, we were approved to purchase eight police vehicles as replacements. After that bid went out, we awarded that bid, and this would establish the financing for the purchase of those by adding those vehicles to the master equipment list purchase agreement that we have with Central Bank and added to equipment number, schedule of equipment number four using the interest rate formula provided by Central Bank. Thank you Mr. Mayor.

I'd like to ask that the rules be suspended for this matter.

Hearing no opposition, we'll ask the clerk to read the bill.

An ordinance authorizing the City of Jefferson, Missouri to enter into Schedule of Equipment Number 4 to the existing Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement to pay costs of acquiring certain police vehicles for the City, approving certain documents, and authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith.

All right, you have 2026-029 in front of you. Any other comments? Do a roll call vote.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

All right. Item E, 2026-030.

In ordinance of the City of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $20,737.35 agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the State Transit Assistance.

Mr. Berman. Yes, this is a state operating grant that we try to get every year. It's a 50% match grant. I'd like to see approval here tonight.

Councilman Campeter.

I'd like to request to suspend the rules on 2026-030. Councilman Holt, did you have a comment? No, I'm sorry. Okay. So hearing no opposition, you have 2026. We'll ask the clerk to read that again.

And coordinates of the City of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $20,737.35 agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the State Transit Assistance.

All right, you've got 2026-030 in front of you. Seeing no comments, we'll do a roll call vote.

Joe? Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. In ordinance of the city of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the city to accept Missouri 2026-17-00 low or emission grant for two hybrid village buses.

That's this low no emission grant would supply us a little over 2Million dollars to place to current buses that we have that are both 21 years of age. So, with this. With this grant, it would greatly help our fleet and also help reduce the pull on our general question. Any questions.

Councilman Kempfeder. Again, I would like to request to spin the rules on 2026-031.

Hearing no opposition, will I ask the Clerk to read the bill?

An ordinance of the City of Jefferson, Missouri authorizing the City to accept Missouri 2026-17-00 low or no emission grant for two hybrid gilling busses.

Alright, you've got 2026-031 in front of you. No comments. We'll do it. We'll call it.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. G2026-032.

In accordance with the City of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $35,607.56 agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program.

Mr. Bremmer? Mayor, keep the money coming for transit. We need it. I like it. Any questions? Councilman Campeter?

The final request to suspend the rules on 2026-032.

Hearing no opposition, we'll ask the clerk to reread the bill.

In Ordinance of the City of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a $35,607.56 agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program.

All right, you've got 2026-032 in front of you. Seeing no comments, we'll do a roll call vote. Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye.

Young? Aye. Callers?

Aye.

Allen? Aye. Julie?

Aye.

Holt? Aye. Osselton?

Aye.

Joe? Aye. Ampeter?

Aye.

Bill Passos?

All right, going to item 12, bills pending 2026-021.

An ordinance of the City of Jefferson, Missouri authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement of Missouri American Water for a utility easement in Washington Park.

Mr. Brouwer. Thank you Mr. Mayor. As the clerk read, this would authorize a utility easement with Missouri American Water for a water main project located in Washington Park near Montana Street. I'm happy to answer any questions.

Seeing none, you have 2026-021 in front of you for roll call.

Michael.

All right.

Yeah. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. In ordinance amending schedule G stop intersections section B other specified intersections of the code of the city of Jefferson, Missouri by the removal of Monroe Street at Woodlawn Avenue.

I don't know if we have any money for you Mr. Bremer, but you're up. I guess I'll take this one anyways. Yes, Woodlawn and Monroe. This intersection was received at Public Works and Planning and this item was approved at Public Works and Planning. uh this intersection used to be a a four-way intersection you know four-legged intersection with the expansion of mu capital region it's now a t intersection um and and we feel that the stop sign on the the main leg monroe can be uh if there's any questions we're glad to answer

All right, saying then you've got 2026-022 in front of you. Young?

Aye. Allers? Aye. Allen? Aye. Dooley?

Aye.

Holt? Aye. Haselton? Aye. Jobe? Aye. Campeter? Aye. Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye. Bill Passes?

All right, item C, 2026-023. Actually, we've taken that up under the public hearing. Item D, 2026-024.

In order for the City of Jefferson, Missouri, authorizing a proposal for a public safety sales tax at the rate of one quarter of one percent, the collection and use thereof, and providing for the submission of this ordinance to the qualified voters of said city for their approval of the election to be held on November 3rd, 2026.

Mr. Nicholas. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This would put in front of the voters a measure that would add a one-quarter cent general sales tax to be used for public safety purposes.

Comments or questions? Right to get one point 6 dash 0 to 4 in front of you for local.

All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. An ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $10,001,000 principal amount Sewerage System Revenue Bond Series 2026 prescribing the form and details of the bond and authorizing certain other actions and documents in connection therewith.

Back to money. Mr. Brown. a person i'd like to recognize that we do have uh todd goffey online our advisor uh so if there's any real tough questions i've got some got some support there but um uh yeah this this uh these funds are to support uh obviously our collection and treatment system um specifically westview heights and the work that we're doing out there to to uh repair our system and legislation out in that neighborhood. So these bonds would essentially back up a state revolving low interest loan with the state. So if there's any questions, I'd be glad to try to answer or toss in the time.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think I asked this question before, but I forgot the answer to it. So I'll ask it again. Does the rate that we charge the folks in the Westview area over the course of the bond, is it equal to the cost or exceed the cost or?

So, I'll answer, then I'll get Tom here to maybe correct anything that I state. But when the bond was originally done in 2022, it was our bonding capacity, I believe, was about $44 billion. And that was based, there was a rate study done and our rates went to were studied to make sure that they would support that bonding level. So the short answer is yes, the rates support this. Todd can get into the weeds if you like. Todd, you have anything to add?

No, you described it accurately and Just kind of as a reminder, the 2022 bond election was in the amount of 44 million, and there's been two other issues prior to this, but it does authorize the council to set the sewer rates to provide for the operation and maintenance of the city, and then to provide a debt service coverage factor for the repayment of the revenue bonds.

I would just like to say that I greatly appreciate the help on this as well as Shelby's over there. I forgot to mention that.

Alright, seeing no other comments, you've got 2026-025 in front of you for roll call vote.

Allen? Aye. Julie?

Aye.

Holt? Aye. Huzzleton? Aye. Jobe? Aye. Campeter? Aye. Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye. Young? Aye. All in. Aye. Bill passes.

Item 13, informal calendar. There's nothing on there. Item 14, resolution. We do have one resolution. Resolution 2026-27.

A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a non binding memorandum of understanding with the police and fire unions regarding support for the upcoming public safety sales tax.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to make a motion to bring this to the council for consideration.

2nd, we've got a motion in the 2nd to bring resolution 2026 27 in front of you. All clear any opposed. All right, now I have resolution 2026. there's 27 in front of you. Any comments saying that we'll do a roll call.

Julie. Hi. Hi. Hi. Joe. Hi. Peter. Hi. Lester. Hi. Michael.

Hi.

Young. Hi. Colors. Hi. Hi. Resolution is adopted.

All right, I have 15 approval of the August 3rd, 2026 closed session minutes that will require a motion. 2nd, yeah, motion is 2nd, we'll do a roll call vote.

Hi, Joe. Hi, Peter. Hi, Lester. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

All right, item 16, new business, none. Item 17, unfinished business, none. Item 18, recess and closed. So we'll ask the clerk to read the statement.

The chair will entertain a motion to adjourn the public session in pursuance of section 16-021 of the revised statutes of Missouri. Go into closed session to discuss the following, attorney-client privilege, subsection 1, and negotiating contracts, subsection 12.

Yes, I would like to move that we move the public session into recess so that we can go into closed session.

Second.

We've got a motion and a second. We will take a roll call vote.

Puzzleton? Aye. Joe? Aye. Young-Peter?

Aye.

Lester? Aye. Michael? Aye. Young? Aye. Fathers? Aye. Allen? Aye. Julie? Aye.

Okay, I would remind public and media we will come back and reconvene once closed session.