Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

just need a consensus. We really don't need a vote. So that anyway, we brought that up in the finance meeting. I think we're at consensus with everybody that we should go ahead and do as suggested. And with that, um the consent agenda. So does anyone disagree? I guess there anybody wants to speak against that question is we'll have $10,000 difference. Where are we coming up with that at? It would just have to come from either operating or reserves, one of the two. Have the operating for that or what what operating would have to come from

how the rest of the year goes. Um, as of right now, we've got some money in system repair and maintenance that we don't have really gear notch for anything, but if something breaks down in this fiscal year, we'll have to use it. So, as of today, say no. I mean by March 31st might need to adjust to cover it. Okay. Why we got to cover? So everybody's okay. Very good. I take a motion to approve. I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Have a motion and a second with alderman w 6 agenda is approved. went to the very day uh on the easy 14s it was went to the Veterans Day brunch the high school put on it. I I felt very honored to be there. They did a wonderful job. They put a lot of effort into that. Um Heartland Pantry did the the catering and uh as they always do, they did a fantastic job with that and then they had an assembly for all the veterans were there. They just did it. They just made their world special and it was really nice and I wanted to thank them very much for for for doing that. Um Mike P gave the the call the keynote speech the little there were um some members of uh I don't know what group they were in but high schoolers that did short little speeches and uh they just did a really really really good job. and the color guard fantastic like saying color guard always went to the lobber 15ear celebration congratulated them on their 15 years of of service went to the ribbon cutting at Odessa healthcare got a new therapy of uh wing so to speak a lot of it work out there it's attached to the nursing home Odessa healthcare is so do rehabilitation and and things like that um the two ribbon cutting there. That was good. Um went to the Thanksgiving meeting at the Chamber of Commerce and I tell you, we got a great chamber of commerce people. We really really do. They work so hard to for this community to get things going in the right direction and they support one another and they support the community. Uh they're just just really a gift to this community.

Had a good time there. Uh, Christmas lighting. Who didn't enjoy the Christmas lighting? My goodness, that was a wonderful ceremony. Big turnout. Um, thank you to the chamber. Thank you to the Optimus Club. Rob Wy is always doing a great job on the MC's. Wyatt Waters Gave Music. Um, and the the choirs in the school were awesome. And of course, the electric department for all the work they did putting up those lights and the couch couches helping us string the lights as well. uh just really means a lot to this community uh the efforts put into that. And uh just want to remind anybody out there uh that's interested in running for office. Uh December 9th is the first day you can file to run for alderman. Awards one, two, and three. And the mayor's seat is also up for per election. And then we come to Donna.

I appreciate it. Yeah. Um, Don and I graduated high school together and we didn't run in the same circles, but our circles touched instead of that. Solid burn. Thank you. Thank you so much. Didn't hear. Why does she look so much younger than me? Her hair. our circles uh they didn't run the same in high school but they touched and overlaped a little bit instead of government and I feel so blessed to them and still know you not blown away

but but uh to have worked side by side with you and you helped me in so many ways and I just uh we're going to miss you going to be a big boy in this from the garden club to uh help with the rotary the trail around the park along with Hannah been doing that with Hannah and all the stuff, the downtown merchants. I mean, you you brought a lot to this community and there will be a void when you leave, but we wish you the very best of luck and and good fortune and prosperity in in your new chapter in your life, and we're so excited for you in that regard. So, thank you, Donna, for all your mayor. You want to do a picture and tell

me this one. Thank you very much. Thanks. Yes.

We had a planning and meeting this week. Uh there is a request for a lot split at 301 East Main. Uh this is a corner lot. Um the property owner is asking for the request or the yeah requesting the split because they want to put another single family house on. Uh they approved it. They went into their u zoning workshop. I might say this group of people, the way they banter back and forth, uh, the way they discuss things, no one tries to, uh, no one gets loud, no one no one acts like they know more than anybody else. Uh, they disagree. They sit and they sit and disagree. They explain to each other why they disagree. Um and they come and they come together on a decision. It it is uh

how it's supposed to work. It's how it's supposed to be. Yes, sir. Great. Thank you all.

Um I second what Mike was saying. Um I do have a lot of confidence they're planning to able to talk things out. I appreciate that service. Um Donna, um it's been a pleasure serving with you. It's been great. Um, I know that we've bantered a lot too. Didn't always agree, but it was always a pleasure to serve with you and to trust that we could talk things out and see eye to eye and come to a solution. Um, you'll be missed because you do have a big part in this community. So, know that. Um, second with the mayor with a lot of the events that taking place for holiday season. There's a lot of things going on in town, a lot of people involved in the the ceremonies and whatnot. Thank you to everybody. If we were to list everybody involved, we would still miss somebody. Y

So, thank you to everybody that is involved in the city, in the community, and helping make this a special time. Um, I know none of us think that it is a more special time because it shouldn't be, but it is kind of with all the the events. Um, and I hope everybody has a good holiday season with their family and friends and that uh the chief is not busy helping a lot of people because everybody's healthy and happy. Um, but that being said, we I do thank everybody um because we will have emergencies. We will have crews going out in the weather and stuff. So, thank you in advance to the city employees who will work out in the cold and the rain and snow and and things like that. Uh department heads, uh give your people a pat on the back prematurely, um because they're going to earn up and they always do and we appreciate that. Um and we don't always say it. So, thank you in advance for for everything you guys do to to help the community stay the way it is. Um, and that's about all I

good. I would like to take note and thank everyone responsible for the wayfinding signs. They look great in the community and they are very helpful. So, you know, I was going to mention the way finding signs also because it's been something that I think we've been working on for five years that I know of. So, kudos to everybody that got that pulled off.

That's great. Um, I just you guys I just want to say that um it's bittersweet leaving because I see um so many things that are getting ready to happen here in Odessa that I won't be involved with, but I'll be checking in and um it's been a pleasure to work with every one of you here on the board. So um but I I'm not that far away. So, you know, phone call is is or, you know, 40 minutes I could write down. But it'll be fun to see whoever steps into this role um has some great stuff to look forward to that we've got on the plate, you know, schedule to do, the sidewalks and the interchange and um you know, industrial parks and and lots of things. And I I want to say that I'm going to miss Shauna probably most of all because she has just been such a pleasure and a friend, you know, to work with. So, thank you It's all

I will make sure. Thank you for putting your time in here. Uh the way finder signs, there's only one that I have a complaint about, but I think that's good. Anyway, they're they're nice. The lighting ceremony was awesome. That was so much fun to put you in. And just thank you to the city. Kathy's Kathy's assistant is awesome. Anyway, that's all.

Alderman, what's it? Well, I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving first. Thank you. Hope everyone has a great holiday season and thank you, Donna, for your times of service. And we haven't gotten along on a lot of things, too. It wouldn't work it out, but

thanks fine. things get better. Um, I met last week with Ty Wells representing the food truck community and Erica Jones representing the downtown collective. Had a great meeting. Um, they had some ideas to uh support each other. We went through the ordinance. Um, most things uh there was consensus and don't change. There was two or three things that I think we probably need to uh discuss. uh at the next alderman meeting uh relative to things that we just couldn't come to a consensus with. Yes.

Uh but I think everyone has a clear understanding of uh the wise and why nots of of everyone's um position and why they feel the way that uh that we do. It really was a great meeting. No one raised their voice. Everyone stated their opinion and came up with some ideas. So in next in the next packet that you'll get there is a letter which the three of us I produced the letter the two of them reviewed and said that yes that was a summary of what we discussed and I identified the two or three items that we need to have board discussion on. Um so that will be the background for um the agenda item for the next meeting. Very good. That's it.

Thank you so much. All right. Next is the city administrator. What I like to call what's happening. We get a health update first. I'm doing great. Thank you.

Um good evening, mayor and board of alderman. Uh I'll start with the parks department. We have basketball practice starting next Monday. For Odessa alone, we have 23 teams, which is up by four teams from last year. For the league in its entirety, we have 196 teams, which is up from 22, up by 22 last year. Uh, and there's nine teams total and those games will begin on January 3rd. We are down one court, which will result in additional courts. The feds we're going to be navigating that much. for finance. Um, we started a fee analysis as part of the budget process. Uh, we're trying to take a little bit deeper dive into the fees than we have in in the in years past. Uh, we're also working with department directors to determine the cost for services associated with those fees and directors are currently working on their budget requests for the upcoming uh, fiscal year. We also did have one annexation voluntary annexation request submitted uh for on on the north powder road. So there's a very tedious and precise process that's associated with that. So, we're working together to Kathy and I are working together to make sure we hit all of the check marks that are associated and that we do it correctly and determining what that looks like with working with MDOT because they have an an additional annexation process that aligns with ours. So, we just want to make sure that we do everything by the book. Uh we also have new commercial and residential coming in as a result. Um Kathy and Jenny have been working on

getting some material uh put together for new commercial and new residential applicants. So they have that information up front. So making improvements that align with this strategic plan and all and then for the police department um thank you thank both of you guys for um filling in for me while I was gone. Um, I really appreciated it and I was happy to know I was in very safe hands with everyone, city hall staff, Karen. I I did once I left I was fine. But they got this. Leading up to that maybe a little bit of punish, but once I left, it was all good and I knew they had it. So, thank you for for stepping in. Um the police chief held two public engagement events for the public safety sales tax. One was a chat with the chief at the community building. Um and two was coffee with the chief at McDonald's. Both had relatively low turnout, but um there were were a few attendees. Um and Jenny with the police department has made significant updates to the website regarding information about the public safety sales tax. So we're continuing through our plan for communication and uh just for your information. There is additional information on the website if you'd like to check that out. Um, we do have a couple demo permits that are coming down the pipeline here, um, as a result of code enforcement and we anticipate that those will then turn into new construction after the properties have been de demolished for the outlet mall. We're continuing to move forward with their compliance. Um,

if you've been out there recently, they fulfilled quite a few potholes. Um and they are planning to work on some lighting improvements in the parking lot um as of right now. And then in the spring they are planning to replace four of the five roofs at u on that side of the outlet mall. And then uh also they are working or planning to have some of the gutter repaired and some external painting done in the spring. So we are seeing progress there. In regards to 610 East Orchard, which we've mentioned a few times, um there are some pretty significant concerns to the overall um services that are being provided to the residents out there by the owner. The property is posted for sale. Um we're just continuing to monitor that situation as best that we can. Um, but we may be needing to look into different abatement options or other options. Uh, Gayen's done a great job of building relationships with some of the other trailer parks uh, trailer parks in town to encourage and u, you know, suggest or or lead to some self-absor. we've been working on for the past year. Our program has been focused on junk vehicles. We are planning at this time for our next year's program to be around tree maintenance, dead trees. for the electric department. Uh Troy's been keeping an eye on some broadband legislation that's coming or has been heavily discussed that would in in simple terms would give a little bit more authority to broadband

providers when it comes to ride ofway and take a little bit of our authority off of Ride of Way, which would be detrimental to um how how where our utilities are housed is managed, which is concerning for us. So, we're looking into ways that we can combat that legislation. Um, we've been working for the electric department. They've been working on a couple different larger commercial projects that have been um under construction. one being the West Main Commercial Building um getting electric right size for their usage and um as well as the um singular parcel at the Future Industrial Park off of Reich Road and Hot's um parcel at 40 and Johnson. And then we also extended an offer for an apprentice position and we're planning to extend an office offer for a journeyman position. So that's really exciting to bring us back to full staff once they get on boarded for community development. Jenny's working um I feel like she's acclimating very well. she's uh seeing opportunities for improvements and making she's made significant improvements already in her first month to just the materials that are available, the applications. Um, one of her big goals is making sure that the information on the website is current, accurate, and useful to those who are applying. So, we're very happy with the impact she's made already. And then um city hall staff have done they did a little bit of cloud permit training. We have new staff so we're getting them all on the same page regarding the training that's available

for our permitting software um that we currently use for business licenses and um we'll be receiving a demo soon for the community development side of that programming that we haven't utilized this far. We also have an upcoming staff training for all city hall staff in early December to help us now that we kind of have our, you know, new team, full team kind of do a little bit of team building and communication management to get us all on the same page and working well. So, like I mentioned, the wayfinding signs have begun installation and the downtown sidewalk, I don't know if this was announced previously, but the downtown sidewalk project is officially out for bid for the second time. So, been a long time coming and definitely been able to check that box. So, that makes me feel pretty happy. So, um, and Donna, thank you so so so much. And not even from myself. I would generally speak on behalf of all of our staff, but thank you so much for the support you've given to our employees. It means more than you know.

Pretend like it's not happening. Back to you. Thank you.

Thank you. Republic comments. There are none. All right, first up we have Missouri Representative Terry Thompson to provide an update on legislative issues. Well, first of all, it's it's my honor and privilege to represent Virginia City and I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to come to my uh basically uh when when I first was elected in my campaign, I indicated that faith and family was very important to me and still is today. But and as you kind of go back and listen to everybody in the room, communication is so important today and you know from that communication you try to educate everybody on the issue diplomatically and building relationships and that and that's so important and from what was discussed around here I applaud you for having meetings where everybody to speak their preach and go along. Uh I will tell you it's not that way in Jefferson. But uh and when I say that I mean and I go back and uh here uh I I want to thank you all and the staff for the communication with me. That's the only way I'm kind of aware of situations. Uh, and in fact, the other day it was really kind of interesting because we had three

Thompsons on the phone call at one time. We got a lot accomplished, but it hasn't been followed up on yet. You're a little biased for talk.

And again, I mean, the chamber does do a fantastic job. uh and I have an excellent rapport with the schools will always listen. Public education is important and the newspaper. I enjoy commenting there. Uh and as I go out, I mean, you know, the constituents of the community, you know, when you reach out to me, you know, and I can help. That's satisfaction I get on my job because there's a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. U Okay. So, I'm g I'm going to be brief tonight. Uh I will answer any questions anybody has. Uh I'm going to talk a little bit about the session last seme session and then I'm also going to address some concerns that I have and when I address those concerns I I don't want to be perceived as negative. I want to be perceived as real and concern. So, uh, last session, uh, the House filed 1713 bills and the Senate filed 97 pieces of legislation, of which there were 67 that ended up on the governor's desk, and 17 of that was budget. So, a lot of legislation filed and in my opinion way too many. Uh, but my point on this is that with 60 bills, there was 893 amendments offered on those bills, of which 355 was adopted. And when there's a piece of legislation

and you immediately know or you hear what's good and what's bad, but then when on the floor, all these amendments start adding up. And if there's 10 amendments on one bill, there might be seven you like or seven you disagree with. And it's difficult sometime to actually figure out what what the truth is and you know uh so uh that everybody you know wants wants to get their men their pet peeve on there and it's really challenging on that uh and uh I I believe in clean bill and it's it's a rarity down there. Uh and on that uh the legislation last year, we did some things for public safety and you know, we did several things for education uh and uh uh the governor proposed several things that I and I respected for public education that I disagree with. Chartered schools and all the scholarships. Uh, I mean, I think that, uh, charter schools need to abide by the same thing, but public schools do. And, you know, I know we're supposed to educate all kids. I understand for, but I, uh, I voted against it because I felt it was too much money. Uh, then, uh, also, uh, there was legislation, uh, for, uh, safety issues out there. Uh and uh there uh was was also legislated that was filed for uh for veterans, for temporary housing, for foster children. Uh and uh then we really have to look at rural hospitals.

We have got to step up and figure out what's going on there. They're very important to us. Uh and and I will tell you and that's one thing I'm a little concerned about is there is some hospitals out there that have not been reimbursed the state's portion of the Medicaid that's owed them for over five years. And you know it's a struggle. I don't think there's anybody in here that can do business and not get paid for five years. And uh then also uh we mandate so much and when I say that I mean uh the county particularly you know we mandate what they have to pay somebody we mandate this mandate that school districts the same way. And we have got to get to local control. And when I say that uh I I've apologized before and I apologize again tonight. the safety sales tax. It took four years to get him down out of GC and from the first year to the fourth year cost and that that's that's not fair. And you know, you know what your constituents want and if you promote it and do it right, they'll vote for it. And that's that's what we need is the local control. And uh I have introduced every bill every year in the last since Odessa uh for you know that we stay out of that we allow you to do sale but we put a cap on it somewhere and of course it doesn't go anywhere but I've apologized to the Richmond City Council because they've had a a safety sales tax down there for two years and Lexington has had a safety

sales down there for two And there was 28 communities last year that had uh issues like that for different and there was only one that got passed and that's because a senator fought forward and put it on something over in the house uh in the senate. Uh and that's where I say that you know communication was so important. Uh, and I encourage uh anyone and everyone to come to Jeff City and if you come as a group, I'll make sure we get a hearing and uh go from there. But but it's just so important to be heard and go in that direction. Uh again, you know, I would answer any questions at all on the bills from last year. Uh and I uh uh we did uh eliminate the person the capital gains tax and eliminate not reduce it and we're the only state that did that and I'm going to talk about that more in a little bit. Uh and you know uh and again I don't want to be perceived as negative because we we we did several good things. You know we tried to help veterans and go in that direction. Uh but uh I'm just concerned with all the amendments that's on some of these bills and it's very difficult when a bill when an amendment is presented and it's 50 pages long and you know you you have a certain amount of time to look at for the vote and it's difficult to find key words. shall, could, would fund, appropriate, and you're going to miss them. And that's what I think that gets gets us in

trouble. We need to clean bills. Okay. All right. Uh the uh next session. Uh and uh bills can be refiled on December the 1st and it's on a Sunday, so December the 2nd this year. But there is going to be so much legislation that is filed to eliminate taxes. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like to pay taxes more than anybody else, but yet to eliminate them and not have a way to replace them is very difficult. And there is where there was one bill that and it's going to be filed in regular session because it was drawn up in special session that would cost the state of Missouri almost a billion dollars. Now, if I take a billion dollars, you know, that's going to affect the cities, that's going to affect the services, and we can't do that. And that's where we need communication and to try to educate, you know, and again, like I said, I I don't like taxes more than anybody else, but I do think that we need to be more accountable where, you know, you might not agree with the way the money spent, but at least you're going to know where to go. and actually go, you know, it seems like that to get an issue passed, we have to say, okay, the money's going to educate, you know, because it's not all of the money, it's the money that uh the that that makes. And sometimes you know that that is supposed to be awesome. Uh and

uh we we complicate things so much today that everything seems to be challenged in court. And when it gets challenged in court, the legal system wins and we we've got to stop that. Um this uh coming year uh the uh budget is going to be at $52 billion and uh it has grown every year and uh it's a a big state you know but but here again we need to be whole departments more account and uh kind of working on that. Uh I have spent several days in the capital this summer. Uh and I am really concerned uh about the amount the increasing amount of tax credits and uh you know tax credits are very important and we need those for growth and to attract but then yet we need more accountability. If we take half a million dollars out here for XYZ tax credit, we need to see, okay, you know, the return is going to be this, okay? And then it needs to be followed up on, you know, and right now it's every six years, but there's a way to get around that, and some of them are doing that, you know. I I I just think there needs to be more accountability because if we take the money, we want to make sure there's a return because we're lowering the money that's coming in the general budget. Uh also when the tax credits increase and we decrease taxes, that gap widens and it's going to be fairly easy for some representatives to stand up

there and say let's let's cut education, you know, and or let's let's cut this, cut that. And uh I have indicated and they know that I I think it's more important for the us to manage the state's money bets and you can probably give some examples of that right you know and again we just need to be more accountable uh I uh have had the uh new director of the department of revenue in my office and we have good discussions and one of my concerns is the temporary license tax you know those people have not paid sales tax you know we pay ours then And you know I have uh I I have a commitment from her and and she has worked that if I give her the license number or take a picture of that temporary tag that she will write a personal letter and follow up and she has and I I respect that and that's you know that's where we need to manage the state's money better. uh and you know uh today uh it's a uh it's a challenge for everybody in in businesses and everything else and and we just have to have to manage better. Uh I uh uh definitely think there's going to be a lot of discussion on eliminating bills. I mean eliminating limited tax credits, you know. Uh and here again uh we'll have to look at each one of them and go go from there. Uh I think that's going to be the big issue uh in the session this year uh and uh uh go from there. Uh but again I I don't want to be perceived negatively. I've had a lot of concerns uh and I appreciate working with everybody here uh and would always

welcome uh comments or or whatever and that's that's the only way I know. Uh I will tell you and going back to communication, I have requested and they have agreed in two of my communities now to have mode come and meet with the city and the city will have an agenda and a list of things that has been brought up but has been ignored and just just ignored. like for an example the the speed coming in south on 131 you know that need that needs to be addressed and we need their help you know to do and there's other things out there and so they have agreed I'm going to request uh and and visit with Shaun later the same thing here right uh and as I indicated uh earlier coming in tonight I was six minutes on the 131 bridge And there was five cars in front of me and the traffic cut off of 70

can't do it was amazing and I hope that the plan that they have for out there eliminates that but you know there's other things besides teardrops and uh rounds. So, uh, again, thanks for listening to me. I'll answer any questions and and go from there. Terry, do we have any idea yet on the direction that we're heading on property tax?

No. Uh, there was a committee of of 28 that went around the state. Uh and uh in Kansas City uh some of the representatives were so rude and disrespectful to to the superintendent who was trying to explain the impact and and all this. Uh they uh they are looking at possibly caffeine part of it. uh uh they are really looking at the tax commission uh and it's like uh in in Lafayette County the t the tax commission come up and said hey we got to increase tax certain% and I uh met with the commissioners and the assessor and until somebody gives me a reason why it has to go up I I don't don't ignore it and they did. they took it to the final set and then they kind of got threatened by and so they have they signed and and again appraisals are worth the paper to have written and if Lafayette County is so under the appraise that appraise value that they have that we have then somebody needs to take sure and I think that Here we know more what the true values are than somebody sitting in a can. And again that goes back to communication. But yeah uh and uh I uh I I tend to stay back and board meeting each month and I'm beginning to

see elancies now in real estate loans because of the increase in espro. And when I say that, I have gone far more than I had helped when I was in the banking business. and his escrow between insurance and taxes went up $400 a month and got two kids and it's pressure and also along with that I see the consumer debt continue to rise continue to rise continue to rise. So, you know, uh and again, I mean, I'm just really concerned. Uh and going back to uh respectful meetings and and communication relationships, I have been in DC. I've been in uh the capital and everybody is trying to look on how how to help the egg industry grow. Not necessarily the farmer because, you know, I mean, they're the ones that that need the support, but I mean, look at your businesses that rely upon the farm and and like, you know, a farmer now is selling his calf where it's smaller where he used to take it to the butcher up here. people would buy it. So that business is in, you know, new combines and everything. And again, in that room and and it was over and uh nobody could agree, well, I want this, you want that, nobody could agree. So again, when you my age, my mouth kind of gets me in trouble sometimes. and and I stood up and said, "You know, if we can't agree, maybe we'd be better off if we just stay out." And then I'll leave the room and I know that I'm talking.

But again, we have got to get back to local. So, all right. So, uh, any other questions, comments, or anything? Temporary tech. My biggest pet peeve is inspired. I can send you pictures all day. you will take care of them. I can send you pictures all day. Yeah,

I hate that on that. It would seem like if they're kept track of and the temporary tag matched up with a system that shows that a car wasn't registered that the Department of Motor V motor vehicle might have that information, but not enough people to do the matching up, I guess. and the the system is going to change where you pay your taxes at a party machine. But the computer system was was behind and so that's part of the reason why we're making that change. But I imagine I said how many how many are out there? They can't tell. Now when I go to the card card association, they can kind of tell me what they think and it's a lot of Yeah. and and again you know it's a it's a challenge and I and I agree but and there again that's my calls on accountability you do we have got to hold some departments more so additional comments

all right thank you tonight and again we will follow up on a couple issues When I get a schedule on both, we'll make a list and see what we can do. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next, we got a need a motion of approval. Um, Miss Donna is not able to fulfill the role of acting president of the board. He's still standing with her since she's leaving us. We need approval of the acting president of the board of alderman to bill alderoman helm. I would take nominations for that position.

Okay. We got uh two nominations. Any any further nominations? All in favor of alderman what's it? All in favor of alderman got three first all going with him. Okay. Long as he will accept the role of course. long ago accept the role of course.

Yeah. All right. Thank you. All right. Um and now we need the approval of the appointment of the finance committee member to replace all the women's firm that would because it has to be work specific. We have one option. Yeah. Anyone want to formally nominate ultimate black? I will nominate ultimate black roles. All right. Any permanent nominations? There can't be. We got five. We got six.

All right. So, those two motions of approval have been approved. Next up, u resolution number 2025-34. Proposed resolution number 2025-34 authorizing the expenditure of funds for the 2026 electric cost of service and rate study between the city of Odessa and Alier Martin. Oh, I missed one, didn't I?

All right, back up. Motion of approval. uh approval of the amended police station lease with the 1912 Development Group LLC effective November 20 November 1st, 2025. And this came up uh because I understand why it came up. We had extensions grant extensions written uh that didn't give us extra time on the rental uh how long the police department could stay there. So, we've fixed that and uh we just need a motion to have approval for this to be accepted. Okay. Any discussion?

I just have I just wanted to uh correct my board action report. Um so, the the first year of the Z lease agreement does not begin until the leaser obtains a building permit. It does not begin on November 1st, which is how I stated it in my attra. So, I just wanted to be aware that until the until the developer obtains a building permit, once that obtains, that begins year one of the three-year zero lease. Then year four would be the schedule. So, I wanted to correct my word.

Okay. I was going to recommend that that be what the new schedule should be. And that's what and that's what the agreement is for is to begin when the building permit is obtained. Yeah, because right now the timeline has already started. Okay. Yeah, it is an amendment different than what it stated here. Make sure we make an amendment. Wait, it's not on the agenda. No, it's not on the agenda. Just the board action report was incorrect. It is on the agenda, but it is not on the contract. that the agreement is correct. The agreement is correct. And what you're approving is is perfectly fine, too.

So, nothing needs to be changed. You can still approve what's on the agenda as is. Yeah. And I will make note of that in the minutes. So, that should begin on the date first until it says until the leaser obtains a building permit for the redevelopment project, you will pay $0 per per annual. And then that does not until that um the year three will begin once they obtain the building permit. Yes. And then year four and five after. I see. Okay. I get it. We got that. Wait a second. Now you got confused. You say year three.

Yeah. The first three years starts and year one would start then go three years with no lease. Correct. Then year four would be a lease. No. No. Z. Sorry. Zero zero payment for lease in the first three years. Those first three years start when we issue him a bill. That's correct. Yes. But the amendment is effective November 1st. Correct. Everybody good now? All right. I would take a motion to approve the motion of approve. I'll make a motion to approve building amendment for station. Second. Got a motion and a second. All in favor? Six.

Okay. Motion carry. Resolution 2025-34 authorizing the expenditure of funds for the 2026 electric cost of service and rate study between the city of Odessa, Missouri and Alier Barn and Associates. I would take the motion. Oh, no. Let's have some discussion.

Excuse me. Sorry. What rate study include recommendations for being able to lower?

Yes. Yeah. So all inclusively what we requested of them was that they take a look at our class structure and but as a result of them looking at the the cost of services study they're going to they're going to look at the global picture to understand if we are grossly overcharging. So, one of the um examples or something that was brought up was our pilot payment that we paid to general fund and our um ad administrative transfer. So, I I spoke with him on the phone today and he talked a little bit to me about that and um mentioned that he would take a deeper dive into that so we better understand what we're allowed to do too. And there is a potential that we've maybe exceeded what we're allowed to do with that relationship between our utility funds and our general funds. So definitely, for example, if we were to need to lower pilots or lower the admin fee, that could result in. But what his overall point of doing this is is to better understand the class structures. but he's going to tie those class structures with the cost of services for each of those different classes. So if the cost of services are equal to what our class is now, then there is no rate to be lowered. Um I kind of equated it to our salary study. We're doing a salary study, but that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone's getting a raise. It's the same thing with this. We're going to do a rate study, but that doesn't necessarily mean that rates are for sure going to increase or they're for sure going to lower. But that's the whole entire point of the study is to better understand where we are and where our rates align and if they should be

increased or lowered. How about lower?

He that that would also be included. Um I don't necessarily know if this will get us the ability to lower our wholesale cost verbatim. I think a lot of the the point in hiring the on call engineers was for them to help us globally with our electric department. So there's a few different ways we can do that. There's um taking a look at the cost of services, taking a look at the different class structures, but there's also the system analysis that they can do. they're able to build a complete model that can tell us exactly where maybe some of our weaker points are within our system, how we can make improvements to improve the system to be more efficient and therefore reduce our wholesale costs. So, um that will be looked at here, but maybe not um this this study is not the end all beall that will help us to determine whether or not we can or cannot lower our wholesale costs. Is that fair?

I understand what you're saying. I'm just really disappointed for how long process takes and it's nothing that's our fault. It's just it takes forever. You know that I've talked for the seven months I've been on reducing some of these different ways. finally a great study, but we're not going to have it done speed up. We're not going to have it done in time to do anything that can save us on wholesale cost, which is the biggest part, biggest expense where we save some money.

I agree. So we would be looking at a year plus another 24 months down the road before we would be able to budget and make any changes to that. Yep. Very disappointed that take us that long. I understand. I agree. I wish we could move things much faster, but um it just it just doesn't happen overnight and we want to do it right. We don't want to rush anything. It's just unfortunate, but yes. It takes time.

Further discussion. Seeing none, take a motion to approve resolution number 2025-30. Make a motion to approve resolution number 2025-24 electric cost of service.

A motion and second following carry them. All in favor 60 resolution passes. I will add to just in the discussions with um David from AMA um he did mention too that these numbers provided for this these services are the not to exceed. So he's putting all he put these numbers together based on estimates of how long he thinks each different step of the process is going to take. uh for example presentations he calculated that at the worst possible scenario that could happen in order to determine what the not to exceed is. So for example he put three meetings at four hours a meeting with the um potential for an overnight if it should be required. So it's unrealistic that he's going to need all of the hours he's budgeted for for this project overall. That's just an example.

Thank you. All right. Proposed resolution number 2025-32 authorizes the mayor to sign a developers agreement between the city of Odess Missouri and developers Steve and Lisa Baylor regarding the Hill development project. Discussion. Sir, mayor, we actually need a motion, a second, and then discussion for resolution. Okay. Take a motion for approval. Motion for approval. Is that right?

You can do a motion to approve. Yes. And then if then if that fails, there's no second or if they decide to not do that, you can then have a motion. Well, just fail sadly. All right. Well, we've been doing it all along good way. Good. All right. So, we'll take a motion to approve. will fail before I think or it'll fail to you taking a motion. Okay, I was going to try back. So, I will make a motion uh to approve resolution number 2025-32 the hill developments developers of green. Okay, I'll second. Now we'll have discussion here. Yes.

Okay. I must abstain. All right. All right. Let's have some discussion about this. We didn't have a whole lot of discussion last time around. So, what do you all want to talk about? Stop.

We just need We just need to get up.

All right. Nothing changed from the last time. Nothing's changed from the last time exactly the same. We just thought maybe since Sha was here, she has been an integral part of the discussions that she would be a resource for any discussion you wanted to have that wasn't available to since she wasn't available last time.

You have anything you could add? Um, I'll just add that I I can say while nothing has changed from last till this time, I will say we did take um significant efforts to negotiate back and forth and quite I mean we've been negotiating on on this item for close to a year at this point. So this is kind of the final result um of those negotiations. So, we've done that with myself. We've with done that with Lobers's office. Um, we've met in person with the Bailey's and their attorney more than once. Um, we've done ample negotiations and now we're kind of at a stalemate. So, that's my

So, just validate to understand this correctly. So the electrical is part of it, one thing, but where does the damage to the road come in? If I understand correctly, and correct me if I do not understand, we're paying him to fix a road that he damaged during construction. An existing road, not new roads. That's a totally different subject. Yeah. But an existing road that he damaged during construction. We're banking to fix a city road in this agreement that he damaged. Yep. Yep. That was put into the um credited amount. Yes, that's the stickler that I have.

It is not all I There's not an itemized breakdown of the $130,000 credit. So, I can't say that onethird of that is a part of the street or it's not. Um there it is itemized on there. Okay. Well, at least what we were getting. on the last presented that remember that

yes of the 64,000. Yes. But I mean it's how I don't know if you can necessarily apply the 64 directly to the 130 because they're saying here's here's the expenses and then here's $130,000 credit. I don't know it's let me find it on here. Is it in the packet? I guess that was the only part. I know we have a negotiation with the hill and whatnot, but the damage to the road in my opinion would be something separate that he should fix because he damaged his equipment and it shouldn't be part of this agreement.

It would be no different than I drive my track across the street from my house, you'd make me pay for it if I hadn't. Right. But that's just the difference between the if you were to peel off 64 from the 130 that gives you 65 but there's additional expenses beyond 65. So you can't you cannot say that the 65 is for 100% of the road costs. There's there's developer costs, there's road costs, and there's $130,000 credit. Okay. So, that's what I wanted to clarify is are we paying him to fix that?

A portion a portion of the credit would have to apply to some of the the road expense. Yes. W I don't recall it was I spoke with I don't remember who it was you call it but we had looked at the the bill that was presented and it had square footage of the road feature there and the square footage of me and we calculated the amount of that cost that was for the repair and I'm thinking it was something like $6,900 cost that would have been allocated in that bill to the to the

we had that conversation.

Yeah, we add these two together. So that's what that cost bec because I was involved in the negotiations. I can speak to where the Bailey's believe that there a portion of the road expense should be um split between us and their perspective of that is that the due to the condition of the road prior to construction led to a portion of the deterioration of the road.

I see that argument. So that that is that is the counter that we've you know gone back and forth on during these negotiations that due to the the the condition of the road prior to construction that led to additional breakdown of the road by their vehicles.

Any other concerns need to be addressed for the vote? All right, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? All opposed? 41 with one extension. Motion resolution carries. Next up, we've got the strategic plans conversation police about Keith Thompson. Thank you. You have to put up with my voice tonight. I do have it back. Last week I didn't have it at all. Um so bear with me. um in your packet. I think the final page of the packet was uh described and this is a nice little graphic that uh Sean and city hall put together during your all's um strategic planning sessions. Um I'm just going to kind of go down through those. Uh last board meeting, uh we discussed the public safety sales tax. So I'll only touch on that just a little bit. Um, but approving a funding mechanism for a new police facility was listed first and we're halfway there. You all approved the language for the 38 cent sales tax that will go on the ballot for voters to decide on in April. The second half of that is for the voters to approve the mechanism. And I just put a slight um timeline because Representative Thompson had mentioned uh that to get this to the voters

um has taken five year it took four years in the state and then a couple of years for us. So this process to get this to the voters started in 2018 2019. you know, the police department who was relocated to the facility in 2014. And alderman at the time of my appointment uh told me that it was a temporary location and that they would work hard uh to find a permanent solution for the police department facility, a a modern police facility and but a funding mechanism was a question they had. So at that time the public safety sales tax was discussed. We met with Representative Thompson. We gained support in Jeff City. We had our um legislation passed and signed by the governor. Uh and that took time and of course in 2024 uh we approached the public and they they said no. and they said no for reasons that we're trying to make correct um mechanisms for. We're trying to correct um how the information is shared, trying to answer questions when we can and get the correct information out to the public. Of course, everything listed below that has to kind of go with the facility. If you look at some of those uh action items that that you all had come up with, the one I wanted to take a moment to visit with you briefly about is uh second to the last ensure adequate personnel for operational needs. Um times previous when we had the budget discussions um we have discussed personnel um and one of those examples is animal control and codes. Currently, I have a

one full-time employee who on paper is supposed to be a 50/50 uh employee, but in all honesty, it's about 955, 9010. Um, she's a very hard worker and I'm blessed to have Gayen working for us. When you say 9510, which which way

codes overwhelmingly codes? So, you know, future discussions that you all should have, in my opinion, should include staffing at the police department level. But I don't want to end with just codes, enforcement, and animal control. I have no detective. My lieutenant, who handled investigations, is still handling investigations while supervising six employees. Um, investigations aren't ending. Uh not to go into all of it, but uh if anything, they are increasing. Um administrator Davis and I have had recent conversations about those investigations and they're just they're complex. They take a lot of time and effort uh for my staff to investigate those because we want good prosecutions in court. So I just bring that to um your attention. Um but um I can tell you that we've already taken steps uh let's use uh um animal control as the example. We've already taken steps in previous CIP budget requests and laying out that capital improvement over 5 years and next year 2026 and 27 uh we're proposing as we go through the budget discussions uh animal control a standalone animal control facility. Now, what can that do? The mayor and I have had discussions about um expanding animal control to do more than just dogs. Um you know, cats are always um a discussion amongst uh my animal control and the and the public. Um but we need a facility and a mechanism to be able to take on that workload. Like I said, Gaelen is a wonderful employee. I'm happy to have her, but she is uh she's running thin on her time. and she could only get so much

accomplished. Alderman Davis explained to you some of those codes enforcement uh uh positive goals that she has uh that Gailing has has uh accomplished. Uh the outlaw being one of the biggest ones, six innings being another one. Uh some of these houses that are being demoed uh that that is Galen's work there and and the relationships that she's building. So, next budget year, we're proposing, you know, a standalone animal control facility. That doesn't come out of the a potential public safety sales tax. That is capital improvement dollars we're requesting to put towards that project. There's also grants available for some of those projects, too. We will continue to apply for and try to receive grants for that. One of the other things um in the CIP, excuse me, for 2026 2027 is um police data and records meet citation upgrades. One of the the uh action items is uh implementing a digital records room to secure restricted access. uh the the software that we're currently using is 20 years old and with PI uh personal identifiable information um we have to safeguard that information. We need to make sure that the information we're obtaining, social security numbers, dates of birth, credit card information for those fraud cases are being held secure within our our databases. So working with other jurisdictions to pull and share our resources is something that I'm working on. but we're proposing capital improvement dollars to assist us in doing that. There's other grant dollars available for that too and we will continue to work on that. Um what excuse me why do I explain some of this stuff and I'll end with this. One of the success items that you have on this uh graphic is increased officer

retention rates um within the department. uh 2025 we've seen some turnover uh in our department. Um I'll bring next board meeting I'm going to bring a couple of officers to introduce them to you. Uh we have an opening that will be coming available here very soon and I will work to back bill that position. So in 2025 a lot of turnover and some of the feedback I'm getting from those is they're finding that information. They're finding that other departments are offering those um data records and ecitation upgrades already. Uh they're offering these they're offering a secure police facility for them to work in. And while that's not necessarily uh the reason why the only reason why people are are are leaving uh small police departments like Odessa, it is one of the reasons why uh the feedback that I'm getting. So, uh, I'll just end with that. Um, you know, I think that, um, the police, uh, your all's goal, uh, that you have set for the police department is wonderful. I think that, um, you know, your all's assistance with getting the correct information out about the public safety sales tax. None of the the police facilities, some of these upgrades are not going to be um they'll be cost prohibitive without a funding mechanism behind them. Uh so we hope that the the voters will get out to vote in April and uh understand the reasons why we're approaching them with this public safety sales tax. Um and with that, I will end or ask answer any questions you might have. Sure. So you mentioned some of the reasons why we do have extra array. What other things are out there? You mentioned no

data collection security the facility I'm assuming pay as one because salary benefits what else is out there reason what other variable um public support and opinion uh we

we have I feel we have wonderful support in this community but um if you look at law enforcement in Missouri uh law enforcement across the United states uh more and more are leaving the business without people getting into the business. A recent statistic from the Missouri Police Chiefs Association uh would indicate almost uh 3 to one leading versus replacement in Missouri. So um you know we're fortunate that um currently as we sit today we're full stack. I will be losing one here in about a month and I already have a mechanism to attract uh a new candidate. Uh but some jurisdictions aren't that uh that fortunate. Um but yes, that u one thing that you I'm very grateful and my staff is very grateful. So I want to thank you for the wage and compensation study that you all agreed to um allow the the city to entertain. Um but we've already been my staff has already been involved in that. Um myself as department director has already been involved in that. We're moving into the next phase of that wage compensation study. So

Bruce, do you have something? Hi. I just was wondering what our estimated ETA is for that for what the wage studies. Um I don't remember off the top of my head mostly because I've disconnected for two weeks. But I can let you know what the say it's first year they would be providing like January 15thish providing the board with their with their draft report. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

Yes ma'am. I just want to say uh every time we see the consent agenda and the number of cases that our police department handles on a month basis and how you operate and get that all accomplished in the facility that you have is commendable. So um I can't imagine how wonderful a step up it would be to have a facility that you can actually do. So, you know, interviewing uh witnesses, victims, and suspects separately is uh I can tell you that we're successful and proud of my group, but just think about you give them a facility and how much more successful they will be. Yeah. Absolutely.

When you're giving them uh the tools and be able to to accomplish the mission. So, thank you for that and thank you for your service though. Anything else to keep? Thank you very much. Okay. Stay tuned for the capital improvement for this next budget. Someone has some things. Shameless plug. All right. Next schedule meeting will be Monday, December 8th. You have one question. On the small or the road bar asked out for bid again?

Um, it's it went out for bid a second time. It's closed. We received one bid and it's over budget. So, we still need to go back to um and regroup and kind of see if we have any options on the table. We've recently allocated a large portion of our CIP reserves for the sidewalk project. Um so, if it wasn't for that, we could probably pull it from those reserves, but without that, um we'll need it'll either be tight or we won't be able to. Uh, next meeting is Monday, December 8th, 6 pm. The time for any alderman would like to make a request to have anything put on the agenda or summary that will I and Eric have time to discuss. Yeah, we're going to invite Terrick and Ty both come up be part of the discussion.

Anything else? Mayor, we need a vote on that, please. We ask you space now. All in favor of alderman significant for the agenda for the food truck summary report six and six car. All right, I would take a motion to adjurnn. favor.

Who seconded the motion to I made the motion. I don't understand.

You're going to get up there and you're gonna get

Yeah. Oh, I guess I should take this off. I don't know.