City Council - Regular Meeting

We are now live. Sorry, that's going back to the 70s and 80s.

Made me feel older. All right, call this meeting to order. For all that care to, please stand for an opening prayer and pledge of allegiance. Let us pray. We come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of Republic. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we make decisions that affect our community. Grant us clarity, unity, and integrity in all that we do. Help us to lead with compassion, humility, and a spirit of cooperation. In your name we pray. Amen.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So, good evening everyone and welcome to Republic. Our first item on the agenda tonight are proclamations. And we have two for tonight. Our first proclamation for tonight we'll start off with is Good Neighbor Proclamation for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. So this is a time to honor the very essence of what makes our community so special and to recognize that our city's mission, vision, and values are not just words on a page. They are lived out every single day through the actions of the people who call Republic home. to grow together by always doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. And it is reflected in every act of kindness we perform. Whether it's a simple wave, a helping hand with a chore, or a friendly chat, we are choosing to do the right thing to strengthen our community. We have Mr. Burton here this evening. Mr. Burton, would you like to come forward?

Sure. So, tonight we have one of our friendliest neighbors, Mr. Burton, who with the help of state rep. Bishop Davidson passed a proclamation to declare Good Neighbor Week in Missouri during this week of uh September the 28th through the October the 4th. Yes. So, we've got Mr. Burton here this evening. Would you like to share anything with us about m Good Neighbor Week, Mr. Absolutely. I never want to pass up an opportunity. Absolutely. Thank you.

Thank you, mayor and council members and staff for the proclamation. Republic tonight joins seven other Missouri cities that have passed proclamations for Missouri Good Neighbor Week and there's others to come. And yes, the idea was birthed right here in Republic at a Chamber of Commerce meeting after we had done an event in Republic for National Good Neighbor Day. And Bishop Davidson asked what the plan was for the future. And honestly, no one had asked me that question before. And just shooting from the hip, I said, "I don't know. It'd be nice to celebrate for a week." And the next thing I know, there was legislation on the docket at the at the uh capitol building and that was approved and signed by the governor in 2022. So, it's been a a great thing to see and see cities grab a hold of it, not just as the city program, but individuals taking actions to get to know the names of their neighbors, find ways to use the names of their neighbors, and gather their neighbors together. over 31,000 acts of neighboring across the state last year and some of those came from Republic, but we'd love to see more. It's a it's a friendly community, but we want people connect with their neighbors. That adds to a sense of belonging, sense of place and sense of caring, and we uh every community needs more of that. So, thank you for recognizing that with the proclamation and thanks for the opportunity to be here.

Absolutely. And thank you so very much, Mr. Burton, for being here this evening.

Yeah, it was fun. So our proclamation for Missouri good neighbor week. Whereas the city of Republic, Missouri is dedicated to its vision of growing together by always doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason and its core values which include being a caring and insightful community. Whereas the city's values define who we are and how we will accomplish our mission, vision, and values providing peace, security, and stability for the citizens of Republic. And whereas the state of Missouri has designated the week of September the 28th to October the 4th as Missouri Good Neighbor Week, a time to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness and connections within our community. And whereas the city of Republic is home to countless citizens who volunteer their time, their talent and resources to improve our community through local initiatives, civic organizations, and everyday acts of kindness. And whereas these acts of community engagement, whether large or small, contribute to a sense of belonging, a shared vision, and the collective well-being of all who live, work, and play in Republic. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, the mayor of the city of Republic, Missouri, proclaim September the 28th through October the 4th, 2025 as Good Neighbors Week, and testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and affix the seal of the city of Republic this 9th day of September, 2025. So earlier before the meeting, we presented one to David Burton, and we've got a picture with David Burton. So, we did a little bit differently tonight, but we appreciate you being here and we appreciate all of the great neighboring acts of kindness from within our community. And there's there's several from council members, from staff, and from from citizens. And so, it's a really great effort and we appreciate everything that you do. Our next proclamation for tonight and our next special guest for this evening.

It is a remarkable story of connection and an incredible bond between a person and their service dog. This proclamation isn't just a formality. It's a testament to the profound impact that service animals have on our lives. The inspiration for this proclamation came from a local story whose recent experience highlights the vital role that these trained companions play. In a time of crisis, a service dog named Michael became a true lifesaver. And tonight we have Becky and service dog Michael. And it looks like Michael is being such a good boy right now. So Becky and Michael, thank you so much for being here tonight. And it is an incredible story. Um, one that we will present this proclam we presented this proclamation earlier to Michael and Becky. Um, and this is a proclamation for all service animals as well who selflessly serve our community. It's a great opportunity to raise awareness at a local level to share the stories and to learn and share with others the proper etiquette around working dogs and to celebrate our ability to bond in such an incredible way to the animals that are around us. And so our proclamation for this evening, National Service Dog Awareness Month. Whereas September is recognized as National Service Dog Month, a time to honor and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and life-changing work of service dogs and their handlers. And whereas these remarkable canines are not merely pets, but highly trained working animals that provide vital assistance to individuals that depend upon their skills and training. And whereas service dogs such as those trained for retrieving, PTSD recovery, and other essential tasks significantly enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life of their human partners. Whereas

the city of Republic is a place where many people rely upon the support of these highly skilled working dogs to aid them in living a more independent lifestyle with the ability to enhance the quality of life for both companions. Whereas our community is a supportive environment for all of its citizens, including those who rely on the assistance of service animals. And whereas by recognizing National Service Dog Month, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of service dogs and their handlers and raise public awareness of the important role they play within our society. Now, therefore, I, Eric Franklin, mayor of the city of Republic, Missouri, do hereby proclaim September 2025 as National Service Dog Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens to recognize and appreciate the profound impact that service dogs have in our community and to also highlight the importance of proper etiquette around working dogs and helping to raise awareness of their important roles in helping others to live more free and independent lives. In testimony whereof, I here unto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Republic, Missouri to be affixed this ninth day of September, 2025. And so again, before our meeting, we were able to get a picture with Becky and Michael and we were able to present them with a proclamation. So we appreciate them very much for being here this evening and Michael was a very good boy tonight, so we're very thankful for him as well. Thank you very much. Moving on to our next item for the evening, we will have citizens participation. This is an opportunity for citizens to speak directly to council on matters that are not listed on tonight's agenda. Out of respect to everyone who is giving their time here this evening, we ask that you keep comments concise and focused and that we maintain mutual respect. Please know that we may not have all the answers

immediately, but you are being heard and we will do our best to address the concerns. At this time, do we have any citizens that would like to participate in citizens participation? Seeing that there are none, I'm going to close citizens participation. Moving on to the consent agenda, I welcome the council to ask any questions or comments about items number three through five on the agenda. And if there are none, we need a motion and a second for approval of the consent agenda. Motion second. Got a motion and a second. All of those in favor.

All of those opposed. Are there any abstensions?

Motion carries. 701. Board commission and committee schedules. Board of adjustment meeting will be on October the 2nd, 2025. Was cancelled. planning and zoning meeting. Our next one will be October the 6, 2025. Our next city council meeting will be October the 7th, 2025. And we will have a city council work session on October the 14th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. And we will have a city council meeting on October the 21st, 2025 with the budget workshop before at 5:00 p.m. Moving on to old business and tabled items, item number six. I need a motion and a second for the second reading of bill 25-27 by title only, please.

Second. I've got a motion and a second. All of those in favor? I. All of those opposed. Are there any abstensions? Motion carries. 800. Laurel, read the ordinance by title, please. an ordinance of the city council approving a special use permit for Repmo First Door LLC to expand and construct a self- storage building at an existing self- storage facility on real property located at 7:15 North Denver Avenue. Thank you, Laura. Does city council have any questions, comments, discussion for moving forward? Seeing that there is none, I need a motion and a second for the final passage of Bill 25-27, please.

Motion, second. Got a motion and a second. We're now going to take a roll call vote on our computers. Motion carries 800. Moving on to item number seven. I need a motion and a second for the second reading of bill 25-29 by title only, please. Motion second. Got a motion and a second. All those in favor? All of those opposed. Are there any abstensions? Motion carries. 800. Laura will read the ordinance by title, please.

An ordinance of the city council approving budget amendment number one to the budget for fiscal year 2025. Thank you, Laura. Does city council have any questions, comments, concerns on the budget amendment? Seeing that there is none, we will move on to final passage. I need a motion and a second for final passage of bill 25-29, please. Motion. Second.

Got a motion and a second. We're now going to take a roll call vote on our computers. Motion carries 800. Moving on to other business and resolutions. Item number 8, 25-R35, a resolution of the city council awarding the bid for construction of the JR Martin Park Improvements to Nesbit Construction Incorporated. I now need a motion and a second to take up resolution 25-R35, please. Motion second.

Got a motion and a second. And we've got Mr. Parks here to give us an overview this evening.

Hello. Chris Parks, parks and recreation director. Uh I'm coming this evening to bring a recommendation for the general contractor and the use of funds for the J.R. Martin um project. As you recall, this project was identified as part of the um parks capital improvement sales tax um back in 2022 um that was uh voted on by citizens. Uh so this project will highlight and enhance Jarro Martin Park even further and will include a large market pavilion, plaza space, dedicated food truck areas, expanded parking, trail connections, and a concession and storage building. Um after reviewing going through the bid process and reviewing all submitted bids uh we did come to the re recommendation for the general contractor to be Nesbbit construction. Uh the funding forces sources for the project will be uh the 1.3 million that's the remaining balance from the 2023 series bond. um 1 million coming from um 500,000 from the cap the CIS tax the capital improvement sales tax um with an additional 500,000 uh loan from the general fund um to be paid back at a rate of 3.25%. Um if you recall we had brought uh a million dollars for funding to to be uh borrowed from Arvest Bank at the time. So this scenario right here will take place of that. um it it it kind of replaces that and is better for the city and for the parks um to use this uh this scenario instead of that. Uh and 400,000 that will be um capital budget surplus um that will be in that is in our parks capital improvement sales tax um at the end of the year. uh the total funding of 2.7 million and that uh that was determined by taking the base bid uh

plus bid alternates one three four and five if you guys um did see that on the uh the uh bid tabulation sheet. So, um, staff recommends the approval of Nesbbit Construction as the general contractor for the, uh, J.R. Martin project and to authorize the use of the identified funding sources in the amount of 2.7 million. And I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Parks. Do we have any questions, comments from city council? Gary, when will it start?

Uh, we don't have a start date, but it's got to be as soon as possible. uh we have a substantial completion date of June 1, 2026 um to make sure that we have this project done before the have a blast event at the end of the month of next year. So um the the wheels will be moving quickly as far as getting the the contract completed and them have getting mobilized out on the site. So I don't have an exact start day, but it'll be soon. Thank you, Mr. Parks. Thank you, Mr. Wilson. Do we have any other questions? Will I know the schools use the the that little road. Will there be any interference with that while during construction?

It will not. So that road will stay intact until we finish the uh the parking lot. And then if you see in the uh the bid the bid tabulations there under build alternate number four south drive lane. So that that will be constructed to uh ensure that there is proper flow um for what kind of the distance that they have now. We needed to um have that distance as part of this project to help with the queuing of the of the schools so that it's not going out into Hines Hines Street there. So um yeah, that road will stay until that other South Drive lane is constructed and then the traffic flow will move over there.

Thank you, Mr. Updike. Do we have any other questions from city council? question comments. Mr. Harter, do you use Nesbit on construction stuff before? I'm not sure if the city has used as I believe so. Okay. Yeah. Um it was SA SAP has helped us with this project as far as um they've they've worked with Nesbbit before, so they didn't have any issues whenever they were came in as a low. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Harter. Any additional questions, comments, concerns for city council? Mr. Mr. Campbell. Uh Dan Nesbet has done several school projects for Springfield schools. So if that kind of helps you out there.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Camp. Any additional questions, comments from city council before moving forward? Seeing that there is none, as this is a resolution, we can call this immediately for a vote. All of those in favor? I I All of those opposed. Are there any abstensions? Motion carries. 8 Z. Moving on to reports from staff. Miss Addington.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. David Burton. It is always so good to see you. You have been such an advocate for Republic and I just love it over the years to watch your idea grow to the point where Friday night watching the Chiefs game there was an ad with you and the Springfield mayor and to watch how your program has grown and to see kindness grow it's it's nothing short of amazing. So um I just applaud you because you've been such a positive advocate for us. So thank you. I also want to thank staff and all who prep participated in our food drive with Ozark's food harvest. Together we donated 405 pounds of food which was 95 pounds more than last year and with our estimate that's about 350 meals. So want to thank everybody that participated in that. Um the car show, we've had a lot of inquiries about the car show. It'll be this Saturday on Main Street uh from 10 to 1. And then Karen and I uh attended a Springfield chamber meeting on August 28th and that was determined it it was kind of a regional effort to determine the priorities within the area and the MM project was the number one priority for a second year in a row. So we're very hopeful um that that that project will will get off the ground here as it is a regional partnership. Uh we have a very busy October. The next council meeting will be 10:7. Uh we have a council workshop on 10:14 and then we have another workshop, the budget workshop will be prior to the 10:21 meeting and the budget documents will be sent out in advance of that meeting so you'll have time to review them. And then um there is the comdev newsletter. So the number one question we get is what's coming to republic. So again,

appreciate the efforts that the community development department development department has put into providing that newsletter. So you all have a copy of that at your tables and then it'll be available online. And that's all I have this evening.

Thank you, Miss Addington. We all very much appreciate all the information. So thank you very much for all your hard work. Do we have any reports from city council? Seeing that there are none, I'll be brief this evening. Uh, just wanted to make everyone aware the Green County Mayors Association meeting is coming up on September the 25th, 5:30 in Ash Grove. Um, Lisa had mentioned the Republic Racer car show. Hopefully I get to see everyone out there this this time. It was a really great time last time. Good good to see all of our neighbors that have all the hot rods and get to see them up close and I didn't touch but yeah, great to see them. Great job on the food drive. That's like three of me. So that's a lot of food. I may have got my math off, but that's a tremendous effort and I really appreciate staff and everyone that contributed for that food drive for the Ozarks food harvest. Our MML conference is is next week and so I'm looking forward to to sharing our progress and our stories with officials across Missouri uh while also working to to learn and educate myself on as many of topics as I can. Everything is changing changes fast. The things across Missouri, the people aren't the same as they were last time. So, it's it's great to catch up with all the officials across Missouri and anything that we can bring back here to help us here on city council. Thank you to everyone that worked the recent water main break. It seemed like they got that it broke and they had it fixed before you knew it. So, really appreciate all the hard work from the public works department and getting that done and making sure that that was a priority because I know that was a priority in many citizens lives. I appreciate everyone being here tonight, Mr. Burton and and again, Michael and Becky for being here for those proclamations. Uh it's extra special when we have people that show up to receive those proclamations and so it really makes the effort worthwhile especially as mayor to make these proclamations when we have people here to rece. So we very much appreciate you being here this evening as we end another great meeting. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued dedication to the citizens of Republic that keep us safe and secure. So it's an honor to be our

mayor. Uh it's honor to live, work, and play in such a terrific community. That being said, we'll have a very short break tonight. Uh we've got some important things to get to in executive session. So I ask that if at bare minimum if we need to use the restroom, we'll do it very quickly to get a drink, come back so that we can get started for a very important topic for this evening. Topics for this evening, executive session. No further action other than announcing adjournment by the mayor shall take place after an executive session that is scheduled as the last matter on the agenda unless otherwise stated on the agenda or is allowed per RSMO610.021. Tonight we will be going into close session under RSM 610.021.3 hiring firing promotion or disciplinary personnel. Closed session. Closed vote. Closed record. So I now need a motion and a second to go into closed session.

Motion. Second. Got a motion and a second. We're now going to take a roll call vote. Council member Updike. Hi. Council member Gerky. I. Council member Harter. Hi. Council member Neil. Hi. Council member Wilson. Hi. Council member Shaw. Hi. Council member Fields. Hi. Council member Campbell. I