The April 13 regular meeting of the Blackburn Board of Aldermen was called to order at 7 p.m. at Blackburn City Hall.

Roll call: Valerie Hall, Jeremy McKeage, Robert Steffens, Gary Huffington. Absent: Alderman Ethan Lane. A quorum was declared.

The March 9, 2026, Board of Aldermen meeting minutes were presented to the Board for review.

Board members discussed the contents of the minutes and confirmed that they accurately reflected the previous meeting proceedings. Motion was made by Valerie Hall to approve the March 9, 2026, meeting minutes as presented. Second by Gary Huffington. Yea: McKeage, Huffington, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried.

The 2026 financial statements were presented to the Board of Aldermen for review and discussion. The General Fund ending balance was reported as $42,557.42. Board members reviewed the monthly financial documentation, including expenditures, receipts, and supporting records. Discussion occurred regarding recent maintenance expenses and the overall financial stability of the city. During the review of the March financial records, the Board identified no issues within the records. The Board discussed the importance of maintaining proper financial oversight and ensuring that appropriate signatures and authorizations are obtained for all city expenditures. The financial statements were accepted as presented. Motion made to approve was made by Valerie Hall, second by Robert Steffens. Motion carried.

Old Business

The Board discussed Ken Gasson Insurance renewal; email was received with the calculated expenses for this year. Increase of $755 (9%). Board decided need for call and questioning about pricing of pumps and buildings. Motion was made by Gary Huffington to approve bills to be paid, second by Valerie Hall. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the status of asphalt millings that had been previously planned for 5th Street, 1st Street, and Rea Street. Jeremy McKeage stated that only one out of four companies reached out to give the City of Blackburn a bid. The Board discussed the expenses of asphalt millings for the predetermined streets for $37,000. Street fund is currently sitting at $25,000. Board came to agreement to approve asphalt millings. Motion made to approve $37,000 to complete street millings for alleyways made by Jeremy McKeage, second by Gary Huffington.

The Board discussed tree trimming needs within the city. Jeremy McKeage stated that several local individuals had expressed interest in performing the work and indicated that they have insurance coverage. After some discussion with Hostetter, the board discussed accepting their bid to allow them to remove the trees. Motion to accept $5,250 Hostetter bid was made by Jeremy McKeage, second by Valerie Hall.

Robert Steffens reported that the new swings for the park have been installed, but have issues needing to be resolved. Robert reported that some swings are in need of replacement parts to keep them safe and functional for the children. Motion was made by Valerie Hall to allow Jeremy McKeage to purchase needed equipment at Lowes, second by Gary Huffington.

The Board discussed a request from the Missouri State Auditor’s Office for documentation related to employee records. Valerie Hall stated that the State Auditor requested time sheets and payroll records for Kevin for the years 2024 and 2025. Valerie explained that the state cannot currently find him, but have not yet tried his place of employment. No motion was made.

New Business

The Board discussed the hiring of Kyrstin Eastin as City Clerk. Members expressed appreciation that Kyrstin was willing to accept the position. Motion was made by Valerie Hall to formally hire Kyrstin Eastin as City Clerk. Second by Gary Huffington. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: continued from page 1 None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried.

The Board discussed updating city bank accounts to reflect the staffing change. Valerie Hall explained that Crystal Meyer should be removed from all city accounts, and Kyrstin Eastin added so that city operations can continue without interruption. Motion was made by Gary Huffington to remove Crystal Meyer from all city bank accounts and add Kyrstin Eastin. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried.

The Board had discussed the costs of gravel for alleyways and roads around the ponds. Board approved for $2,900 for five loads of gravel. Motion was made by Jeremy McKeage to buy five loads of gravel. Second by Valerie Hall.

Commissioner Reports

No community events were discussed during this meeting.

Bills for Payment

The Board reviewed the monthly bills. No issues were found within the monthly bills. Board had short discussion about the budget before moving on. Motion was made by Gary Huffington to approve payment of the bills. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried.

Closed Session

The Board entered Closed Session 610.021c RSMo to discuss the payroll of Kyrstin Eastin as the new City Clerk. Kyrstin Eastin was sworn in during the closed session. Motion was made by Jeremy McKeage to swear in Kyrstin Eastin as City Clerk, second By Gary Huffington. Yea: McKeage, Huffington. Nay: None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried.

Adjournment

Motion was made by Jeremy McKeage to adjourn the meeting. Second by Valerie Hall. Yea: McKeage, Hall, Huffington. Nay: None. Absent: Lane. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Blackburn Board of Aldermen will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.