The March 9 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, Gary Huffington. Absent: Mayor Robert Steffens, Alderman Ethan Lane.

A quorum was declared.

The Feb. 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 by Jeremy McKeage to approve the Feb. 9, 2026, meeting minutes as presented. Second by Gary Huffington. Yea: McKeage, Huffington, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane.

The 2026 financial statements were presented to the Board of Aldermen for review and discussion. The General Fund ending balance was reported as $48,185.47.

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. It was noted that an unexpected repair occurred during the month involving the replacement of a hot water heater. The repair was completed by Alvin Moenkhoff at a cost of approximately $845, which had not originally been included in the maintenance budget.

During the review of the January financial records, the Board identified violations related to the issuance and authorization of certain checks. A discussion was held regarding internal financial procedures and the need to maintain proper authorization protocols moving forward. As a result of this review, a formal written reprimand was prepared and signed by the Board of Aldermen addressing the violations involving Mayor Robert Steffens and former City Clerk Crystal Meyer. The purpose of the reprimand was to document the issue and reinforce the importance of following established financial controls. 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.

Old Business

Ken Gasson was scheduled to attend the meeting to discuss the city’s insurance renewal. However, he was not present at the time the item was discussed. The Board agreed that this matter would be revisited once additional information is available.

The Board discussed the status of asphalt millings that had been previously planned for 5th Street, 1st Street, and Rea Street. Jeremy McKeage reported that the contractor responsible for the millings had not yet provided an update. The Board discussed the importance of continuing to follow up on the project, as these streets have ongoing maintenance concerns. Jeremy McKeage stated that he would contact the contractor again during the upcoming week to request an update.

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. Additional communication with those individuals will take place to determine availability and cost.

Valerie Hall reported that new swing seats ordered for the park playground equipment have been delivered. The boxes containing the swings were present at City Hall during the meeting. Discussion occurred regarding installation of the swings and ensuring they are properly installed for safety. Gary Huffington mentioned that a resident in town may have an additional playground swing set that could potentially be donated to the city park. The Board discussed possibly relocating the equipment to the park if it is still in usable condition.

Valerie Hall reported that the 2025 budget reconciliation has been completed. Adjustments were made to ensure the financial records are balanced. Discussion occurred regarding submission of the reconciled information to the State Auditor. Valerie Hall stated she still needs to confirm the proper submission process and meet with the previous clerk to ensure the documents are sent to the correct auditor contact.

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 timesheets and payroll records for Kevin for the years 2024 and 2025. Valerie explained that she has begun gathering those records and will compile the information to provide to the auditor. Gary Huffington commented that some timesheets appear to be handwritten and limited in detail. Valerie Hall stated that the City will provide all documentation that currently exists in the city’s records.

Valerie Hall reported that a contract with Lori Feigenbaum regarding Lafayette County collections has been completed and mailed. Discussion occurred regarding how Lafayette County handles these agreements differently from Saline County. Valerie Hall stated that the agreement functions as a one-year contract allowing the county to collect certain revenues and remit them back to the City of Blackburn.

The Board reviewed the community building rental rates. Valerie Hall explained that residents had previously asked if the rental fee could be reduced from $100 to $50. The Board reviewed the financial impact of the building rentals. Valerie Hall explained that the building averages approximately 25 rentals per year, generating around $2,500 annually in rental revenue. The Board also discussed cleaning costs and the monthly cleaning arrangement currently in place. Jeremy McKeage stated that he believes the deposit should remain in place to ensure renters clean the facility properly. After discussion, the Board agreed to keep the rental rate at $100 with a $100 deposit.

New Business

The Board discussed the hiring of Jasmine Head as City Clerk. Members expressed appreciation that Jasmine was willing to accept the position. Motion by Gary Huffington to formally hire Jasmine Head as City Clerk. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane.

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 Jasmine Head added so that city operations can continue without interruption. Motion by Gary Huffington to remove Crystal Meyer from all city bank accounts and add Jasmine Head. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane.

Valerie Hall reported that heavy rainfall had washed out portions of the gravel road north of town. Discussion occurred regarding whether the road district may be able to place additional rock. Jeremy McKeage stated he would contact the county to request assistance.

The Board discussed potholes on Park Street and recent maintenance efforts to address them. Valerie Hall reported that CMAS assisted with filling several potholes by scraping loose gravel and filling the holes. Discussion occurred regarding additional gravel that may be needed for future repairs. The Board agreed that CMAS may use gravel located behind the police department with permission from the City prior to use to assist with street maintenance and pothole repair as needed.

The alley located behind several properties running from 4th Street to Harry’s property was discussed. Valerie Hall reported that the alley has deteriorated significantly after recent rainfall and is becoming difficult to travel. Discussion occurred regarding the importance of keeping the alley passable for trash collection and emergency vehicles, particularly because some homes have addresses that face the alley. Jeremy McKeage stated he will inspect the alley and determine what grading or gravel work may be needed.

The Board discussed the condition of the refrigerator and stove located in the park shelter house. Gary Huffington stated that the appliances are in poor condition and no longer usable. Motion by Valerie Hall to remove and scrap the refrigerator and stove from the shelter house. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Hall, McKeage, Huffington. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane.

The Board discussed the possibility of hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the community. Valerie Hall stated that planning for the event typically begins earlier in the year and that she had fallen behind on organizing it due to personal circumstances following a recent car accident. After discussion regarding time constraints and other city priorities, the Board agreed not to host the event this year.

Valerie Hall reported that the city is pursuing a grant for park benches and picnic tables. Several vendors were contacted. At this time, only one qualifying vendor has been located. Valerie Hall stated she will continue working on obtaining documentation required for the grant application.

Valerie Hall reported that City Hall needs several supplies, including: Toilet paper, paper towels, mop head, blank file folders, large paper clips and postage stamps. Motion by Gary Huffington to purchase the listed supplies. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane The Board reviewed the monthly bills. Discussion occurred regarding a KMMO invoice for $129 related to FFA Week. Jeremy McKeage noted that the invoice had not been formally approved prior to payment and requested that the minutes reflect that concern. Motion by Gary Huffington to approve payment of the bills. Second by Jeremy McKeage. Yea: Huffington, McKeage, Hall Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane The Board reviewed the Saline County Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion by Valerie Hall to adopt the resolution supporting participation in the Saline County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Second by Gary Huffington. Yea: Hall, Huffington, McKeage. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane Closed Session

The Board entered Closed Session pursuant to §610.021(12) RSMo to review and discuss sealed bids for the city mowing contract.

Sealed bids were opened and reviewed by the Board. The bids were discussed in detail, including the total weekly cost for mowing city properties, the services included in the bids, and verification of insurance coverage. During discussion, Gary Huffington stated that he believes it is important to keep taxpayer dollars within the local community whenever possible and expressed that preference when considering bids submitted by residents or businesses. Discussion also included concerns raised by some residents regarding a potential conflict of interest due to Alderman Valerie Hall’s family involvement with Logan’s Lawn Care. It was clarified that Logan’s Lawn Care is owned and operated by Logan Hall. Alderman Valerie Hall abstained from all voting related to the mowing bids due to this concern and has also abstained in previous years for the same reason. During the discussion, she did not participate in the decisionmaking process and only answered questions when asked directly by other board members.

After reviewing bids and discussing the services offered, the Board determined that Logan’s Lawn Care submitted the lower bid. Motion by Jeremy McKeage to award the mowing contract to Logan’s Lawn Care. Second by Gary Huffington. Yea: McKeage, Huffington. Nay: None. Abstain: Hall. Absent: Steffens, Lane.

Adjournment

Motion by Jeremy McKeage to adjourn the meeting. Second by Valerie Hall. Yea: McKeage, Hall, Huffington. Nay: None. Absent: Steffens, Lane. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:02 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Blackburn Board of Aldermen will be held on April 13, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Post-Meeting Update After the conclusion of the March 9, 2026, Board of Aldermen meeting, Jasmine Head notified the City that she was resigning from the position of City Clerk. Due to her resignation, the previously approved motion to add Jasmine Head to the City of Blackburn bank accounts and remove Crystal Meyer will not be carried out. The matter will be addressed by the Board of Aldermen at a future meeting.