The Feb. 9 regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Blackburn was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Mayor Bobby Steffens.

Roll call: Mayor Bobby Steffens and Aldermen/ women Valerie Hall, Jeremy McKeage, Gary Huffington. Absent: Alderman Ethan Lane. A quorum was declared present.

Minutes from the January regular meeting were presented. Alderman Jeremy McKeage moved to approve the January meeting minutes as presented, seconded by Alderman Gary Huffington. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

There was no Mayor’s Report at this meeting.

New & Continuing Business

Updated mowing maps and bid specifications were presented. Adjustments included:

• Removal of all mowing along 4th Street (adjacent to Steve Brunkhorst’s property).

• Removal of a portion of the 1st Street ditch area to the west.

• Continued maintenance of the railroad and MoDOT areas previously maintained by the city.

Bid deadline set for March 9, 2026, no later than the start of the next regular meeting.

A discussion was held regarding property frontage maintenance, and communication with affected property owners will be had.

No formal vote was required at this time as the Board had previously approved publication of the mowing bid notice.

It was reported that three interviews had been conducted. Discussion will occur in closed session at a future meeting.

No new information was available regarding asphalt millings. This item was tabled until the next meeting. This will need to be put on the schedule for this spring.

It was reported that previously approved park equipment purchases had not yet been completed, but are expected prior to the March meeting. Additional potential purchases discussed included a Portable Tetherball System (~$120) and an airplane-style multi-seat teeter-totter (~$330). Discussion was also held regarding prior grant-funded park equipment and potential restrictions. A spreadsheet is being developed to track expenditures related to the $25,000 park, tennis court, and asphalt milling allocation.

2025 Budget Status: The Board discussed overages in certain budget categories for 2025. A resolution will need to be prepared and submitted to the State Auditor to address budget amendments. No motion was made at this time; resolutions will be prepared for formal approval.

Discussion was held regarding the removal of dead and hazardous trees near 1st Street and within the park. Alderman Jeremy McKeage made a motion to obtain three bids for tree removal services for safety purposes. Alderwoman Valerie Hall seconded the motion. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

The Board discussed upcoming Missouri DNR ammonia water quality criteria updates affecting lagoon systems. Possible grant funding may be available to assist with compliance upgrades. The Mayor will contact Alvin and DNR representatives to determine the impact and funding opportunities.

It was confirmed that the lagoon work invoices have been paid. Sewer fund balance reported at approximately $129,000, with additional funds in the money market designated for sewer purposes.

Ordinance enforcement was discussed. Complaints included:

• Camper parked longterm on Main Street.

• Camper being lived in on the North Main Street Property.

• Barking dogs are tied at the property formerly known as the Larry Sinkler property.

• Junk vehicles and property maintenance issues at several locations.

The mayor will address ordinance enforcement matters directly with property owners.

The Board discussed the missed filing deadline for placement on the April ballot. After consultation with the County, it was determined that the measure could be placed on the August ballot, avoiding additional legal expenses. Alderman Jeremy McKeage made a motion to place the tax levy measure on the August 2026 ballot. Alderwoman Valerie Hall seconded the motion. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

The Board discussed ongoing trash service concerns, which include overloaded trucks, resulting in missed pickups and large item pickup not being completed. Contract terms and expiration will be reviewed. The possibility of drafting certified correspondence to the provider was discussed.

Regarding the lagoon wood pile bid, it was noted that a prior vote had been conducted via group text due to time sensitivity. Alderman Jeremy McKeage made a motion to formally approve Joel’s bid of $400 to pile wood at the lagoon for burning. Alderwoman Valerie Hall seconded the motion. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes, Ethan Lane – Yes (per text). Motion carried 4-0. It was noted that the burn had already been completed.

Financial Business

Council reviewed the monthly financial reports. Alderwoman Valeri Hall made a motion to approve the financial statements as presented, seconded by Alderman Jeremy McKeage. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

Council reviewed outstanding bills for payment, including clarification regarding previously paid items and verification to avoid duplicate payments. Motion was made by Alderman Jermey McKeage to approve payment of the bills as presented, seconded by Alderman Gary Huffington. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

The Council indicated the need to enter Closed Session pursuant to Missouri law for personnel and contractual matters. RSMo 610.021. Motion was made by Alderman Jermey McKeage, seconded Alderman Gary Huffington. Vote: Gary Huffington – Yes, Jeremy McKeage – Yes, Valerie Hall – Yes. Motion carried 3-0.

The next regular Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on March 9, 2026, at Blackburn City Hall.