Neosho City Council Regular Session – October 20, 2026

The Neosho City Council met in regular session on October 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered the consent agenda, unfinished business, awards and officer oaths, bid awards, multiple new business items including a major water/sewer expansion and a clubhouse renovation, appointments, and reports from city officers. All actions were approved unanimously (7-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approved October 6, 2026, council minutes.
• Bill No. 2026-68: Permanent Stormwater Easement.
• Bill No. 2026-69: Surplus and Sale of Real Property to Coler Street Properties, LLC.
• Bill No. 2026-70: Permanent Stormwater Easement for North Side of Coler Street.
• Bill No. 2026-71: Surplus and Sale of City Property on North Side of Coler Street to Carl J. Vandorn.
• Bill No. 2026-72: Ratification of Water and Wastewater Asset Transfer Agreement Resolution for MAWC.
• Amendments to Liberty Contract. All passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council. Visitor business was noted but no speakers came forward.

Unfinished Business

• Bill No. 2026-67: Surplus and Sale of Property on Fairground Rd. to Moser Endeavors LLC – Council amended Section 4 of the ordinance to authorize the city manager (rather than the mayor) to execute sale documents, as the property was closing the next day. The amended ordinance was approved 7-0.

Awards and Presentations

• Police Employee of the Quarter – Skyler Bailey was recognized for her dedication, work ethic, and leadership, particularly in organizing National Night Out.
• New Police Officer Oaths – Three new officers were sworn in:
  • Tannya Benitez (Detective, 9+ years experience)
  • Anthony Elmore (Patrolman, 3 years experience)
  • Cedric Calderon (Patrolman/Animal Control/Code Enforcement, 3 years experience)

Bids

• Morse Park Concession Buildings & Pavilion Roof Replacement – Six bids received; staff recommended accepting the low bid from Mayberry Construction at $19,172.37 (under the $25,000 budget). Approved 7-0.
• Purchase of New Parks Department Mower – Two bids received; staff recommended Sports Tractor Sales and Services at $34,200 (budgeted $43,000) despite being 4.5% above the local preference threshold, citing excellent local service and support. Approved 7-0.

New Business

• Bill No. 2026-73: Neosho Water and Sewer Infrastructure Expansion Agreement with Missouri American Water – Authorizes up to $2 million to design and construct water main and sanitary sewer extensions west of I-49 at 60 Highway, Norway Road, and 86 Highway. Council members emphasized that this investment will enable annexation and capture sales/property taxes from developing areas. Passed 7-0.
• Bill No. 2026-74: Rocketdyne Park and Spring Valley Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation – Approves a construction services agreement with R.E. Smith Construction for $3,424,000 using a standard AIA 2017 form, reviewed by the city attorney. Passed 7-0.
• Bill No. 2026-75: Marion Company LLC On-Call Street Cuts and Sidewalks – Approves an on-call concrete services agreement with the lowest responsive bidder, requiring repairs within 10 calendar days. Passed 7-0.
• Bill No. 2026-77: Celebrate Neosho 2027 Fireworks – J&M Display – Approves a fireworks display for the Independence Day event at a not-to-exceed price of $25,500. Passed 7-0.
• Bill No. 2026-78: Amending Code Section 510.080 – Removes unnecessary language related to sewer connection fees and saddles from the plumbing code. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-42: Contract with Henson Electric – Morse Park Trail Lights – Phase 4 walking trail lighting installation for $25,548. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-43: Contract with Stafford Fencing for Parks Department – Security fence at the Parks Department for $45,500. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-44: Senior Center Storage Building and Dumpster Enclosure – Low bid from Marion Company LLC for $82,950. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-45: Southwest Missouri Regional Special Response Team MOU – Memorandum of understanding with McDonald County Sheriff’s Office and Seneca Police Department to create a joint regional SWAT/special response team. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-46: Contract with Mayberry Construction Inc. – Roof Replacement at Morse Park – Formal contract for the previously approved roof replacement at $19,172.37. Passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-47: Appointment to the Big Spring Park CID District Board of Directors – Jericho Ebbs, administrative assistant at City Hall, appointed to fill a vacancy. The CID has approximately 25-year life ending around 2031. Passed 7-0.
• Police Officer Trainee Reimbursement Agreement – Updated agreement allows the city to recoup training and salary costs if a new, uncertified officer leaves within 60 months. Approved by motion 7-0.
• Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program (BVP Grant) – Authorizes application for a federal grant covering 50% of the cost of new and replacement vests. Vests expire every five years and are budgeted. Approved 7-0.
• Local Government Letter of Support – Housing Authority – Neosho Housing Authority (Misty, representative) requested a letter to support converting 80 public housing units (The Oaks and Summit) to a Section 8 RAD/Section 18 small PHA blend program. The conversion will not displace residents, rents remain stable, and after one year families may take vouchers elsewhere. Future property acquisition would be possible. Council authorized the city manager to sign the letter. Passed 7-0.

Appointments and Vacancies

• Events Board – Cathleen Bailey was reappointed. Passed 7-0.

Reports of City Officers

• September Financial Report – Sales tax collections for the start of the fiscal year are down 0.07%. City finance director noted similar fluctuations in other Missouri cities; no immediate concern.
• Halloween Bash Update – Event is scheduled for October 30, 5–8 p.m. at Neosho Junior High, with over 30 businesses, bounce houses, and food/drink vendors. Residents encouraged to attend and interact with first responders.
• Software Change – City clerk is exploring a switch from current software to Diligent Community, which is simpler and lower cost, after receiving a high invoice from the existing provider.
• FEMA Disaster Relief Update for June Storms – Debris removal cost ~$50,000; 75% FEMA reimbursement of $38,232 has been approved in initial stages. Additional Category B claims for cemetery and alleyway repairs (~$7,423) are pending. For the Morris Park pedestrian bridge, a $50,000 floodplain deductible is being submitted to FEMA for 75% reimbursement, and hazard mitigation improvements are being explored to prevent future damage. The process is expected to take several months due to environmental reviews.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (7-0) with no dissents recorded.
• Major approvals: $2 million water/sewer expansion agreement with Missouri American Water; $3.424 million clubhouse renovation contract; multiple infrastructure and equipment contracts; new officer oaths; and housing authority support letter.
• Next steps include contract execution, FEMA reimbursement processing, and continued economic development planning for the west I-49 corridor.