Public Meetings - Neosho, Missouri

The Neosho City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included approval of consent items, public comments, bid awards, new ordinances, and reports. All consent and most new business items passed unanimously (7-0). A proposal to increase the speed limit on South Street was not adopted by consensus. Consent Calendar - Bill No. 2026-73: Neosho Water and Sewer Infrastructure Expansion Agreement with MAW - Bill No. 2026-74: Rocketdyne Park and Spring Valley Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation - Bill No. 2026-75: Marion Co. LLC, On Call Street Cuts and Sidewalks - Bill No. 2026-76: Contract for LensLock Body-Worn Camera System - Bill No. 2026-77: Celebrate Neosho 2027 FireworksJ&M Display - Bill No. 2026-78: Amending Code Section 510.080 - Bill No. 2026-79: Lenslock AIBodyCamera Software - October 20, 2026 Council Minutes - October 27, 2026 Special Session Minutes All nine items were approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Tice (golf course member and former golf committee chair) spoke regarding the treatment of senior golfers at the Neosho Golf Course by Maxim Golf management. He alleged rude treatment, intimidation, and that senior tee times were given away to outside groups to increase revenue. He requested the city council intervene on behalf of seniors, stating, "I'm trying to get City Hall to fight for me and the other senior golfers." The city manager responded that Maxim has contractual authority over management and memberships, and that members must adhere to membership policies set by Maxim. Bids and Purchases - Vehicle Sale Bids: Three bids were accepted: Tim Boyer ($3,500 for a truck with $3,000 minimum), Ringwood Motors ($1,280 for a Chevy Colorado with $2,500 minimum), and Jeff Barrett ($750 for a Sterling oil distributor). The remaining vehicles will go to auction. The city accepted the bids as presented (7-0). - 2024 John Deere Loader 444: Purchase approved from Murphy John Deere at a total cost of $175,000, with a $20,000 trade-in on a 2008 model, netting $163,000. The budget was $200,000. Motion passed (7-0). New Business - Bill No. 2026-80 – Public Safety Tax on Domestic Utilities: An ordinance confirming the addition of the half-cent public safety sales tax (approved by voters in 2020) to domestic utilities (electric, natural gas, water). The city currently collects a 1% general tax on utilities; this adds the 0.5% public safety tax, totaling 1.5% city tax plus county tax. The Department of Revenue indicated the city could have applied this since 2020 but lacked the ordinance. Estimated annual revenue: $70,000. No retroactive collection. Passed (7-0). - Bill No. 2026-81 – Surplus and Sale of PD Vehicle and PW Equipment: Declared a police department 2021 Dodge Durango and a public works tractor as surplus. The tractor will be used as trade-in for the previously approved loader. Passed (7-0). - Bill No. 2026-82 – Banning Sale of Kratom, 7-OH, and Tianeptine: First reading of an ordinance prohibiting the possession, sale, and distribution of Kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and tianeptine (TNP). Police Chief Russell presented data showing opioid-like effects, addiction, overdoses (some unresponsive to Narcan), and sales to juveniles. Council discussed concerns about withdrawal, education period, and fairness. The chief assured a case-by-case enforcement approach with initial warnings. The motion passed (7-0) for first reading; second and third readings will follow. - Bill No. 2026-83 – Diligent Meeting Management Software: Authorized a contract with Diligent Corporation for agenda packet creation and community platform subscription at $8,500 per year, with a three-year agreement limiting annual increases to 3% (down from 5%). Passed (7-0). - Bill No. 2026-84 – Phase 1 All-Inclusive Playground: Authorized agreement with Play Power LT Farmington Inc. for purchase and installation of inclusive playground equipment at Rocketdyne Park, not to exceed $548,172.86. The total project budget is $617,000. Payment in two installments. Completion expected in approximately 300 days after start. Passed (7-0). Discussion Items - South Street Speed Change Request: The Traffic Commission proposed raising the speed limit from 15 mph to 25 mph between Warnall Street and Neosho Boulevard after the closure of Hillcrest Christian School. A traffic study found 30 school-age children cross South Street daily (11 morning, 19 afternoon) but only 7 use the existing crosswalk. The commission recommended removing the crosswalk and directing pedestrians to the controlled crosswalk at Neosho Boulevard. Council expressed concerns: no sidewalk on South Street for pedestrians to reach the boulevard, risk of increased accidents at higher speed, and that children would not follow the detour. Consensus was to not change the speed limit and leave it at 15 mph. Reports of City Officers - Veterans Recognition: Thirteen city employees who served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces were recognized ahead of Veterans Day (November 11). Each was named along with their branch and years of service. - Halloween Bash Update: The October 30 event drew an estimated 8,000 attendees (door counter stopped at 6,500). 25 vendors participated, 6,000 hot dogs were sold. The event was deemed a success, with next year already reserved. - Shop with a Hero: Scheduled for December 12 at 10 a.m. at the Walmart Garden Center. New this year: Santa Claus and caroling. The program serves underprivileged children. - Neosho November Food Drive: The police department is leading a dry goods drive for the Help Center, which currently can only provide fresh produce and limited meals. The department aims to stock shelves to help families in need. - ADA Transition Plan: The city is finalizing an ADA transition plan to comply with federal law. The deadline has been extended due to cost and complexity. The plan will be presented to council soon. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and most new business items were approved unanimously (7-0). - The South Street speed change was rejected by council consensus. - The Kratom ban (Bill 2026-82) passed first reading; final approval expected at a subsequent meeting. - The public safety tax on utilities (Bill 2026-80) was passed and will take effect after notification and Department of Revenue processing. - The city will proceed with the inclusive playground and the Diligent software contract. - Staff will continue work on the ADA transition plan. - Upcoming events: Shop with a Hero (Dec 12) and Neosho November food drive.

The Neosho City Council met in special session on October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to consider two contracts related to law enforcement technology: a body-worn camera system and an AI-powered report writing platform. Both items were approved unanimously. Discussion Items Bill No. 2026-76: Contract for LensLock Body-Worn Camera System - The police department requested authorization for the city manager to execute a five-year agreement with LensLock Incorporated for 13 body-worn cameras (15 received, 13 paid for), accessories, digital evidence management software, redaction software, and cloud storage. The first-year cost is $18,000, with four subsequent annual payments of $17,523, totaling approximately $88,094 over the five-year term. The department noted a steep discount of over $5,000 per year from LensLock. The system replaces an existing incompatible system and includes hot-swappable batteries with a two-minute recording buffer during swaps. Old cameras will be surplused. - Council members asked clarifying questions: The number of cameras (13 paid, 15 total), the budget implications (the cameras were within budget, but the related AI software was not), and the number of police officers (16 patrol, 3 detectives, 2 lieutenants, plus the chief and code enforcement). The department confirmed that the body-worn camera cost was budgeted, but funding for the AI software would require offsetting other priorities (e.g., less lethal shotguns, gas masks, helmets). Bill No. 2026-79: LensLock AI Body Camera Software - The police department requested approval for a one-year service agreement (annual fee of $8,580, subject to annual appropriations) for an AI-powered report writing platform that integrates with the body-worn camera system. The software provides 13 user licenses and uses video analysis to assist officers in writing reports, including timestamped references to evidence. The department noted that officers must review and verify each report line-by-line, and the system includes features to detect signs of dishonesty during interviews. It is CGIS compliant, reducing federal/state reporting liabilities. - Council members asked about the budget: The $8,580 was not budgeted, so the department identified savings in other areas (e.g., reducing shotgun purchases, gas masks, helmets) to cover the cost. The contract is year-to-year and may change in future years. The police chief shared experience with LensLock from a previous role in New Hampshire, stating that LensLock's AI is the only system capable of analyzing video content (e.g., identifying actions inside the video), unlike competitors like Axon. The council also clarified that the AI software is a separate company that works exclusively with LensLock. Key Outcomes - Bill No. 2026-76 passed 7-0, authorizing the city manager to execute the LensLock body-worn camera system contract. - Bill No. 2026-79 passed 7-0, authorizing the police chief to execute the one-year AI software service agreement. - The council then adjourned by motion.

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.