The Lowry City Board of Aldermen worked through a full agenda at its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, voting to move forward on a new brush truck for the fire department and to begin advertising for an additional public works employee to train as a certified utility operator.
Mayor Patricia Landes called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. at City Hall. All four aldermen — Charles Cone and Jackie Cutler (East Ward) and Sean Langston and Shirley Edmunds (West Ward) — were present, along with City Clerk John Farrell, Fire Chief Justin Norris and several members of the public. The board unanimously approved the Oct. 21 meeting minutes, monthly bills and financial reports for the period ending Oct. 31.
Old business and staffing discussions
Under unfinished business, officials noted that a mobile home previously stored at 3rd and Dixon inside city limits was moved out on Nov. 4 without incident.
Farrell reported that two authorized signers will visit the bank Nov. 25 to close a maturing certificate of deposit and purchase a new CD that will include recently added Clyde Keith Trust funds. Alderman Langston and City Collector/Treasurer Stephanie Porter are expected to handle the transaction.
The board also revisited concerns about access to tools stored on the public works supervisor’s city truck. Mayor Landes said Wastewater Superintendent Josh Muller, who was absent from the meeting, had indicated that identical tools are available at the city maintenance shop.
Board members spent additional time discussing the need for backup coverage for the city’s water and sewer system. On a motion by Langston, seconded by Edmunds, the board unanimously agreed to advertise for a new employee who would work toward obtaining the certifications needed to operate the utility systems in case Muller is unavailable.
Members briefly discussed the status of a seasonal worker and mutually agreed the employee will no longer be needed. The board also agreed that work performed by City Contractor Mike Clark should be limited to water- and sewer-related projects.
Police Chief Charles Hodges, who was attending training, submitted a written report addressing earlier talk of adding another officer using budgeted funds. Hodges stated he is open to hiring an additional officer if he can find the right candidate.
April election called
The board approved Bill 2025-06, formally calling for the city’s next general election. Candidate filing will begin Dec. 9 for three positions: mayor, east ward alderman and west ward alderman. After a series of unanimous votes on first and second readings, the board adopted the measure as Ordinance 2025-06.
During the citizen input portion of the meeting, Alderman Edmunds expressed disappointment in the lack of public attendance for discussions on city business.
Police and fire reports
The Police Department reported issuing 17 citations over the past two months. Officers also took two information reports and made three arrests: one drug arrest stemming from a traffic stop, one arrest for car theft and one for driving while intoxicated.
Fire Chief Justin Norris told the board the department will host a free, public CPR class Nov. 19 at the Sac-Osage Fire Protection District fire house. He also reviewed recent mechanical issues with the fire fleet.
Norris said he has located a suitable truck to convert into a new brush truck: a 2012 Ford F-250, four-door, with a 6.0L gasoline engine and approximately 161,000 miles, available at Worley Farm and Lawn Equipment in Weaubleau for $17,995, including installation of an aluminum flatbed. He told the board he had test-driven the truck and it “drives well.”
In September, the board had authorized up to $15,000 for the purchase of a brush truck. On Tuesday, aldermen voted unanimously to increase that amount and allow up to $18,000 from the Fire Department’s checking account to complete the purchase. Norris noted additional costs will be incurred for lettering the truck.
Norris also reported that annual fire dues notices have been mailed. Dues are $50 for the first property and $25 for each additional property, up to a maximum of $100. If a road separates properties, each side is considered a separate property. Property owners who do not pay dues will be billed $100 when the department is dispatched to a call and $500 per hour while firefighters are on scene.
Public works questions and adjournment
With Muller absent, there was no formal report from public works. Langston told fellow board members he has not seen a water loss report in several months and requested both an updated water loss report and an “I and I” (inflow and infiltration) report for the wastewater system. Norris also said he has not recently seen results of hydrant flow testing.
Mayor Landes had no additional comments before adjournment. On a motion from Langston, seconded by Cutler, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
