LOWRY CITY BOARD OF ALDERMEN
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:00 pm
Draft Minutes
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance:
Mayor Patricia Landes called the regular session of the Lowry City Board of Aldermen to order at 6 p.m. in the council room at city hall. Board members attending included East Ward Aldermen Charles Cone and Jackie Cutler, West Ward Aldermen Sean Langston and Shirley Edmunds. City Clerk John Farrell, Temporary Water Sewer Superintendent Mike Clark, Police Chief Charles Hodges and several others from the community were also in attendance. Notice of the meeting was given pursuant to RSMo. 610.020. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Landes.
Approval of Minutes:
The board reviewed the regular session minutes from January 20, 2026. Langston moved and Cone seconded to approve the minutes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
The board reviewed the closed session minutes from January 20, 2026. Langston moved and Edmunds seconded to approve the minutes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
The board reviewed the closed session minutes from January 29, 2026. Langston moved and Cone seconded to approve the minutes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Bills:
A list of bills from January 14, 2026 through February 17, 2026 was presented for approval. Included in the board packet was invoices Cone asked about last month. Farrell noted the invoices were for three, phase monitors ($480 total) and eight hours of diagnosis ($960 total) The invoices were from work completed June 2024 and December 2024.
Farrell also noted a check to AM Pyrotechnics was paid for $2,800 on January 23, 2026 for partial payment of this year’s fireworks show. He noted during the January meeting last year, the board agreed to reserve Saturday, July 4, 2026 for this year’s show and to make an 80-percent payment by Feb. 1 and pay the final 20-percent in May.
Cone moved and Cutler seconded the motion to approve the bills presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Financial reports:
Financial reports for the month ending January 31, 2026 were presented and reviewed. Langston moved and Edmunds seconded to accept the financial reports. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Old or unfinished business-
Street signs- Farrell presented a quote for several city signs and poles from Missouri Vocational Enterprises, a program within Missouri Department of Corrections. The total is $1,775 and includes 26 new street signs, one yield sign, brackets and 20 round 10-foot posts. A quote presented last month from J&A Traffic Products included several faded signs and did not include posts.
He noted for now, the list was revised to include only missing street signs not the faded signs. Langston made a motion to approve the purchase from Missouri Vocational Enterprises totaling $1,775. Langston noted to take from the repairs and maintenance portion of the streets budget.
New business
Quilt Guild Lease Agreement-Farrell presented the annual lease for a room at city hall for the St. Clair County Quilt Guild for approval. On a motion from Cutler and a second from Edmunds the board unanimously approved the lease agreement.
Brandy Bourland- Bourland noted she is on the agenda as a citizen as well as a representative of the media. She mentioned a recent issue the board had regarding a nepotism violation. She asked the board several questions regarding their personal training to serve on the board. Bourland questioned what the state statute states the punishment for breaking the nepotism rules noting the board member is to forfeit their seat.
Farrell questioned Bourland regarding the matter. He asked if she was an attorney. He noted the matter was addressed and corrected. Farrell told the board to let Bourland proceed with her complaint and at that time the city can retain an attorney to deal with it.
Citizen input:
Donneita Offield asked about police patrols during the overnight hours. She noted two recent incidents involving missing children. Police Chief Charles Hodges stated He explained officer’s shifts vary according to their availability He explained St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office deputies also patrol Lowry City when officers are not on duty during the overnight hours.
Schaelyn Bell voiced her opinions concerning a reply from Farrell, utilizing the city’s Facebook page, to a citizen’s comment on a post from the city. Farrell stated the matter was dealt with, apologies were made and the post was removed. Farrell publicly issued his two weeks’ notice and told Bell she could run the city. He gathered his belongings and left the meeting.
Department and group reports/updates:
City Hall: No Report
Police Department: Chief Hodges gave reports from January 1 until present. He reported six calls for service with three arrests made, two for domestic assault and one for drug charges. He noted 16 traffic stops were conducted resulting in 13 citations and three warnings.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Justin Norris was absent from the meeting, but submitted a report. The report asked the board for direction in reference to selling the old brush truck, a 1985 Chevrolet 3/4-ton 4×4. Norris wanted to place the truck on Purple Wave Auction with a reserve, but they didn’t offer a reserve. Norris asked whether to list it there or the board can take sealed bids. Another option he mentions was to list it in Wade’s consignment auction at the end of March. On a motion from Langston and a second from Cutler the board unanimously agreed to list the truck in the Wade consignment auction at the end of March.
The report noted the new brush is outfitted with the loose equipment, tank-pump and is ready to respond. Norris noted We had fewer calls this month, but with the weather the way it is I look for calls to pick up. The report also stated the department will look into software that is compatible with the new reporting system NERIS. That system will track the department’s trucks, personnel, training, etc. There was a brief discussion on the matter.
Public Works: Clark reported the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been updated on the changes in personnel. Clark noted the drinking water side is in good shape. He explained the wastewater side has been a chore. Clark said an issue with the sewer was repaired on Cleveland Street. His report noted the south lift station is in good shape and the water tower controls are working.
Mayor’s notes: Mayor Landes had nothing to add.
Adjournment of regular open session:
On a motion from Langston and a second from Cone the board unanimously agreed to adjourn.
