LOWRY CITY, Mo. — The Lowry City Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night, January 20, for its regular council meeting at City Hall, covering financial reports, public works staffing discussions, infrastructure planning, and fire department updates.
Mayor Patricia Landes called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Board members present included East Ward Aldermen Charles Cone and Jackie Cutler, West Ward Aldermen Sean Langston and Shirley Edmunds, City Clerk John Farrell, Fire Chief Justin Norris, and several residents.
The board approved minutes from the December meeting before moving to bills for December 17 through January 20. Alderman Cone questioned a $1,440 payment to Empire Electric Services for a phase monitor at Well #2. Clerk Farrell said he will research the invoice details further and report back next month. The board unanimously approved payment of the remaining bills.
Farrell also received approval to place several recurring utility and service bills — including Evergy, Brightspeed, Conexon, The Health Plan, and Aflac — on automatic payment to streamline operations.
Financial statements covering July through December 2025 were presented, noting required publication in the St. Clair County Courier and availability on the city website. Monthly financial reports for December were accepted unanimously.
Public Works Staffing Discussed
Under old business, Farrell reported four applications have been received for a potential opening in the public works department. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to table hiring for two months while the matter is further reviewed in closed session.
In new business, Jacob Dean with Great River Engineering attended to discuss potential funding options for a future sewage lift station project. A resolution authorizing an application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for engineering funds was presented, though no action was taken at this time.
Alderman Cutler also discussed the possibility of hiring Mike Clark as a consultant for the public works department on an hourly basis, citing his long-term knowledge of city infrastructure. Mayor Landes will speak further with Clark before any decision is made.
During citizen comments, Kevin Snyder Jr. and Schaelyn Bell raised concerns about employee training and staffing within public works, encouraging the city to invest in developing new personnel while maintaining experienced guidance.
Community and Department Updates
City Clerk Farrell announced the Lowry City Community Betterment group will host an Easter Egg Hunt and Candy Drop on April 4 at 2 p.m.
Farrell also announced certified candidates for the April 7 municipal election. Candidates include Kevin Snyder Jr., Cecil Shehorn, and incumbent Jackie Cutler for East Ward Alderman; Clark Patterson and incumbent Shirley Edmunds for West Ward Alderman; and incumbent Mayor Patricia Landes and Greg BeVelle for Mayor.
Fire Chief Justin Norris reported steady call volume for the department and announced the new brush truck is nearly ready for service, with lights and lettering completed. Norris thanked Pursuit Specialties in Clinton for donating a light bar for the vehicle.
The board approved the purchase of four new tires for the brush truck from Stinnett Sales & Services in Lowry City for $1,240. The motion passed after a tie vote, with Mayor Landes casting the deciding vote. Norris said old tires will be repurposed or sold. He also reported department elections, naming himself Fire Chief, Harold Blevins as Captain, Bill Barnett as Lieutenant, and Josh Bell as Secretary. The department currently has 19 members.
Public Works Superintendent Josh Muller was absent due to illness but submitted a report detailing recent work, including water meter installations, roadside brush cleanup, replacement of an auto dialer at the water tower, repairs to a leaking main water line near the fire department, hydrant maintenance, and city truck upkeep. Muller also reported a 31% water loss due to fire response and hydrant flushing and noted he is gathering proposals for lift station upgrades.
The board later adjourned into closed session for personnel discussions before concluding the meeting.
The next Lowry City Board of Aldermen meeting will be announced at a later date.
