Palmyra City Council Approves Sidewalk Project, Park Improvements at March 19 Meeting

By Ella Aguliar
The Palmyra City Council met March 19, 2026, in the Palmyra Council Chambers with Mayor Alan R. Adrian presiding. The meeting opened with an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, with all council members present.
The council unanimously approved both the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included minutes from the March 5 meeting, bills for approval, and the February financial report.
During public comment, Terry Robertson addressed the council with concerns regarding a shift away from small community values, the city’s trailer ordinance, minors operating side-by-sides, and ongoing stormwater issues.
Council Member Brock Fahy provided updates on city infrastructure, noting the city is awaiting a quote from Zoom as part of an ongoing phone system transition. He also reported that efforts to centralize security camera access will be completed
in phases due to equipment needs. Additionally, Fahy requested the finance committee review the city’s current credit card policy for potential updates.
A major item of business included selecting an engineering firm for a sidewalk improvement project funded in part by a MoDOT TAP grant. The council unanimously approved Klingner & Associates to design and oversee the replacement of sidewalks along the west side of the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of South Main Street. Council Member Rex Thomas thanked Alexia Gonzalez of
MECO for her firm’s submission and participation.
The council also discussed future economic development funding, with the finance committee recommending $10,000 for fiscal year 2027, while Mayor Adrian suggested increasing the amount to $20,000.
Council members were asked to provide input before a final decision is made.
Several improvements to city facilities were approved. The council voted to accept a $21,600 quote from SN Partners to trade two mowers for the Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, a $132,000 project to upgrade the infield at
Foster Field was approved, with funding to come from the Estate of Lucille Foster.
City Attorney James Lemon presented the first reading of Bill #1675, which proposes increasing the substitute franchise fee from 3% to 5%.
City staff also provided updates across departments. Street Commissioner Austen Dornberger reported that the city will assist with a $900 repair and reseeding project on Martha Street following drainage work. Building Inspector Kyle Brennemann was tasked with obtaining an engineering assessment for four commercial buildings on Main Street to address safety concerns.
Electrical Manager Pete Dames updated the council on staffing, equipment purchases, recent storm-related outages, and expansion within the Palmyra Industrial Park. Water/Wastewater Manager Dustin Smith reported that a replacement touchscreen for the wastewater plant’s UV system is on the way and that efforts are ongoing to address a foaming issue at the facility. Leak detection services have also been scheduled through Missouri Rural Water
Association.
In other business, the council authorized Jackson Park Golf Course to construct a concrete pad with block walls near the Palmyra Recycle Center for sand storage.
Additional Reports Highlight Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Parks Projects
Further updates provided through department reports and supporting documents highlighted ongoing infrastructure work, public safety improvements, and upcoming community events.
The Street Department reported recent heavy rains caused damage to asphalt edges throughout the city, with crews working to patch and repair affected areas. Drainage work on Martha Street has been completed, including grading, seeding,
and straw placement. Additional updates included tree trimming efforts, installation of LED lighting in the main shop, and continued street sweeping to clear winter debris. Officials also noted progress on the Middle School detention basin project, with preliminary plans expected soon. A citywide yard waste pickup day was scheduled for April 6.
Police Chief Michael Baker reported the department has begun using Carfax technology to improve efficiency at crash scenes, helping clear roadways more quickly. Officers also recently completed traffic incident management training in
coordination with the Palmyra Fire Department.
Additionally, the department is preparing to transition to the Central Square reporting system, with training expected to begin this summer and full implementation anticipated by September.
Water and wastewater updates included the successful installation of a touchscreen controller for the UV system at the wastewater plant, meeting an April 1 deadline. However, officials noted additional maintenance is still needed to
replace faulty ballasts and bulbs. At the water plant, a failed check valve at Well #5 is being replaced, and the city is evaluating improvements at Well #7 to address capacity issues. Routine maintenance continues, including hydrant repairs, pump replacements, and sewer line cleaning. The department also reported a vacant wastewater position remains open.
Parks and Recreation Director reports emphasized several upcoming projects and events.
Renovations at Foster Field are expected to begin soon, aligning with the previously approved infield upgrade. Summer baseball and softball registrations have closed, with staff organizing teams and preparing schedules. Seasonal staff
orientation is underway.
Community events continue to draw strong participation, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which is expected to attract more than 2,500 attendees. However, participation in the Easter Market has declined due to state licensing and tax ID requirements.
The Flower City Open Disc Golf Tournament is scheduled for April 18 and continues to grow in popularity, drawing participants from multiple states and providing an economic boost to the community.
An update on the Hutcherson Trail project revealed that initial bids exceeded the approved budget. City officials are considering revisions to reduce costs while maintaining ADA compliance, including narrowing the trail and adjusting
materials. The project is expected to be rebid following these changes.
In a separate update, city staff reported that cleanup efforts at North River have resolved prior concerns, with no additional issues observed after
follow-up inspections.