The Regular Council Meeting on January 12, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart at 7:10PM and Councilmember-elect Kyle Knight. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Mike Ramsey, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Pritchett, Approved 3-0, to approve Mayor Approval of 2026 CMB License Applications.
City Clerk Arnold administered the oath of office to re-elected Mayor Larry Jurgensen and to newly elected Councilman Kyle Knight.
Open discussion took place on the available councilmember position. After discussion on possible new councilmembers, Amber Kelly volunteered to fill the vacant position.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0, to approve Amber Kelly for an additional term of office on the Council.
Council thanked Kelly for serving another term as councilwoman.
City Clerk Arnold administered the oath of office to Amber Kelly.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0, to approve Bradly Stewart as president of the Council.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mr. Mike Ramsey addressed the Council with questions regarding the memorial stones and the process for purchasing a stone. Council advised that, at this time, only one memorial stone requires repairs. Council further stated that there is no specific numbering or designation system for individual stones within the park. Individuals wishing to purchase a stone must provide a description of the stone’s location.
Council informed Mr. Ramsey that the $150 purchase fee includes the stone itself and lifetime maintenance of the stone. Mr. Ramsey was provided with the memorial stone design form and advised that the form was officially adopted at the previous month’s Council meeting. Council explained that prior to purchasing a stone, both the purchase fee and the proposed engraving design must receive Council approval before engraving may proceed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the December 2025 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $210,072.85, Receipts $51,497.04, Transfers Out $20,016.00, Expenditures $40,808.43, Checking Account Closing Balance $200,745.46. Bank Statement Balance $218,472.49, including Checking Account Interest of $45.08, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $17,727.03, Reconciled Balance $200,745.46. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,724.94, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,332.48, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,677.57, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $308,480.45. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $623.56, and Utility CDs $2,458.47 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $3,082.03. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,616.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $4,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,000.00, for Total Transfers of $20,016.00. Net Loss for the month of December $9,327.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $63,118.28. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $118,624.48 (88.1%), Expenditures $134,188.42 (87.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $35,276.00 (94.8%), Expenditures $45,483.46 (98.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $114,866.39 (92.7%), Expenditures $129,756.54 (81.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $181,648.12 (121.3%), Expenditures $231,798.36 (108.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,101.28 (111.6%), Expenditures $7,251.44 (99.9%). The January 2026 payables to date in the amount of $13,788.21. Treasurer Johnson reported that she has further corrections to make to the budget for the beginning of the 2025 year.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting
- December Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & January Accounts Payables
- Designate Union State Bank as official bank
- Designate Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
- Resolution 2026-0112-01 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2015 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Bobby Rich informed the Council that several water and gas meters are in need of replacement. The Council discussed the price differences between purchasing new versus used meters, the total number of water and gas meters currently in use, and the average number requiring replacement each year. The Council instructed Superintendent Rich that the City should plan to replace 15 water meters and 12 gas meters annually. The Council further advised Superintendent Rich to conduct an inventory of meters currently in stock and to provide updated pricing information at the next Council meeting.
Clerk Arnold asked the Council if the city was interested in our yearly rabies clinic on the last Saturday in March. Council advised to go ahead with the clinic.
Arnold also asked if the city wanted to provide a donation to the SOS party.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to approve a $100 donation to the SOS party.
Arnold informed the council of the upcoming 2026 Municipal Court Clerks Conference and the CCMFOA Spring Conference both in March and inquired if the city would approve her to attend both conferences.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve City Clerk Haley Arnold to attend 2026 Municipal Court Clerks Orientation and Conference on March 26th and 27th.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve City Clerk Haley Arnold to attend the CCMFOA Spring Conference on March 11-13th.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Knight – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Informed the Council of an upcoming water rate increase from Consolidated Rural Water District #2. The Council was advised that Carey Spoon, the SEK Regional Planning Commissioner, will attend the February Council meeting to discuss potential grant opportunities. Jurgensen stated that one of the primary focuses for a grant would be the cleaning, camera inspection, and lining of the City’s sewer system lines. Discussion followed regarding possible project costs and the types of grants that may be available.
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding– Marbery Concrete Inc is scheduled to resume work on Wednesday, weather permitting. The crew will be working on Union Street, 1st Street, and Clay Street as they continue with the remainder of the project. During discussion of the ditches at 1st and Clay Streets, Council agreed that contractor should proceed with any work necessary to complete the project.
NEW BUSINESS
Executive session not needed.
Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:18PM.