Lancaster Council Reviews Water Leak, Utility Agreement

The Lancaster City Council approved the purchase of Diamond Maps and updated the city’s utility agreement during its regular meeting March 16 at Lancaster City Hall.

Mayor Donald Derickson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Council members Paul Reynolds, Kevin Buckallew and Tommy Roberts were present, along with City Clerk Candy Tallman and Water/ Sewer employee George Reindel.

The council approved the agenda, bills and financial reports, and minutes from the Feb. 9 regular meeting and public hearing. The minutes were approved with one correction, changing a reference from the “2024 Budget” to the “2026 Budget.”

During public comment, Willis Pantry addressed the council about a water leak at the Lancaster Car Wash. After discussion, the council directed the city clerk to apply the city’s leak adjustment formula and remove any penalty charges. Tallman will calculate the revised bill and notify Pantry.

In department reports, Police Chief James Berry was not present but submitted notes to the council. Berry reported he is working on animal-related cases and plans to submit a body camera quote to the city clerk. Once the equipment issue is addressed, he plans to increase traffic and ordinance enforcement. Kevin Buckallew and Berry also are working on acquiring a repeater for the patrol car.

Tallman thanked the council for allowing her to attend training in Columbia during the week of March 9, saying she gained useful information and resources. Reindel reported that Gary Webber with the Missouri Rural Water Association had been on site to check ammonia levels.

Jr. Buckallew reported assisting with meter replacements with Gary Yearns and Tallman. He also said he has been working on street maintenance as weather has allowed.

Kevin Buckallew reported no street updates but noted the fire department responded to 11 calls, including 10 grass fires. Reynolds said he plans to look into stocking fish at the lakes.

Roberts reported that fireworks are now subject to a 34% tariff, which could increase the city’s cost to about $4,100. The matter was tabled pending a confirmed quote. Roberts also reported Old Settlers is planning a Fourth of July lunch, cornhole tournament, softball tournament and volleyball tournament. The council also noted additional rock is needed on the hill at the ball fields.

The council reviewed information from Tallman on Diamond Maps, including pricing of $20 per month for a single user or $28 per month for unlimited users. A 30-day free trial is available. After discussion, the council voted 2-1 to purchase Diamond Maps.

Tallman also presented updated utility agreements. The changes included replacing “calendar year” with “rolling calendar year” and adding fields for date of birth and driver’s license or Social Security number. The council approved the updated agreement 3-0.

Kevin Buckallew discussed replacing the city’s oldest truck, known as “Little John.” He will continue researching options and report back to the council.

Tallman reported speaking with General Code about codifying city ordinances into a codebook and possible online access. The council requested more research into alternative options, and the matter was tabled.

The council entered closed session at 8:47 p.m. under Section 610.021(3) RSMo and returned to open session at 9:16 p.m. Following the closed session, interviews for a city worker were tabled, and applications will remain open until the next meeting. The city clerk also was directed to advertise for a North Ward alderman position in the newspaper.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.