Lancaster City Council Approves Bills, Audit Update And March Meeting Change

Lancaster — The Lancaster City Council approved monthly bills, received department updates and rescheduled its March meeting during a session Jan. 12 at City Hall.

Mayor Donald Derickson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Council members Paul Reynolds, Cole Tippett, Kevin Buckallew and Tommy Roberts were present, along with City Clerk Candy Tallman and water and sewer employees George Reindel and Jimmy McNary. Two guests also attended.

The council approved the agenda, adding a certificate of deposit at the bank. The vote was 4-0. Members also unanimously approved the minutes of the Dec. 16, 2025, regular meeting and the monthly bills and financial reports presented by the city clerk.

There was no public comment.

In department reports, a police representative told the council a patrol car repair was complete and ready to be picked up. He also reported that his computer needs to be replaced because it frequently locks up and the mouse does not work consistently. He said he would check Missouri Surplus for available equipment and report back to the council.

Reindel said lift stations are being brought online and that required water samples are current. McNary reported that he has been raising meter lids to ground level and that operations are running smoothly.

Tallman said Gillium’s CPA completed the city’s 2023 audit. She also requested permission to attend the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association conference March 9-12 in Columbia. The council approved the request. Because of her absence, the council voted to move its March meeting to March 16.

Buckallew reported that pumps have been installed and are operating properly. He said he plans to attend a Village of Glenwood meeting to ensure operations remain in good order. He also said the city received an email from DSF regarding exterior signage. After clarification, he said, DSF will provide and pay for the sign, and the city will install it.

In the fire department report, Buckallew said the department responded to a Christmas morning fire in Downing and that operations otherwise have been proceeding without issue.

Under new business, the city clerk presented additional paperwork related to a demolition grant payment request. The council unanimously approved a motion authorizing the mayor to request payment.

Council members also discussed plans for July 4, which falls on a Saturday this year.

Suggestions included partnering with local groups to host daytime activities such as a volleyball tournament, cornhole tournament, barbecue or fish fry.

In other business, Tallman said she had not identified any new health insurance options for the city. Tippett said he would contact Farm Bureau regarding coverage.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 209 Washington St.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. on a 4-0 vote.