BLAND — The Bland Board of Aldermen worked through a full agenda during its Nov. 10 meeting, covering road work, winter preparation, and questions on the city’s updated water and sewer ordinance.

A handful of visitors attended, including Missouri State Representative Bruce Sassmann, who said he had come expecting a public hearing and wanted to follow upcoming discussion on ordinance changes.

Officials noted the park board has not met recently but is preparing for the 2026 season, including a Dec. 6 scoreboard installation. The board also received a letter regarding fireworks for next year’s 250th anniversary celebration, and members expect a decision soon so the supplier can be notified. Because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, aldermen anticipate a large turnout.

The Bland Police Department responded to 147 calls for service in October and issued 114 traffic citations, making five arrests. Officers also participated in the BackStoppers fundraising calendar, preparing October’s prize basket with donations from local businesses. An AR-15 donated by Intrepid Defense was raffled, with the winner coming from Hermann.

Remodeling at the police department is nearing completion. A public open house is expected sometime in December.

The department is also collecting donations for Shop With a Cop at the Rustic Garden and K&M Country Store. They are working with Owensville Police Department to coordinate this year’s event.

Public Works Director Rodney Turner reported maintenance needs over the past month and said crews are winterizing equipment. He presented pricing for road salt at $121.70 per ton, requiring a minimum order of 25 tons plus an $80 fuel charge. The board approved up to $3,122.50 for salt, though Turner said he hopes to stretch the remaining supply by mixing in cinders purchased from MB West in Bourbon.

Aldermen also approved $1,500 for gravel to repair the deteriorating end of West Kansas City Street. Turner said the road has become nearly impassable, and recent increases in traffic make repairs unavoidable. The city will temporarily convert the section to gravel until long-term surfacing is possible.

The board also discussed the need for a building to protect stored salt from weather, and members briefly reviewed progress on the highway-crossing project near the school, where new sidewalks and sign footings have been installed.

The municipal court reported no October court date but collected $826.50 in fines, leaving the city with $706.84 after statutory distributions.

Law enforcement sales tax collections totaled $1,953 for October.

City staff discussed ongoing software issues with QuickBooks. A specialist is scheduled to assist the clerk’s office Nov. 21, with hopes of resolving lingering problems involving miscategorized items and “other” entries that should no longer appear on reports. Aldermen praised the improved format of the monthly financial packets.

The city’s phone system is also being replaced. Once installed, dispatch will be reached more directly and routing options will improve for residents calling city hall.

New street-sign brackets have arrived, and crews will begin installing signs previously on order before reviewing any remaining gaps.

The board received confirmation from the city attorney that ballot language for a proposed use-tax measure is ready for submission before the statutory deadline.

A portion of the meeting focused on technical corrections to the city’s water and sewer user-rate ordinances. The changes were clerical, primarily fixing inconsistent late-fee language in Article V and adjusting incorrect base-rate wording in both the water and sewer sections.

Sassmann asked the board to review several definitions, including the term “residential user.” The word “only” had been removed from the phrase “domestic dwelling purposes only,” which he noted could change how mixed-use buildings are classified. He also questioned how residential and commercial distinctions are enforced in buildings with both apartments and storefronts, and asked whether rates reflect the true cost breakdown between administration, debt service and maintenance.

Aldermen and staff said the intent of the corrections was not to materially change policy and agreed to review the concerns. They invited Sassman to come back Wednesday so they could go over the city’s rate spreadsheet and clarify the revenue impact on properties.

Officials briefly discussed modifying park hours to close at dark, particularly during winter months. Police Chief Charles Holtz said the change would improve safety and help officers address after-hours activity. The city will review its existing ordinance and draft an amendment for a future meeting.

Aldermen adopted a resolution authorizing the city to use the Missouri Rural Water Association’s small-utility billing software and formally designating Tesa Koch and Karen Dittman as credentialed users. The approval is required by the vendor and will be reflected in the meeting minutes.

With no additional business, the board voted to enter closed session.