OWENSVILLE — Owensville aldermen approved a $350,401.80 contract with Pierce Asphalt on Sept. 21 for the city’s 2026-27 street paving project after city crews completed portions of the planned work themselves, reducing more than $29,000 in project cost.

Derek Gruenloh, public works director, reported that three bids were received for the project. City crews completed work identified as Options C and D in-house, reducing the amount of the paving contract by $29,260.60. The final approved amount remains subject to adjustment based on the fuel index at the time paving takes place.

Pierce Asphalt submitted an all-in bid of $379,662.40 before the city removed Options C and D from the contracted work. Capital Paving submitted an all-in bid of $452,950.30, while West Contracting submitted a $468,272 bid. The minutes list Pierce Asphalt’s anticipated completion as spring 2027, compared with June 15, 2027, for Capital and fall 2026 for West Contracting.

Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer moved to accept the Pierce Asphalt bid at the reduced $350,401.80 amount, with Alderman Denise Bohl seconding the motion. The motion passed without dissent.

New police Durango purchase approved

The board has approved the purchase of a 2026 Dodge Durango for the city’s police department as officials consider selling a Chevrolet Tahoe that has experienced engine problems.

The Tahoe required an engine replacement at approximately 62,000 miles. The replacement was covered under warranty. City Marshal Scott Griffith told aldermen the city could consider selling the Tahoe for approximately $35,000 to $40,000 and replacing it with a new Durango using Law Enforcement Tax funds.

Following discussion, Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer moved to purchase the 2026 Dodge Durango as recommended by the city marshal. Alderman Dan Breeden seconded the motion, which passed without dissent.

The police department also reported that it had recorded 337 cases and issued 174 court summonses from January through August.

The department’s recent fish fry raised $5,504 for Shop with a Hero, including what the minutes described as a large donation check.

Owensville adds monthly Saturday hours at compost site

Owensville residents will have a weekend option for using the city’s compost site after city officials agreed to open the facility on the first Saturday of each month.

Mayor Kevin McFadden reported during the meeting that the compost site is currently open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Following requests from residents for weekend access, city staff agreed to add hours from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month.

The city’s new compost site is located at 611 N. First St. McFadden asked residents to follow posted directions and use the facility responsibly, warning that misuse could result in public access being discontinued.

The board also approved Ordinance 1520, amending the section of city code governing the city’s yard-waste facility and its acceptance of yard waste from city residents. Aldermen Dan Breeden, Denise Bohl and Lahmeyer voted in favor. Alderman Matt Kramme was absent.

The ordinance passed following its second reading and final vote.

Sewer I&I work advances

Owensville officials took several steps related to the city’s continuing efforts to address sewer inflow and infiltration during the meeting, including reducing an existing construction contract, approving an engineering agreement and discussing a possible future retention pond.

The board approved a $24,190 reduction to the Don Maggi sewer I&I project contract. The change order removes non-reinforced concrete pavement and driveway approach work, reducing $807,395.83 from the cost.

Aldermen also approved Ordinance 1521 authorizing McFadden to execute an engineering contract with CM Archer Group for professional consulting services connected with the city’s 2026 collection-system I&I reduction work. Aldermen Bohl, Lahmeyer and Breeden voted in favor, with Kramme absent.

The subject came up again during new business when Bohl asked about drainage issues at Alex Weaver’s property on Washington Avenue. The city engineer said the matter remains under study.

Randy Blaske, city administrator, said officials may need to consider a retention pond or lake downstream as part of efforts to address I&I problems. He and Breeden had attended a Missouri Municipal League session concerning possible grants for an I&I retention pond or lake in the campground area of Memorial Park. The minutes state the idea will require future discussion.

FCCLA students scheduled for park work day

Seventeen FCCLA students were scheduled to spend Friday morning, Sept. 25, painting and cleaning in Owensville parks as part of a park work day.

The Parks and Recreation Department also reported that the final Sparklight Movie Series showing of the season is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 6:45 p.m., featuring the animated version of The Addams Family. Market in the Park is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3 with 26 vendors expected.

Other business

Owensville aldermen initially approved a $17,050 bid from Crown Power & Equipment for a new Kubota RTV with trade-in during their Sept. 21 meeting.

After the meeting, however, city officials discovered the quoted vehicle was not the model the Parks and Recreation Department had requested. According to the official minutes, the correct model will instead be purchased through a state bid from Crown Source Well for $20,606.86.

Farrell reported that work is nearing completion on an updated city zoning map.

She said she is working with Todd Streiler to add the new RIT zoning district, update the OT zoning area from the former OTC designation and incorporate recent rezoning changes.

Farrell received her Advanced Missouri Governance Institute certificate during the recent Missouri Municipal League conference.

The city minutes note that Farrell is scheduled to take over July 2027 as Owensville city administrator.

Sarah Nadler has joined the Owensville City Hall staff as utilities cashier clerk and receptionist.

Farrell introduced Nadler during the Sept. 21 Board of Aldermen meeting and reported that she has been undergoing training while working at the front desk.