The City of Tarkio Board of Aldermen met Wednesday January 21, 2026, at Tarkio City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted at 6:00 p.m. City Clerk Danielle Kephart did roll call: Mayor Jeff Agnew and Councilmen Scott Walker, Jeff Olson, Scott Poppa, and James Navin were all present. Visitors present were: City of Tarkio employees – Building Inspector Jesse Payne, Police Chief Tyson Gibbons, Police Officer Tyler Dorrel, Animal Control Officer/Park Supervisor Chris Niles, and City Attorney Robert Sundell; Tarkio Park Board members Ashlee Driskell, Danny Vietze, and Jennifer Peregrine; Tarkio Chamber of Commerce members Melissa White and Mandy Whipple; and city citizens Dallas Prather, Danny Martin, and Mike Klosek, Sr.

Mayor Agnew asked for the approval of the December 10, 2025, regular meeting minutes as distributed. The aldermen voted to approve the minutes as distributed.

There were no additions, deletions or continuances to the agenda.

Candidates who filed for the April 7 election are as follows: Mayor Jeffrey Agnew, North Ward Alderman Scott Poppa and South Ward Alderman James Navin, Jr. Since all candidates are incumbent and will be running unopposed, there will be no need for an election on April 7, 2026. Since there is no need for an election on April 7, April’s city council meeting will be on April 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor Agnew introduced City Attorney Robert Sundell and asked the chamber members to direct their questions about the residential and business compliance on Main Street to him. Mr. Sundell relayed to the chamber members that the use regulations on the B-2 general business zone do not prohibit residences from being on the main floor of buildings in this district. Since city ordinance does not state residences are not allowed, there is nothing that can be done about the current residences that are in these buildings. The city can put ordinances in place that prohibit any building to be converted into an apartment or residence from this point forward, but that won’t change the buildings already occupied as such. The city can also put in parking restrictions on the business part of Main Street, limiting parking to business use only during certain hours.

Mayor Agnew presented three RFQ’s for consultants for projects at the airport: Olsson, Environmental Works, Inc., and Professional Environmental Engineers, Inc. Mayor Agnew relayed that Clerk Kephart has been in contact with MoDOT and they stated the city does not have to retain a consultant if it does not have any projects for the airport. The council agreed that since there are no projects that need to be done any time in the near future, the city would not be selecting a consultant at this time, and would revisit this topic if and when a project needs to be completed.

Clerk Kephart presented the idea of repealing Chapter 210.2200, Article XV, Sale of Fireworks Prohibited. The chapter currently states that fireworks of any and all kinds can not be sold within city limits. Allowing the sale of fireworks could bring in extra tax revenue to the city around the 4th of July holiday. The council agreed to repeal this ordinance. Clerk Kephart will prepare the ordinance and present it at the February meeting.

Mayor Agnew informed the council it was time to do the yearly performance reviews for employees. The council has set a date for a special meeting on February 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to complete the reviews. The reviews will be presented to each employee before the regular meeting in February.

Department Reports

Jeff Olson, City Buildings – A quote was received to update the shelter housed at Summa Park. The quote was around $40,000.00. Olson will be looking into getting more quotes.

Scott Walker, Volunteer Fire Department – The firefighters will be going through CPR training in February.

Scott Poppa, Parks & Pool – The initial quote has come in for the parks/animal control building. Once a more specific quote comes in, Poppa will relay those numbers to both boards. Puzzle night is February 21. Proceeds from this event will go toward the tennis court renovations.

James Navin, Jr., City Streets – Quimby’s report was given:

• Repairs/Equipment – Batteries were replaced in the front loader. The first oil change on the new skid steer was done at 50 hours; next one will be done in 500 hours.

• RV Park – There is one camper there.

• Liberty Gas – Quimby found a contractor to do the repair for Liberty and the city has billed the gas company for it.

• Christmas Décor – All Christmas décor has been taken down and put up.

• Brush Pile – This area has been cleaned up and is back in use.

• Dog Pound Building – Quimby has been in contact with Pat from Morton Buildings and has gotten a preliminary number. It has to go to corporate and should come down in cost. He will share the firm number when he receives it.

• Tree In Park – The crew assisted cutting a large ash tree in the park that was dying from ash borers.

• Sewer Main Issue – The crew had to assist with a sewer main that a contractor working for Evergy drilled through while replacing a pole. The last Quimby knew, Evergy or the contractor is paying for repairs. The city has submitted a bill. These repairs have made Quimby consider doing some ditch repairs at this location. The repairs will make this ditch and street edge much more stable. Quimby has gotten a quote for these repairs and it can be done for under $15,000. He believes it can and should be done this spring.

• Budget – Quimby is starting to look at the budget for the next budget year. He reminded everyone to let him know if there are any items they would like him to look into for the Street Department.    

Tarkio Board of Public Works – A new office manager has been hired.

Mayor Agnew, Gould Peterson Municipal Airport – There was nothing to report.

Chris Niles, Animal Control – There was one dog in the pound this month. The owner licensed and picked up the dog within a week.

Chief Gibbons, Police Department – Holidays with Heroes raised enough funds for 30 children to participate in this event on December 19. Car cameras and new body cameras are installed and in use. There have been several new cases this month and several are ongoing.

Clerk Kephart, City Financials – It is almost time to prepare the budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. She reminded everyone to bring any additions or expenses to her so she can get the budget prepared.

A break was taken from 7:30 to 7:40 p.m.

The aldermen voted to enter into executive session per Chapter 610.021, Section 3 hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting a particular employee, etc. Following discussion, the aldermen voted to close executive session.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

A special executive meeting will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The next regular City Council meeting will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Tarkio residents are encouraged to attend.