The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Atchison County Memorial Building with Mayor JR Chaney presiding. Board members present were Jeff Geib, Chris Roup, and Michael Graves. Alderperson Kimberly Brake was absent. Also present were City Clerk Natasha Baruth, Utility Office Manager Becky Oxner and Superintendent Jarod Hudson. Visitors present were Chris Riley, Robert Paulo, W.C. Farmer, Kade Perry, and Lisa Farmer.
Mayor Chaney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board members voted to approve the meeting agenda.
Geib moved to approve the December 17 and December 30, 2025, meeting minutes. Graves seconded. Motion died. Chaney asked for a moment to check the minutes. Geib moved to approve December 17 and December 30, 2025, meeting minutes. Graves seconded and all voted aye.
Consent Agendas
The aldermen voted to approve the city consent agenda and the utility consent agenda.
Visitors
Robert Paulo was in attendance to speak about his special event permit for fireworks. He is aware of some city push back and acknowledges that he did not follow the permit during the last Kansas City Chiefs game. The permit states he may light a firework off after a Chiefs game but during the last game of the season, Paulo knew the season was over and lit fireworks after every score. He will be applying for another permit this year.
Lisa Farmer was in attendance and stated that her complaint was resolved. Chaney stated that the utility policy has been updated with clearer guidelines.
New Business
The aldermen voted to approve business licenses for Cooper Properties and Tulsa Rose Boutique, LLC.
Board members voted to approve Christopher Riley’s appointment to the Tourism Board and the Board of Adjustment. They also approved Christopher Paris’ appointment to the park board.
Chaney spoke regarding alderman pay. His suggestion is to move to a percentage of income vs a set amount. The topic was tabled to discuss with legal.
Land leases were tabled for surveying.
The aldermen voted to approve the Axon quote for police body cams and tasers.
Baruth spoke on the current auditor retiring. The board asked for auditor options for the next meeting.
Chaney spoke on the idea of opening a community building by the pool. FEMA grants are available for buildings that can be used as a community shelter. Chaney would like to see a place with a gym, bath houses, deck, party spaces, and batting cages. Discussion was tabled for further research.
Chaney gave an update on the possible purchase of the county lot.
Chaney also spoke on the desire to annex a portion east of town along Hwy. 136 and the city park. He does not anticipate any residents to be affected by this annexation. Discussion was tabled to discuss with legal.
Old Business
The aldermen voted to approve a one-year sheriff contract to be paid out of reserve and current police budget.
The Christmas tree discussion was tabled.
The livestock ordinance was tabled due to waiting on legal.
Land survey is tabled.
Superintendent Hudson updated the board on the interstate lighting. There is a six to eight week shipping timeline. Lighting for the west side of the interstate was discussed.
Hudson updated the board on the park manager position. Applications are being accepted through January 30, 2026.
Chaney gave an update on the Flock cameras going up in the city. Chaney has received several messages regarding the cameras. They do not record speed and are not equipped with radar. The county is the only one with access to the cameras and are solely meant to search for plates and are used in locating cars with warrants or kidnappings. Sheriff Riley will release updates on requests made for the cameras.
Hudson stated that the tornado siren company was coming the next day to see the current sites. Chaney stated that there will be a noon whistle Monday through Friday to save money on annual siren testing.
Additional Reports
Hudson informed the board that Laborer Paris was sent to wastewater training and is set to take his test in the coming weeks. Hudson also stated that the lift station company would be in attendance at the February board meeting.
Lisa Farmer asked about the old grocery store building at 302 S. Main. Chaney told her the building is in probate court and there is currently nothing that the city can do about it.
Executive Session
The aldermen voted to adjourn into executive session at 7:22 p.m. for personnel matters, legal actions and personal records pursuant for Section 610.021 (3), (1), and (13) RSMo. The executive session closed at 7:59 p.m.
After executive session, the board discussed the upcoming election.
Roup moved to adjourn meeting at 8:03 p.m. Graves seconded. Roup and Geib voted aye. Graves nay. Motion carried.
(Note: Information was taken from unapproved minutes provided by Natasha Baruth, city clerk.)
