The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with Mayor JR Chaney presiding. Board members present were Jeff Geib, Chris Roup, Michael Graves, and Kim Brake. Also present were City Clerk Natasha Baruth and Superintendent Jarod Hudson. Visitors present were Travis Cochenour, Adam Stanton, Frankie Shoemaker, Sheena Roup, Seath Griffs, Ashlee McDowell, and Fred Hans.

Mayor Chaney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

The aldermen voted to amend the meeting agenda to add Ordinance 1257.

The November 17, 2025, meeting minutes were approved.

The board asked questions about community policing, Shop With the Cop transfer, and the Light Fund.

The Rock Port city consent agenda was approved.

Roup moved to approve the utility consent agenda. Graves seconded, but the motion died.

Chaney asked questions regarding the year-to-date column.

Roup moved to approve the utility consent agenda. Graves seconded and the motion passed.

There has been no interest in open board positions on the Rock Port tourism, park, and adjustment boards.

The need for a livestock ordinance was discussed. Baruth spoke regarding a Board of Aldermen meeting held in 2024 that discussed a livestock ordinance. The guidelines the board agreed on were sent to the lawyer. Baruth followed up with the lawyer, but ultimately the ordinance was never written. Discussion was tabled until the January meeting.

Frankie Shoemaker spoke on his business license application. The aldermen voted to approve the business license for Token Hemp Company, LLC.

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office was in attendance to discuss and answer questions regarding a contract proposal with the City of Rock Port for supplemental police coverage. The contract is proposed for $100,000 and would include 12-hour shifts. The contract would allow the deputies to enforce city ordinances. It was tabled until lawyers review the contract.

Chaney spoke about the idea of purchasing a pre-lit and pre-decorated Christmas tree for the City of Rock Port to begin a lighting ceremony and provide additional Christmas décor to Main Street. Discussion was tabled until January.

The board discussed the possibility of purchasing the lot from the county. Chaney will gather more information and present it in January.

Chaney spoke about the land that was leased at 1400 U.S. Hwy. 136 W. and the leasee wanting to add a fast-food business to it. The leasee would like assurance that he could purchase the land after the lease agreement before he invests in a business on it. Discussion was tabled until a survey can be completed.

Ordinance 1260 regarding the utility budget was read by Chaney and approved. Ordinance 1260 was read a second time by Chaney and approved.

Ordinance 1261 regarding the park budget was read by Chaney and approved. Ordinance 1261 was read for a second time by Chaney and approved.

Ordinance 1257 regarding removing the $20 set utility late fee was read by Chaney and approved. Ordinance 1257 was read for the second time by Chaney and approved.

The aldermen voted to create a 175th bank account with general account signers. They also voted to reopen the utility money market account.

The board decided to table the discussion of loose dogs.

Chaney spoke to Superintendent Hudson regarding interstate lighting. Hudson informed the board that two employees passed their first-year lineman test. He also stated they needed to discuss the lift station at the next meeting.

Chaney spoke about the tornado sirens. The aldermen voted to approve the Blue Valley proposal and have it come from the remaining 2025 police budget.

The meeting moved into executive session for personnel matters pursuant to Section  610.021 (3) RSMo. at 8:08 p.m. Executive session adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

After executive session, the board asked for an update on the City Hall remodel.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

(Note: Information was taken from unapproved minutes provided by Natasha Baruth, city clerk.)