The Lincoln City Council met in regular session Monday, February 10 at 6:00 PM in City Hall. A full council was on hand to take care of business.
Following the routine monthly matters, the meeting moved to reports from Police Chief Breshears. The Chief reported that on January 23, 2025, Officers responded to 425 East Locust Street in Lincoln, in reference to a subject with an active warrant. The subject with the warrants was identified as Kyle R. Lalanda. Lalanda has an active warrant out of Lincoln, Missouri for Harassment 1st Degree and Violation of Order of Protection for Adult, warrant number 25BE-CR00018. This warrant was applied after years of investigation and charges involving Kyle at the municipal level with no change in behavior. After arriving, evidence of a domestic assault was found, and charges have been filed for the domestic assault as well.
On January 25, 2025, officers responded to Bullseye in reference to a physical altercation. Upon arrival, officers found Benton County deputies already on the scene. After investigation, officers learned this was an ongoing argument between the two parties. Both parties advised it was a mutual altercation and neither wished to pursue charges. Both parties were advised that if this issue arises again, there will be charges filed.
Public Works Director Josh Cole stated they had cleaned up a wood pile and scraps behind the shop, taken down the city’s Christmas lighting, trimmed trees in roadways, repaired generator in well house #3, inventoried all signs in town and replaced ones they had on hand, and fixed broken axle on the plow truck. Cole stated he would need $2,200 to replace every sign that needs to be replaced. Police Chief Breshears mentioned he is having trouble with many complaints about semi-drivers “jake-braking” in the city limits. It was noted there is an ordinance so signage needs to be posted. The council voted to fund $2,400 for the new signage.
Sabrina Brown, City Clerk reported the installation of the new software has been a trying experience but will be so helpful with the city’s day-to-day business in the future.
Council made a motion and approved removing former Mayor John King and former Councilwoman Janice Swearngin from the Community National Bank account as signors. They were replaced with Councilman Seth Casey and City Clerk Sabrina Brown.
The contract the city has with Benton County Economic Development has been budgeted and was approved by council.
The roofing project had an add-on proposal for an additional $3,000 for City Hall. Rotted timbers were discovered when the replacement began. The measure was approved.
Discussion was held about adding a backup power source (generator) for City Hall. It would provide a warm place for area residents during a prolonged power outage. Council approved and voted $5,900 for the project.
The council then went into closed session to discuss the purchase of a new location for the Police Department. The council looked at five separate locations; three were on the Highway 65 corridor. Under Consideration was the Brethower building but it was decided that it was too large, second was the Kroenke building but it was not for sale, third was the car lot building but the cost was $170,000 with an additional cost of ten to fifteen thousand to make it what was needed. Downtown, the former Chrysler dealership building was considered but it was not for sale. Then 110 E. Main was considered.
That property is owned by a councilman, Phillip Fisher, but the price was $17,000. The cost to make the structure what was required brought the cost to $92,650 but the building will be downtown where it needs to be. It is the right size and since the city had budgeted $200,000 to provide a new location for the Police Department, it was coming in at half the proposed budget and when refurbished will be virtually a new structure.
Councilman Fisher recused himself from discussions other than to answer questions and did not vote on the matter. By unanimous roll call vote, the matter was approved and approved the measure to allow the mayor to go into a contract to purchase the property at 110 East Main Street. Lacey Smallwood will write the contract.
With no further business, the council went back into open session and voted to adjourn.
The City of Lincoln regularly meets on the second Monday of each month. The meeting's are always open and guests are welcome to attend.
