By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
Meeting Called to Order:
The regular meeting of the Pelahatchie Mayor and Board of Aldermen was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Town Hall. Mayor Karl VanHorn presided, with all members of the board present: Alderwoman Diane Hill, Alderwoman Sandra Harvey, Alderman David Gray, Alderman Eddie Jones, and Alderman James Harrell.
Visitors’ Business:
The scheduled annual update from the Pelahatchie Public Library did not occur, as no representative was present. Mrs. Sara Butler then addressed the board to announce she is running for Circuit Court Judge and will be on the ballot in November.
Department Discussions and Zoning:
Police Vehicles: The board discussed the purchase of three used police package Ford F150 trucks from the Missouri State Police. The vehicles will be paid for out of seized funds, noting this is the same agency the town purchased its last two used vehicles from. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the purchase, seconded by Alderman Gray. The motion passed with all in favor.
315 McDonald St. Zoning: The board reviewed plans for a new single-family residential structure noted as being over 2,000 square feet, though it was mentioned that no set of plans was provided. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, seconded by Alderwoman Hill. The motion passed with all in favor.
102 Ragan St. Zoning: The board reviewed plans for a single-family residential structure. Dr. Edwards spoke on the matter. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the plans, seconded by Alderwoman Hill. The motion passed with all in favor.
New Business:
March Minutes: Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting, seconded by Alderman Harrell. The motion passed with all voting yay and none voting nay.
Unpaid Claims Docket: Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the docket, seconded by Alderman Harrell. The motion passed with three voting yay and Alderwoman Hill and Harvey voting nay.
Morgan and White Insurance ($1,157.66): Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the bank draft payment, seconded by Alderman Gray. The motion passed with all favor.
EMC Insurance ($6,509.53): Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the bank draft payment for property insurance, seconded by Alderman Gray. The motion passed with all voting yay and all in favor.
Blue Cross Insurance ($8,534.16): Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the bank draft payment, seconded by Alderman Gray. The motion passed with all voting yay and all in favor.
March 2026 Payroll: Alderman Jones made the motion to approve and ratify the general ($66,833.71) and enterprise ($27,435.71) payrolls, seconded by Alderman Gray. The motion passed 3-2 with Alderwoman Harvey and Alderwoman Hill both voting nay.
Executive Session:
At 6:14 p.m., Alderman Jones made a motion, seconded by Alderwoman Hill, to enter an executive session regarding personnel matters within the police department. At 6:17 p.m., Attorney Banks announced a personnel matter. The police chief called Robbie Williams into the session at 6:19 p.m. Officer Irwin was then called back into the executive session at 6:26 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Banks announced the result of the session was one salary and rank increase. Everyone returned to the meeting room at 6:31 p.m.
Alderman Discussions:
During open discussion at 6:32 p.m., Alderman Gray asked about a draft ordinance concerning creating a leisure and recreation district that Attorney Banks then stated would, if passed, create a leisure and recreation district in town and allow open containers of alcohol in said boundaries of such district. She mentioned it was similar to what the city of Jackson has passed in the past with their Leisure and Recreation Districts. The mayor stated they were currently reviewing the draft ordinance. Alderman Jones reminded the public that April is storm season and advised residents to stay weather alert. Alderman Jones also asked for ideas regarding upcoming Tri-centennial events and announced that the police chief will collect donations for July 3, 2026. Alderwomen Hill and Harvey, along with Alderman Harrell, had no further discussion items.
Mayor’s Discussion:
Mayor Karl VanHorn brought several key items and announcements before the board. He discussed and asked for approval to get the Town Hall windows that were broken replaced. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the repairs, seconded by Alderwoman Hill. The motion passed with all in favor. The mayor also announced that May 2 through May 9 will be designated as town Cleanup Week. The mayor also discussed the installation of security cameras at the city warehouse to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
Mayor VanHorn also announced that the state legislature is giving the town $850,000. These funds are allocated as $350,000 for streets and roads, and $500,000 for the Lagoon project.
Adjournment:
The meeting was recessed and adjourned at 6:43 p.m. Alderman Jones made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman Hill. The motion passed with all voting yay and all in favor.
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