Edina City Council Minutes Oct 14th, 2025
October 14, 2025
The Board of Aldermen met in regular session with Mayor Linda Kerr presiding. Aldermen present: Dot Kriegshauser, Delmar Strange, David Bugh, Rick Yoakum, Staci Rimer, Don Crim. Absent: none.
Others present: Roger Parton, Superintendent of Utilities; Peggy Collinge, City Treasurer; Dr. Lisa Bosch, Knox County Chamber of Commerce; Officer Naomi Tharp, Edina Police Department; Donnie Swartz.
Mayor Kerr called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and gave the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Motion was made by David Bugh and seconded by Dot Kriegshauser to approve the minutes and reports as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Dot Kriegshauser and seconded by Delmar Strange to pay all bills as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Lisa Bosh, representing the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board. She said the Chamber will once again be sponsoring the Safe Stop event for the area children on Halloween. She requested that the 100 block of North Main Street be blocked off from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on October 31st. Motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by David Bugh to approve the street closing for this event. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Lisa also shared information about the Magic Tree which has been enjoyed in recent years during the Christmas season. She said this has been located in the Knox County Courtyard and feels that it shows pride in the City and County and can be enjoyed by many locals and visitors. Bosch said she understands that the City employees had to spend many hours last year to put up and take down the lights but would like them to do it one more year. She has checked into purchasing a commercial tree in 2026 that would be easy to assemble and could be used every year and stored in the off season. Roger agreed that the City would have room to store that type of tree. There was a considerable amount of discussion regrading employees and/or volunteers decorating a tree in the courtyard. Motion was made by Don Crim and seconded by Delmar Strange for Roger to supervise his crew to put lights on one of the trees in the courtyard and for volunteers to take the lights down. Motion carried unanimously.
Citizen Comments
Donnie Swartz addressed the Board regarding the lack of law enforcement in Edina. He shared some incidents when it was difficult or impossible to get any officer to respond. Mayor Kerr said the City’s funds are limited and it is not easy to find someone with the required training to take a job with the Police Department but every effort is being made to do so.
The Board considered an application for a street light which was submitted by John Weaver on behalf of the Family Foods grocery store at 1207 E. LaFayette St. Motion was made by Delmar Strange and seconded by Rick Yoakum to submit a request to Ameren Missouri to add a new street light at 1207 E. LaFayette St. to the City account. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports
Peggy Collinge, City Treasurer, met with the Board. She reported that USDA has approved the request made by the City to use a portion of the Replacement & Extension Fund for pump repairs at the sewer plant; therefore, a budget amendment is needed to allow this expenditure. Motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by David Bugh to amend the Replacement & Extension budget in the amount of $9,621. Motion carried unanimously.
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Peggy also recommended the following budget amendments: Police Department (phone) – $1,800; Fire Department (pumper trucks inspections & truck repairs) – $5,101; Fire Department (insurance) $1,000. Motion was made by David Bugh and seconded by Rick Yoakum to approve the budget amendments as recommended by the City Treasurer. Motion carried unanimously.
Peggy also noted that it is time to begin work on the budget for 2026 and all departments need to be involved in the process. Funds are limited and each department is required to monitor their expenditures to be able to keep within budget.
Roger Parton, Superintendent of Utilities, provided his written report of projects completed during the last month and plans for the future.
Naomi Tharp, Edina PD Officer, reported recent training and meetings she has attended. She also responded to all of the questions and concerns from the Board.
Echo Menges, Edina Sentinel Editor, addressed the Board. She had provided a list of proposed questions regarding law enforcement to the Mayor and Board prior to the meeting for their review. These questions involved staffing and department operations; budget and financial decisions; community and business impact; leadership and wellness; and looking ahead. There was open discussion during this portion of the meeting. Echo said she has also requested records from the county related to law enforcement pay, staffing, and tax revenue from 2020-2025. After receiving that data, she may have a few follow-up questions to bring to a future meeting of the Board for clarification.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Kerr said progress continues regarding the City’s CDBG Demolition Project. Linda also said she is happy to report that the City’s application for a MODOT TAP grant for sidewalks has been approved. This is an 80/20 grant to upgrade sidewalks along the south side of LaFayette Street from 2nd Street to 3rd Street and construct a sidewalk on the east side of MO 15 (S. 1st Street) from Morgan Street to the Dollar General store. Linda also reported that the City’s application to the Solid Waste Management District for a 75/25 grant was approved. This is for a cardboard baler and the electrical work and installation needed for the baler. This will help to reduce the amount of cardboard that is currently going to the landfill. Both of these projects will be included in the budget for 2026.
Aldermen Comments. None.
Motion was made by David Bugh and seconded by Delmar Strange to close a part of the meeting pursuant to 610.021(3) Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded. Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Dot Kriegshauser, Delmar Strange, David Bugh, Rick Yoakum, Staci Rimer, Don Crim. Nays. None. Motion carried and the meeting was closed.
When the Board returned to open session a motion was made by Rick Yoakum and seconded by Staci Rimer to adjourn. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
Margaret Gibson
Margaret Gibson, City Clerk
Below is the actual PDF approved COPY of the record.
