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City staff update: Narcan availability, signage plans, town-hall turnout and street repairs
Summary
During other business the board discussed free Narcan availability to first responders, plans for exterior and interior signage at the municipal complex, positive turnout at a town hall with state legislators, and progress on scheduled street repairs.
City staff updated the Board of Aldermen on several ongoing municipal services and community engagement items during the July 8 meeting.
On overdose-response supplies, an alderman asked whether the city could distribute Narcan and fentanyl testing strips to the public. A city staff member said the city receives Narcan for free "from the Jackson County Health Department" through a university partnership and that the supplies are stocked with police and fire first responders; the city does not currently distribute those free kits directly to the public.
Regarding signage for the municipal complex, aldermen asked about exterior and interior signs for the police department and municipal services building. Staff said designs for large exterior wall signs are complete and that the city is obtaining pricing; interior wayfinding signage is being finalized with areas labeled and numbered.
Board members also praised community engagement: aldermen thanked staff for a town hall held the prior night with state Sen. Patty Lewis and other legislators and noted good attendance (staff said about 50 people rotated through the event). The board encouraged similar events.
On street work, staff said letters and emails are being mailed to affected residents with timelines for multi-week projects; the board reported the public is receiving schedules and that street repairs for 2025 are more than halfway complete. Alderpersons identified specific maintenance needs (Rock City underpass and Marywood area); staff said crews will address tickets and had scheduled follow-ups.
During public comment earlier in the meeting, registered nurse Allison Youngblood raised a concern about grocery access near 40th and I-71 and asked whether the city could help attract a grocer (Aldi) to the vacant Crown Realty site to reduce a local food desert. The mayor asked her to leave contact information so staff could follow up.
