Mayor Harminson told the Board of Aldermen on Aug. 7 that the city had received a notice from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources requiring 90 days' public notice before any vote to alter water fluoridation and asked that the repeal ordinance, Bill 25-69, be tabled. "We received an email from Missouri DNR, and it states, that any water system, if we want to change any type of filtration or, fluoride in the system, we need 90 days prior to any vote on this matter," Mayor Harminson said.

The move to table followed a procedural discussion about where the item would appear on the agenda and how to comply with DNR instructions. Alderman Hoffman made the motion to table Bill 25-69; Alderman Collins seconded. The board voted in favor and the mayor stated the bill has been tabled.

The item drew extended discussion as a policy and public-health matter. Mayor Harminson framed his reasons for seeking the repeal as concerns about adding a drug to a public water system and referenced international and U.S. jurisdictions that have halted fluoridation. He also said the city’s groundwater contains naturally occurring fluoride and estimated city cost savings at about $8–$10 per customer annually. Jeff Fisher, public works director, reported water testing results and said the wells have a natural fluoride range he described as "between 2.2 and 0.3 milligrams" on multiple dates.

Board members urged a public process before any final action. Alderman Collins and others said a public hearing would be appropriate and urged staff to provide clear scientific and DNR guidance. Alderman Rucker said the item had been under discussion for years and asked staff to provide DNR requirements and other technical information. Alderman Hoffman and Alderman Collins said they were reluctant to change the service without clear evidence of harm and wanted reliable studies and community input.

The board directed staff to follow the DNR notification process and indicated the item would return for discussion after required notice and additional staff research; the mayor said he expected staff would complete paperwork with DNR to start the 90-day notice period. Whether the city will hold a formal public hearing will depend on DNR guidance and the paperwork the city submits.

The motion to table is procedural: it postpones action on Bill 25-69 to allow the city to complete DNR notification and public outreach rather than approving or rejecting the policy change at this meeting.

The board did not set a final vote date. Mayor Harminson said he would bring the matter back after the 90-day notification period and after staff completes the DNR-required steps.