Kirksville council approves zoning variances, lot split for pantry, mobility map update and several procurement and contract actions

The Kirksville City Council on Monday approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions across land‑use, procurement and capital projects. Most items were approved on first and second reading or by resolution with brief staff reports and limited public comment.

Votes at a glance (each item approved unless noted):

- Ordinance (Bill 2025‑51): Grant variance for an existing carport at 1100 West Cottonwood Street to allow a detached accessory building in the front yard and less than 3 feet from a property line. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval. Motions to approve carried on first and second reading.

- Ordinance (Bill 2025‑52): Grant variances for an existing detached garage and carport at 1106 West Cottonwood Street, likewise to allow nonconforming structures that encroach on a lot line. Planning and Zoning recommended approval; council approved on first and second reading.

- Ordinance (Bill 2025‑53): Vacate a dead‑end 15‑foot alley north of Lots 11 and 12 and south of Lots 1 and 2 of Block 5 of Evans Addition (west of North Walnut Street, between West Cottonwood and West Gardner). City engineer reported required utility and adjacent‑owner signoffs were obtained; council approved on first and second reading.

- Ordinance (Bill 2025‑54): Special use permit to operate a temporary rental at 1 Honda Drive. Planning and Zoning recommended approval 5–1; council approved on first and second reading.

- Ordinance (Bill 2025‑55): Authorize a lot split at 2010 Halliburton Street to create a parcel for the Pantry of Adair County. Code Enforcement Director Reid Yardley said the new lot would be about 324 feet from the nearest fire hydrant (the ordinance requires hydrants within 300 feet), which required council approval; the Pantry’s president‑elect, Tyanna Lang, described the pantry’s operations and said ownership would open grant opportunities. Councilmember Walston abstained from the vote because of a conflict; the ordinance passed.

- Resolution: Update to the Kirksville Active Mobility Plan corridors of focus map. Staff described three changes: add Green Street as a focus corridor, remove two sections proposed in the Norfolk & Southern railroad right‑of‑way where homes now sit, and upgrade First Street to a full focus corridor. Council approved the update.

- Resolution: Authorize city manager to execute a change order with Coyle Construction for soil stabilization in the lower airport parking lot. Deputy City Manager Rodney Sadler said geotechnical work found unsuitable clay pockets requiring an additional $45,425 of fill rock; the revised contract total would be $4,719,896.83. Council approved the change order; staff said the city’s match portion would not increase because of grant adjustments.

- Resolution: Accept bid from SRI Contractors LLC for roof coating of the Public Works Complex (2001 North Osteopathy Street). Two bids were received; SRI was low at $69,485 (alternate bid was $87,991.50). Staff recommended acceptance; council approved.

- Resolution: Authorize agreement with Gerber Life Insurance to serve as the city’s reinsurance provider for employee insurance. Deputy City Manager Rodney Sadler said switching from the current provider (Roundstone) to Gerber Life is projected to save approximately $208,600. Council approved.

Several items had little public comment; the lot‑split item drew a short public statement from Tyanna Lang on behalf of the Pantry of Adair County, which serves about 600 families per month and relies on volunteer support and retail rescue partnerships. Council discussion was largely procedural and staff‑driven. The meeting then moved into an executive session on personnel.