Monett council refuses petition language banning Central Avenue roundabout, asks counties to hold election

The Monett City Council voted not to adopt a citizen-initiated ordinance that would prohibit planning, property acquisition and installation of a roundabout at Highway 37 (Central Avenue) and Broadway, then voted to request county clerks schedule an election so voters can decide.

The ordinance, submitted through the initiative petition process, would have permanently barred the city from using eminent domain related to a roundabout at that intersection. Mayor Randy Burke and Commissioner King Gaspar voted against adding the petition language to city code; Commissioner Darren Andino voted in favor, leaving the proposed ordinance without the necessary support to pass.

Supporters of the petition, who spoke during the second reading and public-comment period, said they wanted the community to have a direct vote. Mike Randall, who helped gather signatures, said the petition represented a cross-section of residents and business owners and “represents an exercise of the citizens’ rights to participate in the process.” Veron Williams, who said he and his wife canvassed about 70 people, told the council “60 out of 70 were adamantly against the project.”

Business owner Joyne described a recent crash near the intersection and warned of potential fatalities: “there’s going to be somebody that gets hurt there and there’s going to be fatalities eventually,” she said, urging the council to consider safety concerns.

Council members and the mayor cited project history and legal implications if the petition’s language were adopted. The mayor said the city has already invested engineering and utility funding and that the project is a partnership with MoDOT and federal programs; he warned the petition language could bind future councils and complicate contracts and partnerships. City staff noted the petition met state statutory signature requirements and that state law gives the council a 20‑day window to act.

After the ordinance failed, the council debated next steps. By formal motion and roll call, the council authorized staff to contact the Barry and Lawrence county clerks and request a special election within 90 days to place the petition on the ballot. City staff explained the county clerks could decline a special election, in which case the measure would be placed on the November ballot if scheduling allowed.

The council’s action does not change the underlying petition language; it directs staff to pursue election placement so voters can decide. The council also discussed whether city code should be revised to change the current 90‑day special‑election provision for future petitions.