Kennett council approves towing policy, tax transfer and infrastructure participation; special‑tax release motion fails

The Kennett City Council on Dec. 2 approved a package of administrative actions including a towing policy, a one‑time transfer of $115,530.30 from the Senior Citizen Tax Account to the Stormwater Tax Account, participation in a MoDOT intersection project with a city share of $38,710.82, and several bids and appointments.

Mayor Jake Crafton called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and the council quickly moved through consent items, approving the Nov. 4, 2025 minutes and October financial reports and abstracts. City Clerk Mandy Lewis announced the municipal election will be April 7, 2026; candidate filing opens Dec. 9 and closes Dec. 30, 2025.

On policy, Chief of Police Kenny Wilson recommended city enforcement of a state towing statute for vehicles after accidents and a policy to tow after traffic stops when drivers cannot produce proof of insurance. Council Member Dennis Pelts moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑9; Council Member Kevin Swain seconded and the resolution passed. Chief Wilson said the policy will be announced to the public before implementation on Jan. 1, 2026.

On city finances, Finance Director Jan McElwrath said the Senior Citizen Tax Account had been overpaid in prior years and regular payments had been made into the Stormwater Tax Account. McElwrath recommended a final transfer of $115,530.30. Council Member Steve Panousis moved to approve Resolution 2025‑10; Council Member Bob Young seconded. The motion passed with Council Member Kevin Swain casting the lone recorded no vote (tally: yes 9, no 1).

On transportation, Mayor Crafton said the Missouri Department of Transportation sought Kennett’s participation in a Kennett Square signal/intersection project with a city cost of $38,710.82. Council Member Randy Carter moved to participate and to pay the amount from the Transportation Tax; the motion passed.

The council accepted multiple procurement actions: it approved the sale of a 2019 Ford Taurus to the highest bidder (Gene Lack, $8,855.00), accepted a low labor‑only demolition bid from Jack of All Trades ($5,600.00) for two properties, and appointed Trey Bradford, Crystal Hrissikos and Darrell Watson to the Kennett Park Board (Council Member Steve Panousis abstained from the appointment vote citing a family connection).

A proposal by Council Member Randy Carter to release Special Tax Bills for 1926 Dixie Roadway—an action that would waive prior special tax bill enforcement and has in the past required owners to pay filing fees—failed on a roll call: Yes — James Waynick, Kevin Swain and Steve Panousis (3); No — Lisa Dry, Randy Carter, Mark Bryant, Harry Gaddis, Dennis Pelts, Jimmy French and Bob Young (7).

On rental‑property enforcement, Code Enforcement Officer Victor Mode reported 368 inspections in 2025 to date, said owner R. Cook is progressing under an agreement with the city, and reported that a separate applicant, Mr. Cunningham, has about 62 properties needing inspection; the council approved 60‑day provisional license periods for both men beginning Dec. 3, 2025.

The meeting moved into closed session for real estate and legal matters under RSMo 610.021(2) and 610.021(1) and later returned to open session before adjourning.

Votes at a glance: approve Nov. 4 minutes (mover: James Waynick; seconder: Bob Young; outcome: approved); approve Oct. 2025 abstracts/revenue statements (mover: Steve Panousis; seconder: Randy Carter; outcome: approved); accept vehicle bid (mover: Mark Bryant; seconder: Dennis Pelts; outcome: approved); appoint Park Board (mover: Mark Bryant; seconder: Lisa Dry; outcome: approved; abstention: Steve Panousis); extend 60‑day provisional license for R. Cook (mover: Bob Young; seconder: Harry Gaddis; outcome: approved); approve 60‑day provisional for Mr. Cunningham (mover: James Waynick; seconder: Mark Bryant; outcome: approved); approve Resolution 2025‑9 towing policy (mover: Dennis Pelts; seconder: Kevin Swain; outcome: approved); approve Resolution 2025‑10 transfer $115,530.30 (mover: Steve Panousis; seconder: Bob Young; outcome: approved; vote: 9–1); release special tax bills for 1926 Dixie Roadway (mover: Randy Carter; seconder: James Waynick; outcome: failed; vote: 3–7); approve MoDOT participation ($38,710.82) (mover: Randy Carter; seconder: Dennis Pelts; outcome: approved); accept demolition bid to Jack of All Trades ($5,600) (mover: Bob Young; seconder: Lisa Dry; outcome: approved); enter closed session (mover: James Waynick; seconder: Mark Bryant; outcome: approved unanimously); adjourn (mover: Dennis Pelts; seconder: Kevin Swain; outcome: approved).

What’s next: City staff expect the stormwater study from the consultant at no cost to the city before the next council meeting; City Clerk Lewis reminded candidates of filing windows for the April municipal election.