Republic City Council addresses contracts, schedules

Employee commendations cited
 
Republic City Council members considered a deal for street lighting with Empire District Electric and a funding opportunity through the state to help law enforcement at its Oct. 7 meeting.
Introduced for first reading, the Empire deal would provide electric service and equipment for city streets for two years. City Clerk Laura Burbridge said Republic’s agreement with Empire dates back to around 1945. This latest contract would renew automatically every two years, up to a 10-year limit. The deal covers street lighting as well as lights for city parks, public buildings, and properties. Empire in turn covers maintenance and operation of related electrical infrastructure. The city would pay for services and facilities based on standard rates and schedules.
Burbridge added city staff helped negotiate a better deal than had been initially proposed. The ordinance likely saw final action at the council’s Oct. 21 meeting.

Blue Shield money
A resolution from the council offered the possibility of tapping state funds for law enforcement under the new Blue Shield Program. The Missouri General Assembly approved $10 million in grant funding for communities with the designation of a Blue Shield community. Governor Mike Kehoe authorized the program with an executive order on Jan. 13, recognizing local governments committed to public safety within their community.
To qualify for funding, in addition to passing this resolution, the city has a sales tax for public safety, reflecting an “extraordinary investment in public safety.” It also has a recruitment and retention program in place for police officers, a police department that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime, and one with multiple partnerships with local stakeholders.
The city administrator received authorization to submit the renewal application for the Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center at 210 E. Hines St. to continue offering bingo on Mondays. The application has to go to the Missouri Gaming Commission annually.

Meeting schedule approved
Council members also approved a schedule for city council and board meetings in 2026. The council will continue to meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, but only hold one meeting in January, July, September and December. August and December meetings would also be moved. The Planning and Zoning schedule called for monthly meetings on the second Monday. Several exceptions due to holidays and specific schedules were included in the list.

Burbridge a master
Lisa Addington, the chief of staff and interim city administrator, reported Clerk Burbridge completed her master municipal clerk certification, the highest available in the state. Burbridge began in that post in 2019, and regularly assists area clerks who have procedural questions. The announcement earned Burbridge a round of applause from those present.

Gilroy Animal Care Specialist of Year
Mayor Eric Franklin reported Cheyanne Gilroy had been named the Animal Care Specialist of the Year by the Missouri Animal Control Association at its annual conference in Branson. The recognition went to a recipient selected “who has shown exceptional dedication to the animals, their facility, and the broader community. This individual has distinguished themselves through their commitment, bringing great credit to their agency and the profession.”

Guns and Hoses a home run derby
Addington noted the Republic Fire Department defeated the police 48-36 in the annual Guns and Hoses softball game, a match described as a “home run derby” by one, and another commented it was a game where “defense was optional.” The event raised $1,077 for Shop With A Hero.

J.R. Martin Park upgrade continues
Construction on the J.R. Martin Park expansion, now that the council had authorized additional funding, has resumed. Addington anticipated work would end by June 2026. She added work on the new City Hall was expected to be done by Thanksgiving.

In other news
- Franklin reported the Ozarks Transportation Organization approved making the Hwy. MM corridor as its legislative priority for 2026, which he praised as positive for Republic. The group’s annual legislative breakfast was scheduled for Oct. 21. He added that the Greene County Mayors Association would meet in Republic in November.
- Franklin also commended staff for participating in the annual Pumpkin Daze Oct. 3-4 at J.R. Martin Park. Staff from the parks and recreation department, firefighters, and police, in addition to volunteers, helped make the event successful.
- A city council budget workshop was scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m.