Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lebanon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Downtown alcohol-license distance rules
The council was set to consider reducing the required distance between alcohol-serving businesses and schools or churches from 300 feet to 100 feet in the downtown business district, with measurements taken property line to property line.
Street and stormwater materials purchase
The council was set to consider buying street and stormwater materials for the Flatwood Phase 3 and Aero Landing Phase 2 subdivisions from three local suppliers.
New sidewalk construction standards
A new city code section would set standards for sidewalks in areas platted after January 1, 2027 — at least five feet wide, 3.5-inch concrete, ADA-compliant.
Route 66 interstate signage change
A payment to Advanced Highway Sign and Supply would change signage from Elm Street to Route 66 on Interstate 44.
West Fremont Road sidewalk project budget amendment
A budget amendment would fund the West Fremont Road sidewalk project in the FY2027 budget.
LANEG grant acceptance
An ordinance would accept a federal grant subaward from the Missouri Department of Public Safety for LANEG operations.
Flock camera transparency and upcoming ordinance
The council was set to create the city's first formal rules for automated license plate readers through a new ordinance, paired with a resolution for monthly audits of the systems by the Laclede County Sheriff's Office.
IT software services agreement
A resolution would authorize a software services agreement with Heartland Business Systems for city information technology services.
LANEG drug task force agreement
Lebanon stays in the regional narcotics task force at $12,000 a year, with the city as the lead agency among about five police departments plus sheriff's offices.
Water Department Backhoe Purchase
The Water Department was set to get a new backhoe to handle excavation and maintenance work like fixing water leaks and installing lines. The $156,802.43 purchase comes from the FY27 capital improvements budget of $170,000.
Atchley Park Shelter #1 Replacement
The existing shelter beside the dog park dates to 1984, and the Board has been reviewing design options and costs. A design decision was on the agenda as a possible action item, but no outcome is on record.
Dog park stays put with small-dog addition
A preliminary plan would add a small-dog enclosure at the existing dog park location, with fencing material donated by Lowe's — far cheaper than relocating the park. Action was scheduled but no outcome is on record.
Clark Street and Harwood intersection safety
A resident described school-hour backups of roughly a mile at Clark and Harwood, blind turns, and five or six crashes in two years including a fatality this year. Police say they've started taking measures through the Work Street program.
Library building energy efficiency
A resident whose company's product was installed in the library says the building now costs far less to operate than under the prior tenant, and urged the council to prioritize its spending.
Future of the YMCA facility
City Administrator Troy Schulte reported mechanical problems with the YMCA pool that the city is repairing; swim team representatives will attend the next meeting to discuss the current swim platforms.
Proposed City Rebranding Backlash
The "Build Your Journey Here" rebrand split the council 3-3 after members complained they were shown only one of six finalist designs. It returns October 26 as an ordinance the mayor can break a tie on.
Animal Control Policy and Rescue Partner Changes
Multiple residents questioned funding sources, staffing, and a policy change narrowing the circle of rescue partners for the city pound. The police chief defended the changes and said the city wants every willing shelter involved.
Dangerous structure demolitions
The council hired Bo Eilenstine Excavating to tear down dangerous buildings at 858 Wood Street and 480 Center Street.
Ice Cream Factory funding dispute
A resident alleges the Ice Cream Factory owner made misrepresentations to win up to $400,000 in city funding for the 1201 Ice Cream Way facility, and is asking for an independent investigation and referral to prosecutors. She says she's already reported findings to the FBI.
Conner Drive duplex ownership splits
Three pairs of duplexes on Conner Drive can now be split into individually owned units, with a plat and strict HOA covenants recorded. Commissioner Tarwater praised the purpose-built approach as better than converting later.
Jefferson Avenue lot split to sell renter-occupied homes
The owner of 1553/1551 N Jefferson Ave can now split two lots into four so current renters get the option to buy their homes; setback variances were granted by the Board of Adjustment earlier in the day.
Water Well Repairs — Bowling and Reeves Wells
An ordinance was scheduled to authorize Flynn Drilling Company to repair the Reeves Well, part of the city's water supply system.
Utility billing schedule overhaul
Bills were sometimes arriving in mailboxes already past due. The board shifted read, mail, and due dates so customers get roughly ten extra days between receiving the bill and paying it.
Bright Speed pole attachment negotiations
The city and Bright Speed are hashing out a modernized pole attachment agreement and sorting out 280 disputed poles; a new deal could come by end of year and may expand broadband service.
Tripping south-side electric feeder
A south-side feeder keeps tripping. Crews found and replaced one burned insulator behind Steak n Shake, but it tripped again — infrared inspections are underway to find the culprit.
Streetlight repairs before Halloween
Crews are swapping out old streetlights for brighter LEDs, starting in Ward 4, which had the most burned-out lights. Early results look good.
Citywide hydrant and valve maintenance program
Crews are systematically locating, GPS-mapping, and exercising every water valve and fire hydrant in the city — a perpetual maintenance cycle to make sure fire protection and shutoffs work when needed.
2026 Citizen Survey results
A survey of 482 residents ranked public safety, parks, and maintenance as strengths, while traffic flow, street upkeep, communication, code enforcement, and affordable housing need work. Results will shape the budget and five-year capital plan.
Civic Center / YMCA future and Parks role
City Administrator Troy Schulte reported mechanical problems with the YMCA pool that the city is repairing; swim team representatives will attend the next meeting to discuss the current swim platforms.
Civic Center theater stage floor and City Hall HVAC upkeep
The Council approved refinishing the Cowan Theater's stage floor and buying new air volume boxes for City Hall — routine facility maintenance.
Public safety grants and equipment
The City accepted a Missouri Blue Shield Grant, a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant, and bought police training ammunition — bolstering police and fire capabilities with outside funding.
Ice Cream Factory Chapter 100 compliance
A resident formally asked the City to audit the Ice Cream Factory's payroll, jobs, and compliance with its $9.05 million incentive deal, warning that unpaid wages and missed job targets could trigger a Notice of Default and clawbacks of tax abatements and waived fees.
Spring Hollow Golf Clubhouse renovation funding
The Council amended the FY2027 budget to pay for the golf clubhouse renovation, pulling from the Capital Fund and authorizing an interfund loan and construction contract.
School district expansion at 777 Brice Street
The Council rezoned lots at 777 Brice Street and consolidated four lots into one (Yellowjacket Acres plat) to make room for the school district's new additions.
Homelessness and drug activity concerns near Harwood and Walters
Commissioner Berkich asked the city to look into resident concerns about homelessness and drug activity around Harwood and Walters Street, and there was talk of cleaning up problem properties there.
Short-term rental regulation at 730 Tower Road
Residents fought a short-term rental permit on Jessie Street and won — and the commission now plans to update the city's STR code language. Commissioner Tarwater also questioned whether approving short-term rentals makes sense amid a housing shortage.
Trinity Lutheran Church expansion
The church got its plat approved to build a multi-use building and playground supporting its Blessing Babies and Beyond program.
New Casey's General Store at Harwood and Lynn
A new roughly 4,173-square-foot Casey's store is one step closer after the commission approved the replat. Pastors of two nearby churches opposed it over traffic at a congested intersection and alcohol sales near the school/church campus, but the property is already zoned commercial.
Drought-stressed ballfields and irrigation limits
Two months of 100-degree, rainless weather has left the soccer, football, and baseball fields brown. The sprinkler systems were built to keep grass green, not survive droughts, and a fix is planned to split the Nelson Park system so both sides can water at once — roughly doubling capacity.
Homeless individual at Atchley Park playground area
A board member raised concerns that a longtime homeless man has moved from the open pavilion up near the fenced kids' area, possibly deterring families. Staff noted he leaves nightly, picks up trash, reports maintenance issues, and isn't breaking any laws.
Atchley Park restroom construction
The board was scheduled to get an update on the restroom and concession building at Atchley Park, a project residents have been watching closely.
Youth soccer registration dropped
Soccer signed up about 210 kids on 18 teams versus 300+ in recent seasons. Heat, signups closing before school started, and Facebook-only advertising all got blamed — the board wants school flyers considered next season.
Boswell Aquatic Center Season Performance
Six days into the season, pool attendance is running well above the same stretch in prior years. Swim team has close to 100 kids signed up, school groups are visiting three days a week all June, and swim lessons are being planned.
Heat policy for youth sports
A board member asked when it's too hot for kids to play, noting other cities are adopting wet bulb globe temperature rules. Staff will look into a clear policy, especially for no-break sports like soccer and football.
Atchley Park pickleball court drainage and lighting
Light and basketball court installation is moving along at the pickleball courts, but water is running into the park and staff are working on fixes. Players also complain about balls getting stuck under the exterior fence.
Boswell tennis courts in disrepair
A resident comment flagged the Boswell courts as rundown; staff say they mainly need new nets but got the wrong size delivered, and are working out a setup that keeps both tennis and pickleball playable.
Food insecurity / Hunger Action Month
The mayor proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month; roughly 997,750 Missourians are food insecure and local pantries serve thousands monthly.
Atchley Park front parking lot redesign
The front parking lot at Atchley Park was up for discussion, affecting access and parking for park visitors.
Goldenrod Road flooding and stormwater response
Engineers found the soil near Goldenwood Road can't support a pond, so Olsson will design a traditional stormwater detention facility instead. Nearby Indian Creek fixes are still being reworked to avoid intruding on four backyards.
Infill housing fee waiver
The city is waiving connection and permit fees for two years to encourage developers to buy dilapidated houses on old lots and replace them with new homes under $300,000.