Poplar Bluff meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Poplar Bluff City Council weighs ICE pact, fire tax ballot measure

The Poplar Bluff City Council met Aug. 17 to consider a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a November 2026 ballot measure for a half-percent sales tax to fund the Fire Department, and the annual property tax levy ordinance. No minutes have been published, so no votes or outcomes are available. The same day, the council held a public hearing on proposed property tax rates for fiscal year 2026, with the rate to be set to meet budget revenue requirements.

City Council agenda

The council's Aug. 17 agenda included:

• A memorandum of understanding with ICE under the 287(g) Program.
• A ballot proposition for a 0.5% city-wide sales tax for Fire Department operations.
• An ordinance for the 2026 property tax levy (General Revenue and Police/Fire Pension).
• Approval of minutes from July 6 and July 20, 2026 meetings.
• City Clerk's report on fund balances, investments, and collections as of July 31, 2026.

A separate public hearing on the proposed property tax rates for FY 2026 was also held that day. No other substantive items were on that agenda.

Other board meetings

Several other boards met during the past two weeks, all with agendas but no published minutes:

• **Historical Preservation Commission** (Aug. 12): Discussed historic preservation in the comprehensive plan, design guidelines for color palettes, the Grow our Downtown and Missouri Main Street project, and code enforcement status downtown. Also elected officers.
• **Arts and Museum Advisory Board** (Aug. 13): Routine reports and housekeeping, including filling an Exhibit Review Panel position and annex cleanup.
• **Parks and Recreation Board** (Aug. 17): Reviewed golf course operations, programs, financials, and projects. Could enter closed session under RSMo 610.021.1-3.
• **Municipal Utilities Advisory Board** (Aug. 17): Reviewed bids for DCOI treated poles, plus financial statements and check registers for Electric and Water-Sewer departments.

Cancellations

Several boards canceled their August meetings:

• **Building Standards Board** (Aug. 13) – next meeting Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.
• **Tree Advisory Board** (Aug. 18 and Sept. 15) – next meeting Oct. 20, 4:00 p.m.
• **Plumbing Board** (Aug. 20) – next meeting Sept. 17, 5:00 p.m.
• **Zoning Board of Adjustment** (Aug. 20) – next meeting Sept. 17, 7:00 p.m.

Coming up

Two upcoming meetings are on the calendar, but both are canceled:

• **HVACR Advisory Board** (Aug. 27) – canceled; next meeting Sept. 24, 5:00 p.m.
• **Airport Advisory Board** (Aug. 26) – canceled due to lack of agenda items; next meeting Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m.

No other meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks.

Poplar Bluff City Council to consider ICE agreement, fire tax ballot measure

This week in Poplar Bluff, several boards and commissions held meetings, but no minutes have been published yet, so no decisions are known. The most consequential action on the horizon is the City Council's Aug. 17 meeting, which will consider a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a ballot measure for a half-percent sales tax for the Fire Department.

Recent meetings

Several meetings took place in the past two weeks, all with agendas but no published minutes. The Municipal Utilities Advisory Board canceled its Aug. 3 meeting because no agenda items were submitted. The Parks and Recreation Board met Aug. 3 with only procedural items.

The City Council met Aug. 3 to review the Fiscal Year 2025 audit presented by Beussink, Hey, Roe and Stroder, LLC, an amendment to Ordinance No. 26-39 for the Historic Frisco Depot Restoration Project with Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum, Inc., and the purchase of tables for the Black River Coliseum via an agreement with the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 3 to discuss a Master Plan update from JLG Architects and had action items on a property tax levy and a fence addition. The Electrical Wiring Board canceled its Aug. 6 meeting.

The Historical Preservation Commission met Aug. 12 to elect officers and discuss historic preservation in the comprehensive plan, design guidelines for color palettes, the Grow our Downtown and Missouri Main Street project, and code enforcement status downtown. The Building Standards Board canceled its Aug. 13 meeting. The Arts and Advisory Board met Aug. 13 with routine items, including filling an Exhibit Review Panel position and annex cleanup.

Upcoming meetings

The City Council has two meetings scheduled for Aug. 17. The first is a public hearing on proposed property tax rates for fiscal year 2026, with the rate to be set to meet budget revenue requirements. The second is a regular meeting to consider a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) Program, a ballot proposition for a 0.5% city-wide sales tax for Fire Department operations, and an ordinance for the property tax levy for 2026 covering General Revenue and Police/Fire Pension. The council will also approve minutes from July 6 and July 20, 2026, and receive the City Clerk's report on fund balances, investments, and collections as of July 31, 2026.

The Municipal Utilities Advisory Board will meet Aug. 17 at 3:00 p.m. to review bids for DCOI treated poles, approve minutes from July 6, and review check register reports and financial statements for the Electric and Water-Sewer Departments.

The Parks and Recreation Board meets Aug. 17 to review golf course operations and maintenance, programs, financials, and projects. The board may enter a closed session under RSMo 610.021.1-3.

Several boards have canceled upcoming meetings: the Tree Advisory Board canceled its Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 meetings, with the next meeting set for Oct. 20 at 4:00 p.m. The Plumbing Board canceled its Aug. 20 meeting, next scheduled for Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m. The Zoning Board of Adjustment canceled its Aug. 20 meeting, next scheduled for Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Coming up

• Aug. 17, 3:00 p.m. – Municipal Utilities Advisory Board, City Hall
• Aug. 17 – City Council public hearing on property tax rates
• Aug. 17 – City Council regular meeting (287(g) agreement, fire tax ballot measure, property tax levy)
• Aug. 17 – Parks and Recreation Board
• Aug. 18 – Tree Advisory Board (canceled)
• Aug. 20 – Plumbing Board (canceled)
• Aug. 20 – Zoning Board of Adjustment (canceled)

City Council to weigh audit, depot restoration; several boards cancel meetings

Poplar Bluff's municipal boards saw a quiet week, with four meetings canceled and no decisions yet reported from those that did convene. All recent meetings are listed as agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so outcomes of any votes remain unknown.

Cancellations and procedural meetings

Four boards canceled their regular meetings in the past two weeks:

• The **Planning and Zoning Commission** canceled its July 27 meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 10 at 7:00 p.m.
• The **Airport Advisory Board** canceled its July 29 meeting due to a lack of agenda items.
• The **Municipal Utilities Advisory Board** canceled its August 3 meeting because no agenda items were submitted. The next meeting is set for August 17 at 3:00 p.m.
• The **Electrical Wiring Board** canceled its August 6 meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for September 3.

The Parks and Recreation Board met on August 3 but had only procedural items on its agenda, with no ordinances, contracts, or public hearings listed.

City Council agenda includes audit, depot restoration, Coliseum tables

The City Council met on August 3 with a substantial agenda, though no minutes have been published. Items listed for discussion and action include:

• A presentation of the **Fiscal Year 2025 audit** by Beussink, Hey, Roe and Stroder, LLC.
• An amendment to **Ordinance No. 26-39** for the **Historic Frisco Depot Restoration Project**, involving an agreement with the Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum, Inc.
• The purchase of tables for the **Black River Coliseum** through an agreement with the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

These items were on the agenda for potential action, but the council's votes, if any, have not been reported.

Library Board to consider tax levy, fence addition

The Library Board of Trustees also met on August 3. Its agenda included a Master Plan update from JLG Architects and action items on a property tax levy and a fence addition. As with the council, no minutes have been published, so the board's decisions are not yet known.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. The next scheduled meetings noted in the recent cancellations are the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 10 and the Municipal Utilities Advisory Board on August 17.

Poplar Bluff boards and council address budgets, housing boards, building compliance

Poplar Bluff's City Council was scheduled to consider Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendments, a fund transfer to cover a health insurance deficit, roof repairs for the Black River Coliseum, and dissolution of two housing-related boards at its July 6 meeting. Minutes from that meeting and all other recent sessions have not yet been published, so final outcomes and vote tallies are not available.

City Council

The July 6 agenda included a roof repair bid for the Black River Coliseum, dissolution of the Fair Housing Committee and Residential Housing Board, FY 2026 Budget amendments, a fund transfer to reduce the Health Insurance Fund deficit, and bids for a commercial lawnmower for the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport. Because minutes are not yet published, it is not known which items were approved or how council members voted.

Municipal Utilities Advisory Board

The board was set to review bids for single-phase pole-mount transformers, the 2025 audit, a list of antiquated records for disposal, and financial statements and check register reports for the Electric and Water-Sewer Departments. No outcomes are available.

Building Standards Board

Compliance hearings were scheduled for 14 properties on July 9. The agenda included requests to reverse demolition orders at 307 Euclid Ave and 741 N 10th St, new compliance hearings for 1508 Alice (C & A Rentals LLC) and 203 W Midland (Better Choice Properties), and 10 properties listed under unfinished business. Results of the hearings are not yet recorded in published minutes.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission scheduled a workshop on an amendment to Chapter 7:9 and Map 7:1 of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. The applicant, the City Planning Office, sought the change to encourage future commercial development. No decision has been recorded.

Other boards and commissions

• Historical Preservation Commission (July 8): Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary; discussion of exploratory trips to other cities with historic downtown preservation programs.
• Arts and Advisory Board (July 9): Committee reports and updates from the President and Director.
• Residential Housing Advisory Board (July 9): Meeting canceled; no agenda items. Next meeting August 13, 2026.
• Library Board of Trustees (July 13): Election of officers; discussion of Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and digital collections; State Library Certifications action item.
• Plumbing Board (July 16): Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman; consideration of Timothy Scott Brown's request to take the Master Plumbers exam.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment (July 16): Meeting canceled. Next meeting August 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Coming up

• City Council, July 20: Will consider a Community Development Block Grant application and an intergovernmental agreement with Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum, Inc. for the Historic Frisco Depot Restoration Project; an agreement with Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce for Black River Coliseum banquet tables; an ordinance to transfer funds to reduce the Health Insurance Fund deficit; and an ordinance amending the FY 2026 Budget.
• Parks and Recreation Board, July 20: Will consider RTP grant funding (action item), review the Park Director's Report on golf course operations, programs, finances, and projects, and hold a closed session under RSMo 610.021.1–3.
• Tree Advisory Board, July 21: Election of officers for the 2026–2027 term; discussion of Parks and Recreation Department projects.
• Municipal Utilities Advisory Board, July 20: Canceled; next meeting August 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
• Animal Control Advisory Board, July 21: Canceled; next meeting August 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• HVACR Advisory Board, July 23: Canceled; next meeting August 27, 2026.

Poplar Bluff meeting roundup: City Council roof repair vote, housing board dissolutions on July 6 agenda; outcomes pending

Poplar Bluff's City Council was scheduled to vote July 6 on Black River Coliseum roof repairs, the dissolution of two housing-related boards, and amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. However, meeting minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes for these items are not yet available in the public record.

All meetings covered in this roundup are listed as agenda-only with minutes not yet published. That means the items below reflect what boards and commissions were scheduled to consider — not confirmed decisions. Readers should consult the official minutes once posted for vote tallies and final outcomes.

City Council — July 6

The Council's agenda included several consequential items:

• A roof repair bid for the Black River Coliseum.
• Dissolution of the Fair Housing Committee and the Residential Housing Board.
• Amendments to the FY 2026 Budget.
• A fund transfer to reduce the Health Insurance Fund deficit.
• Bids for a commercial lawnmower for the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport.

No vote tallies or dollar amounts are available because minutes have not been published.

Municipal Utilities Advisory Board — July 6

This board was scheduled to review bids for single-phase pole-mount transformers and the 2025 audit. The agenda also included review of antiquated records for disposal, financial statements and investments for the Electric and Water-Sewer Departments, and check register reports for both departments. No outcomes are confirmed.

Building Standards Board — July 9

The board was set to hold compliance hearings for 14 properties, including two requests to reverse demolition orders — one at 307 Euclid Ave and one at 741 N 10th St. New compliance hearings were scheduled for 1508 Alice (C & A Rentals LLC) and 203 W Midland (Better Choice Properties). Ten additional properties were listed under unfinished business from previous years. Outcomes are not yet available.

Historical Preservation Commission — July 8

The commission was scheduled to elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. Members also planned to discuss the possibility of visiting other cities with successful historic downtown preservation programs. No results are confirmed.

Arts and Advisory Board — July 9

This board was scheduled to meet for standard procedural items, including committee reports and updates from the President and Director. No specific action items were listed on the agenda.

Canceled Meetings

Two regularly scheduled meetings were canceled:

• The Electrical Wiring Board's July 2 meeting was canceled. The next meeting is August 6, 2026.
• The Residential Housing Advisory Board's July 9 meeting was canceled due to no agenda items. The next meeting is August 13, 2026.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Library Board of Trustees:** Election of board officers, plus discussion of the Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and digital collections. A State Library Certifications item is listed for action.
• **July 13 — Planning and Zoning Commission:** Workshop on an amendment to Chapter 7:9 and Map 7:1 of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. The applicant is the City Planning Office, seeking the change to encourage future commercial development.
• **July 16 — Plumbing Board:** Election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, plus consideration of a request from Timothy Scott Brown to take the Master Plumbers exam.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Adjustment:** Meeting canceled. Next meeting is August 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the July meetings should watch for posted minutes from each respective board or commission.

Poplar Bluff quiet on meetings front; City Council set to weigh budget, coliseum roof repairs today

Poplar Bluff's advisory boards had a quiet stretch over the past two weeks, with four of five scheduled meetings canceled. Attention now turns to today's City Council meeting, where council members will vote on Black River Coliseum roof repairs, budget amendments, and the dissolution of two housing-related boards.

Recent meetings: mostly canceled

The Planning and Zoning Commission's June 22 meeting was canceled. Its next meeting is July 13.

The Airport Advisory Board's June 24 meeting was canceled due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is July 29.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Advisory Board's June 25 meeting was canceled. The next meeting is July 23.

The Electrical Wiring Board's July 2 meeting was canceled. Its next scheduled meeting is August 6.

The only board that met was the Black River Coliseum Advisory Board on June 23. The agenda listed elections for President, Vice-President, and Secretary, plus reviews of upcoming events: the Missouri UPCI event (June 24–26), the St. Jude Banquet (August 7), the MRWA event (August 17–19), and SEMOCon (September 18–20). Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

City Council — July 6

The City Council will consider several items today:

• A roof repair bid for the Black River Coliseum.
• Dissolution of the Fair Housing Committee and the Residential Housing Board.
• Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
• A fund transfer to reduce the Health Insurance Fund deficit.
• Bids for a commercial lawnmower for the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport.

No vote tallies or dollar amounts were available in the agenda summary.

Municipal Utilities Advisory Board — July 6

Also meeting today, the Municipal Utilities Advisory Board will review bids for single-phase pole-mount transformers and the 2025 audit. The board will also review financial statements, investments, and check register reports for the Electric and Water-Sewer Departments, and consider a list of antiquated records for disposal.

Building Standards Board — July 9

The Building Standards Board will hold compliance hearings for 14 properties. Two requests to reverse demolition orders are on the agenda: one at 307 Euclid Ave and one at 741 N 10th St. New compliance hearings are scheduled for 1508 Alice (C & A Rentals LLC) and 203 W Midland (Better Choice Properties). Ten additional properties are listed under unfinished business from previous years.

Historical Preservation Commission — July 8

The commission will elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. Members will also discuss the possibility of visiting other cities with successful historic downtown preservation programs.

Arts and Advisory Board — July 9

The Arts and Advisory Board will review committee reports and receive updates from the President and Director. The agenda lists standard procedural items and general business updates.

Coming up

• **July 6** — City Council, considering coliseum roof repairs, budget amendments, and board dissolutions.
• **July 6** — Municipal Utilities Advisory Board, reviewing transformer bids and the 2025 audit.
• **July 8** — Historical Preservation Commission, electing officers and discussing study trips.
• **July 9** — Building Standards Board, compliance hearings for 14 properties.
• **July 13** — Planning and Zoning Commission, next regular meeting.

City Council to weigh Coliseum roof bid, budget fixes after wave of cancellations

No major decisions were reported from Poplar Bluff’s boards and commissions over the past two weeks, as four advisory bodies canceled their regularly scheduled meetings and minutes from the lone gathering that proceeded remain unpublished. The City Council returns Monday, July 6, with a full agenda that includes a roof-repair bid for the Black River Coliseum, amendments to the current budget, and a fund transfer to cover a health insurance shortfall.

Recent cancellations

The Planning and Zoning Commission scratched its June 22 meeting. The next session is July 13.

The Airport Advisory Board canceled its June 24 gathering because there were no items to discuss. The board next meets July 29.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Advisory Board did not convene June 25. Members will return July 23.

The Electrical Wiring Board’s July 2 meeting was also canceled; the panel is scheduled to meet again Aug. 6.

Black River Coliseum Advisory Board

On June 23, the Coliseum Advisory Board met to review upcoming event bookings — including a Missouri UPCI gathering, the SEMOCon convention, a St. Jude banquet, and an MRWA event — and to elect a president, vice president, and secretary. Because minutes from that session have not yet been published, the outcome of the officer elections is not yet public.

Coming up

The City Council convenes Monday, July 6, with several consequential items. Members will consider a bid for roof repairs at the Black River Coliseum, amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and a fund transfer to reduce a deficit in the Health Insurance Fund. The council will also vote on dissolving the Fair Housing Committee and the Residential Housing Board, and weigh bids for a commercial lawnmower for the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport.

The Municipal Utilities Advisory Board meets the same evening, July 6, to review bids for single‑phase pole‑mount transformers, the 2025 audit, and the disposal of antiquated records. The board will also examine financial statements and check registers for both the Electric and Water‑Sewer departments.

On Wednesday, July 8, the Historical Preservation Commission will elect a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. Members will discuss the possibility of visiting other cities with successful historic downtown preservation programs.

Thursday, July 9, brings the Arts and Advisory Board’s regular meeting, which will feature committee reports and updates from the president and director. Later that day, the Building Standards Board will hold compliance hearings for 14 properties, including requests to reverse demolition orders at 307 Euclid Ave. and 741 N. 10th St., new cases at 1508 Alice St. (C & A Rentals LLC) and 203 W. Midland (Better Choice Properties), and 10 addresses carried over from unfinished business.

The July 9 meeting of the Residential Housing Advisory Board has been canceled because no agenda items were submitted. Its next regular meeting is Aug. 13.

Residents who want to follow the financial and structural decisions on the City Council and Municipal Utilities agendas can attend Monday’s meetings; those interested in property‑standard enforcement or historic preservation may find the Building Standards and Historical Preservation sessions relevant.