Lebanon City Council Rejects New Logo, Advances License Plate Reader Ordinance and Approves Building Demolitions

Lebanon City Council Rejects New Logo, Advances License Plate Reader Ordinance and Approves Building Demolitions

Lebanon City Council Recap: New City Logo Fails in Tie Vote, ALPR Ordinance Advances, Demolitions Approved

October 13, 2026 | Lebanon, Missouri

The Lebanon City Council met Tuesday evening, October 13, with a full agenda covering the city’s proposed new logo, automated license plate readers, demolition of dangerous buildings, police equipment, infrastructure improvements, and several other city expenditures.

One of the evening’s most significant discussions involved the proposed new city logo and slogan, which failed to gain approval following a 3-3 council vote. Meanwhile, council members advanced a proposed ordinance regulating automated license plate readers and approved the demolition of two dangerous structures.

Six council members participated in the recorded votes. Council members Jeffrey Mutchler and Randy Wall were absent from the voting portion of the meeting.

Mayor Jared Carr presided.

New City Logo and Slogan Fail in 3-3 Vote

One of the evening’s longest discussions centered on Resolution 26-R-073, which would have adopted a new official logo and the slogan “Build Your Journey Here.”

The proposal followed an earlier branding effort that generated considerable public criticism. City officials explained that the latest design was developed after additional discussions with community stakeholders, including representatives of civic organizations, historical groups, and local businesses.

Communications Manager Derek Gean explained that approximately 30 logo concepts had been developed and narrowed to six before the final design was selected.

Gean said the new branding was intended to emphasize Lebanon’s history of manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and economic development. He also explained that “Build Your Journey Here” would serve as a tagline rather than a permanent component of the logo itself.

However, council members expressed concerns about their involvement in selecting the final design.

During the discussion, a council member questioned why the council had not been shown the other concepts before being asked to approve the final selection. Other concerns included the proposed slogan and whether the public had been given sufficient opportunity to participate in the process.

City officials defended the development process, explaining that the selected design was part of a larger branding strategy that would eventually include variations for city departments and economic development efforts.

A motion was initially made to table the resolution for two weeks, but that motion was withdrawn before a vote.

Final vote on Resolution 26-R-073: 3-3.

Voting YES:

Dan MizellChuck JordanBob Garner

Voting NO:

Mike EvansJoe BerkichJaret Scharnhorst

Result: The resolution was not adopted.

Following the vote, City Counselor Chris Allen addressed the question of whether the mayor could cast a deciding vote. Later in the meeting, Allen suggested bringing the proposal back as an ordinance to provide a clearer voting procedure.

The issue is expected to return at the October 26 council meeting.

Automated License Plate Reader Ordinance Advances

Council members also considered Council Bill 7078, an ordinance establishing regulations for automated license plate reader systems used by the Lebanon Police Department.

Police Chief Jerry Harrison explained that the ordinance would formally establish rules governing a technology the department has used for several years.

Harrison said the department is already operating in compliance with the proposed ordinance and Missouri Governor’s Executive Order 26-18.

He also reported that the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office has agreed to conduct monthly external audits of the department’s system.

According to Harrison, the department currently shares license plate reader information only with verified law enforcement partners, reviews agency access monthly, and has made audit information available through the police department’s website.

The chief discussed the system’s automated deletion process, security safeguards, and tools designed to identify potentially inappropriate searches.

Council members also discussed the length of time license plate information should be retained, including the proposed 30-day retention period.

Harrison explained that the ordinance could be amended before final approval.

Council Bill 7078, first reading: Passed 6-0.

Result: The ordinance advances to the next council meeting for consideration of its second and final reading.

Council Approves Demolition of Two Dangerous Buildings

Council approved Resolution 26-R-072, authorizing contracts with Bo Eilenstine Excavating for the demolition of two dangerous structures.

The properties are located at:

858 Wood Street

Demolition cost: $14,900

480 Center Street

Demolition cost: $13,900

Total approved: $28,800

The contracts required council approval because each exceeded the city’s $10,000 administrative approval threshold.

According to the council packet, both properties have new owners who intend to construct houses within one year of demolition.

If new homes are not constructed within that period, the demolition costs will be assessed against the properties through property taxes.

Resolution 26-R-072: Passed 6-0.

Public Comments: Ice Cream Factory, YMCA, Animal Control and Traffic Safety

Six residents addressed the council during public comments.

Mindy Haley raised concerns about the Ice Cream Factory’s Chapter 100 agreement, public funding and property ownership, requesting an independent investigation. Andy Miller discussed energy efficiency and city spending priorities while criticizing the city’s handling of the Ice Cream Factory project.

April Davis questioned previous statements about public support for the YMCA, asking that claims about community opinion be supported by evidence. Councilman Dan Mizell responded that his earlier comments referenced the city’s community survey, while Davis noted that the survey did not specifically ask about the YMCA.

Mike Sachs and Melinda McGee raised concerns about changes to animal control operations, funding and the involvement of volunteer rescue organizations. Karl Angst addressed traffic congestion and safety near Clark and Harwood, suggesting a dedicated school bus lane to reduce backups.

Police Chief Responds to Animal Control Concerns

Later in the meeting, Police Chief Jerry Harrison addressed several of the concerns raised during public comments.

Harrison defended the qualifications of the city’s animal control manager and explained that the department’s goal is to establish consistent policies, documentation, and accountability.

He also disputed the suggestion that volunteers had been deliberately excluded from participating in animal rescue efforts.

Harrison said the city intends to expand opportunities to work with qualified rescue organizations.

Regarding the Clark and Harwood intersection, Harrison confirmed that the city had received concerns through its reporting system and had begun taking steps to address traffic safety.

Police Department Purchases New Rifles and Vehicles

Two resolutions authorized significant equipment purchases for the Lebanon Police Department.

Resolution 26-R-070: Patrol Rifles

Council approved the purchase of 33 Black Rain Ordnance patrol rifles and related equipment.

Chief Harrison explained that the purchase would standardize equipment across the department, ensuring officers have access to similarly equipped rifles.

The package includes suppressors, sights, lights, slings, and mounts.

The department will also surplus 46 existing weapons and accessories through trade or transfer arrangements.

The purchase includes additional training opportunities for officers and firearms armorers.

Total project cost to the city: $58,204.

Harrison reported that the purchase came in $9,271 under budget.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-071: Police Vehicles

Council also approved the purchase of five vehicles, one utility task vehicle, and associated equipment.

Harrison explained that switching from Dodge Durangos to Ford Bronco Sports would allow the department to purchase five vehicles rather than its usual four while remaining within budget.

The vehicles will include:

Two school resource officer vehiclesTwo detective vehiclesOne administrative vehicle

The resolution also authorized vehicle trade-ins, declared a 2011 John Deere Gator surplus, and returned a 2021 Dodge Durango to the city’s active fleet.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Electric Department Equipment and Infrastructure

Council approved four resolutions involving equipment and supplies for Lebanon’s electric system.

Electric Superintendent Travis Long presented the purchases together.

Resolution 26-R-062: Electric Meters

The city approved purchasing electric meters from Core & Main.

Cost: $51,910.88

Long reported that the purchase would replenish inventory and that residential remote-disconnect meters had increased approximately 3% in price compared with the previous year.

Resolution 26-R-063: LED Streetlights

Council approved purchasing LED streetlights from Harry Cooper Supply.

Cost: $57,185

The purchase will replenish the department’s inventory for fiscal year 2027.

Resolution 26-R-064: Bucket Truck

The electric department received approval to purchase an Altec AT48M bucket truck.

Cost: $285,211

Long explained that the cost of the equipment has increased substantially.

The department purchased a comparable truck approximately four years ago for $185,259.

The new truck is also expected to have a delivery lead time of approximately two years.

Resolution 26-R-065: Electrical Cutouts

Council approved purchasing electrical distribution cutouts from Harry Cooper Supply.

Cost: $21,540

The equipment is used to protect transformers and other components of the city’s electrical distribution system.

Long explained that the supplier was selected partly because of its shorter delivery time.

All four resolutions, 26-R-062 through 26-R-065, were approved together by a 6-0 vote.

Additional Public Works Purchases

Several other resolutions addressed city infrastructure, maintenance, and equipment.

Resolution 26-R-061: Propane Supply

Council approved an agreement with MFA Oil to supply propane to city facilities through June 30, 2027.

The approved price is $1.35 per gallon, compared with $1.52 per gallon under the previous agreement.

Finance Director Jessica Meiners said the new agreement represents a savings of 17 cents per gallon.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-066: Road Boring Services

Council approved an agreement with Courtney Construction LLC for road boring services.

Public Works Director Richard Shockley explained that the agreement establishes pricing for work performed as needed.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-067: Street Department Backhoe

Council approved purchasing a 2026 Caterpillar 420 backhoe from Fabick Cat.

Cost: $170,364

The new equipment will replace a 2001 John Deere backhoe that is expected to be sold at auction.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-068: Aero Landing Subdivision

Council authorized the purchase of materials for water, sewer, and electric utility construction in Phase 2 of Aero Landing Subdivision.

Assistant Public Works Director Mike Moore explained that the work includes approximately 1,150 feet of street and utility infrastructure.

The materials presented included purchases from Fletcher-Reinhardt, Core & Main, and Scurlock Industries.

The reported overall materials cost was $327,586.84.

Additional stormwater and street construction purchases are expected to come before the council at a future meeting.

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-069: Danielle Drive Stormwater Repairs

Council approved materials for replacing approximately 170 feet of dual 30-inch stormwater pipe on Danielle Drive in Deerfield Subdivision.

The project includes:

Stormwater pipe from Core & Main: $11,811.60Aggregate from Willard Quarries: $7,300

Total estimated cost: $19,111.60

Vote: Passed 6-0.

Five Ordinances Receive Final Approval

In addition to the resolutions, council approved five ordinances following first and second readings.

Each ordinance received unanimous approval from the six participating council members on both readings.

Council Bill 7073: Airport Hangar Lease

The city approved a lease agreement with Dan Byrd for T-Hangar No. 16 at Floyd W. Jones Lebanon Regional Airport.

First reading: Passed 6-0.Second reading: Passed 6-0.Adopted as Ordinance 26-104.

Council Bill 7074: Airport Taxilane Grant

Council approved an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to accept state block grant funding for the airport’s taxilane improvement project.

First reading: Passed 6-0.Second reading: Passed 6-0.Adopted as Ordinance 26-105.

Council Bill 7075: Disaster Recovery Services

The city approved a three-year agreement with Palmiq Inc. for disaster recovery services involving the city’s virtual servers.

IT/Airport Director Jarrad Schomaker explained that the agreement would save the city approximately $4,000 annually compared with its previous arrangement.

The system covers approximately 30 virtual machines.

First reading: Passed 6-0.Second reading: Passed 6-0.Adopted as Ordinance 26-106.

Council Bill 7076: Cyber Crimes Task Force Grant

Council approved accepting a $30,000 Lake Area Cyber Crimes Task Force grant, amending the fiscal year 2027 budget, and purchasing digital forensic software.

The ordinance authorizes $37,000 in task force expenditures, including approximately $28,800 for Cellebrite forensic software.

Chief Harrison said the software purchase would be funded entirely through grant funding rather than city funds.

First reading: Passed 6-0.Second reading: Passed 6-0.Adopted as Ordinance 26-107.

Council Bill 7077: Fire Department Medical Equipment Maintenance

Council approved a three-year preventive maintenance agreement with Stryker for the fire department’s LifePak defibrillators.

Fire Chief Sam Schneider explained that the agreement covers maintenance, repairs, parts, and batteries for five eligible units.

The contract costs approximately $7,400 annually, totaling slightly more than $22,000 over three years.

First reading: Passed 6-0.Second reading: Passed 6-0.Adopted as Ordinance 26-108.

Consent Agenda Approved

Council also unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the September 28 work session, regular meeting, and closed session, along with approval of city warrants.

The consent agenda also included a secondary street closure request for First Baptist Church’s Kid’s Fall Festival scheduled for October 28.

Consent agenda vote: Passed 6-0.

Additional Comments and Announcements

During closing comments, city officials addressed several community matters.

Fire Chief Sam Schneider thanked residents for following fire safety regulations during the recent dry weather. He said Lebanon had experienced relatively few grass fires compared with surrounding areas.

Council members also recognized the work of City Clerk Lacey Brackett and her office in preparing meeting materials and supporting city operations.

City officials announced several upcoming meeting dates, including the next regular council meeting on October 26.

The council is also scheduled to meet November 9, November 23, and December 14.

Complete Voting Summary

The following summarizes every agenda item voted on during the October 13 meeting.

Consent Agenda: Minutes, warrants and street closure. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-061: MFA Oil propane agreement. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-062: Electric meters. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-063: LED streetlights. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-064: Altec bucket truck. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-065: Electrical cutouts. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-066: Road boring services. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-067: Caterpillar backhoe. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-068: Aero Landing utility materials. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-069: Danielle Drive stormwater repairs. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-070: Police patrol rifles. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-071: Police vehicles and UTV. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-072: Dangerous building demolitions. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 26-R-073: New city logo and slogan. Failed 3-3.

Council Bill 7073: Airport hangar lease. First reading approved 6-0. Second reading adopted 6-0.

Council Bill 7074: Airport taxilane grant. First reading approved 6-0. Second reading adopted 6-0.

Council Bill 7075: Disaster recovery contract. First reading approved 6-0. Second reading adopted 6-0.

Council Bill 7076: Cyber crimes grant. First reading approved 6-0. Second reading adopted 6-0.

Council Bill 7077: Defibrillator maintenance. First reading approved 6-0. Second reading adopted 6-0.

Council Bill 7078: Automated license plate readers. First reading approved 6-0.

The evening concluded with several major city purchases approved, a proposed license plate reader ordinance moving toward final consideration, and the city’s proposed new logo remaining unresolved.

The Lebanon City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.

Residents can review official city information, agendas, and meeting materials through the City of Lebanon’s website.