Byrnes Mill Honors Community Service, Reviews Sewer Progress and Road Safety

Young park volunteers and police receive recognition as aldermen discuss infrastructure, UTV permits and park maintenance.

By The Jefferson Review

BYRNES MILL, Mo. — Community recognition shared the agenda with infrastructure and public safety concerns at the Byrnes Mill Board of Alderpersons meeting Wednesday, October 21.

Officials honored two young brothers for cleaning up the city park and recognized the police department’s work supporting Bentley and Mason’s Law. The board also heard updates on sewer construction, discussed potential changes to utility vehicle permits, and examined concerns about road striping and park maintenance.

Young Volunteers Recognized for Park Cleanup

The city presented community pride awards to brothers Kaiden and Kamren Wilson after they took the initiative to clean up trash left behind at the city park.

During the presentation, officials described how the boys encountered litter around the playground and picnic tables and decided to do something about it.

The brothers received certificates and gifts, with city leaders thanking them for setting an example for other residents.

The recognition emphasized that keeping Byrnes Mill clean is a responsibility residents of every age can share.

Police Honored for Supporting Bentley and Mason’s Law

State Representative Cecelie Williams visited the meeting to recognize the Byrnes Mill Police Department’s role in advocating for Bentley and Mason’s Law.

Williams credited officers with traveling to Jefferson City, testifying during legislative hearings, and helping lawmakers understand the consequences of impaired driving.

The legislation followed an April 2021 crash in Byrnes Mill that killed three members of a family. Cecilia Williams, the grandmother of surviving children Bentley and Mason, subsequently worked to advance legislation requiring financial accountability for children left behind.

Under the law, a surviving parent or guardian may petition for court-ordered child maintenance from a person whose qualifying intoxicated-driving offense caused the death of a parent or guardian. Senator Mike Henderson sponsored the legislation, and Representative Williams handled it in the House.

At the meeting, Williams presented a display containing a copy of the signed legislation, a police challenge coin, and a pen associated with the governor’s signing.

Williams read the message as part of her recognition of the officers, thanking the department for continuing to advocate for families after responding to the tragedy.

Sewer Work Moves Toward Completion

A representative of the Jefferson County Public Sewer District reported that the sewer line contractor was finishing its work, while construction at the treatment plant was expected to continue into February.

The plant’s transition will happen in phases. New facilities are expected to begin operating before all remaining rehabilitation work is complete, allowing existing tanks to be taken offline and repurposed.

Officials also discussed an odor problem near Beach Drive. The district representative said treatment measures and adjustments at a regional pump station had addressed the issue.

Board members asked about safeguards against equipment failures and sewage backups. The representative described monitoring alarms, backup power, emergency pumping equipment, and tanker trucks available to respond when problems occur.

Restoration questions remained, including replacement of gravel removed during cleanup and coordination over road repairs associated with the project.

The board also revisited questions about connecting a local residential community’s lagoon system to the expanded public sewer infrastructure. Officials requested follow-up information about the work still needed.

Board Continues Review of UTV Rules

Alderpersons continued discussing whether the city should change its rules for utility vehicles, including side-by-sides, on city streets.

During the meeting, the city attorney outlined existing requirements, including a $15 permit, proof of insurance, and a licensed driver. The discussion focused on whether those requirements adequately address the risks of operating the vehicles on public roads.

Officials considered a range of approaches, including tighter restrictions or potentially prohibiting their use on city streets.

No changes were approved. Sample ordinances are expected to be brought back for further discussion.

Road Striping and Park Repairs Raise Concerns

Mayor Robert Kiczenski raised concerns about faded markings along an S-curve and asked whether city employees could repaint existing lines using manual striping equipment.

Staff and the city attorney questioned whether that approach would meet applicable standards and what liability the city could assume by performing the work itself. Board members also discussed the risks of leaving the markings in their current condition.

The discussion became tense when a member of the audience spoke before public forum and officials asked that comments wait until that portion of the meeting.

The city attorney offered to examine the striping issue further before the city proceeds.

Kiczenski also identified maintenance needs at the city park, including lighting, a deteriorating sign, and worn wooden steps near the playground.

Staff noted that the city has limited public works personnel and does not collect a dedicated parks tax. Officials discussed repair materials and the possibility of community or business support, but no specific repair project was approved.

Police Partnership and Traffic Enforcement Discussed

Police Chief Frank Selvaggio reported that a proposed forensic services partnership with the county could cost approximately $8,000 to $10,000 annually. Details remained under development, with an agreement expected to come before the city for review.

Selvaggio said the proposed arrangement could include access to drug chemistry, DNA, and fingerprint analysis, helping the department avoid the expense of obtaining those services separately.

The department also reported fundraising efforts for its Shop With a Hero program, including $15 Halloween patches. City officials and residents thanked Selvaggio as he approached eight years with the department.

During public forum, a residential community manager requested additional police attention to speeding and dangerous driving around school buses.

Officials explained that broader traffic enforcement on the community’s private streets would require further coordination, including an agreement with the city and appropriate traffic signs. Police offered to help review conditions and identify improvements.

The board concluded the public portion of the meeting by voting to enter closed session.

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