Byrnes Mill Keeps American Eagle for Trash Service as Aldermen Weigh Shipping Container Rules and Road Safety

From the garbage collected at the curb to shipping containers appearing on private property, Byrnes Mill aldermen spent their November 4 meeting working through several issues that could affect residents across the city.

The Board of Alderpersons approved a new two-year trash collection agreement with American Eagle Waste, considered changes to regulations governing shipping containers and raised concerns about proposed speed limit changes along Highway 30.

The meeting also brought updates on city park improvements, police department activities and a drainage project that may temporarily affect access to a residential neighborhood.

American Eagle Retains City's Trash Collection Contract

Residents who have been pleased with their current trash collection service should see some continuity following the board's decision to approve another contract with American Eagle Waste.

During the discussion, aldermen reported receiving favorable comments from residents about the company's service.

Although American Eagle was not necessarily the lowest-priced option, board members considered the company's existing service record and the convenience it provides to customers.

City Administrator Melinda Benedict explained that American Eagle had removed bulky item collection from its bid but remained willing to discuss additional services with the city.

Yard waste collection was of particular interest because residents sometimes dispose of leaves, branches and other debris in streets and stormwater drainage systems.

Officials discussed whether seasonal yard waste collection could help reduce those problems.

Following the discussion, the board approved American Eagle for another two-year contract.

Shipping Containers Raise Questions About Property Rights and Neighborhood Appearance

One of the evening's longest conversations centered on how the city should regulate shipping containers used for storage.

The issue arose as aldermen revisited an ordinance adopted approximately one year earlier governing portable storage units.

Board members expressed concern that the existing regulations might unintentionally restrict property owners with larger lots who use shipping containers for agricultural equipment, tractors and other storage needs.

The original intent, according to the discussion, was largely to prevent large storage containers from becoming permanent fixtures in residential neighborhoods without appropriate oversight.

However, aldermen acknowledged that a shipping container sitting beside a home in a subdivision presents a different situation from one being used on a large rural property.

The board discussed creating an exception for properties measuring at least 10 acres, with restrictions similar to those already applied to other outbuildings.

As the conversation developed, members appeared to favor allowing no more than two containers, with no individual container exceeding 40 feet in length.

The discussion also revealed a distinction between temporary storage pods, which are currently regulated for short-term use, and shipping containers intended to remain on a property for longer periods.

Rather than attempting to settle every possible situation during the meeting, the board directed its legal counsel to prepare language addressing the more permanent use of shipping containers.

No final ordinance changes were approved during the discussion.

Highway 30 Speed Limits Draw Concerns

Another significant discussion involved proposed changes to speed limits along Highway 30.

Benedict informed aldermen about upcoming Jefferson County public hearings concerning amendments to the county's traffic regulations.

Of particular concern was a proposal involving a 55-mile-per-hour speed limit on portions of Highway 30.

The proposed changes appear to exclude the portion of Highway 30 passing through Byrnes Mill.

Aldermen questioned how the proposed changes would work alongside the Missouri Department of Transportation's authority over the highway.

Legal counsel explained that the city would need to examine its authority and the supporting traffic studies before considering any local changes.

The goal, officials said, should be consistent speed limits that make sense for motorists and public safety rather than abrupt changes that could create confusion.

The county hearings were announced for November 9 and November 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Hillsboro.

Can Police Enforce Speed Limits on Private Subdivision Roads?

The conversation about traffic safety extended into city neighborhoods, where officials discussed whether police can enforce speed limits on privately maintained subdivision roads.

The question involved subdivisions where homeowners or neighborhood associations are responsible for maintaining streets.

Legal counsel explained that private ownership does not necessarily prevent the city from enforcing traffic regulations when those roads are available for public use.

However, appropriate speed limit signs must be in place so motorists have adequate notice of the posted restrictions.

The discussion emphasized that residents of privately maintained neighborhoods may still be subject to city traffic enforcement.

City Looks at Restoring Trees and Improving a Dangerous Curve

During his report, Mayor Robert Kiczenski discussed an effort to restore trees along an S-curve where vegetation was previously removed during utility work.

Kiczenski and Alderperson Bob Prado visited an area near a campground to examine cedar trees that could potentially be transplanted.

The trees would help restore a visual buffer near the curve, where the removal of vegetation left the area more exposed.

The mayor also raised the possibility of having the curve restriped to improve visibility.

Rather than assigning city employees to paint the roadway, officials discussed using a professional contractor because of potential liability concerns.

A preliminary estimate of approximately $900 was mentioned for the work.

No final contract for the striping project was approved.

Police Department Prepares for Holiday Giving

The Byrnes Mill Police Department is preparing for its annual holiday shopping program, Shop with a Cop, which helps provide gifts for local children.

During the department's report, officials discussed plans to shop for approximately 100 children in early December.

The program is also expected to work with Toys for Tots to provide stockings for participating children.

Officers reported completing additional training, including instruction focused on reducing risks and working more safely during encounters involving animals.

The department also reported progress on hiring a new officer and continued participation in regional law enforcement and community service activities.

Bush Ranch Residents Could See Temporary Road Changes

During the public forum, a representative of Bullseye Contracting asked city officials about establishing a temporary access road between the Bush Ranch community and Executive Parkway.

The contractor explained that an existing drainage pipe beneath the community's main access road had deteriorated and needed replacement.

Because the road serves as the primary entrance and exit for residents, the work could require an alternative route to maintain access for residents and emergency vehicles.

The contractor estimated that temporary access might be needed for up to 10 days, although the actual construction period could be shorter.

He also proposed restoring the area after the work and installing barriers to prevent the temporary roadway from becoming a permanent shortcut.

City officials explained that the Board of Alderpersons was not necessarily the body responsible for approving the request.

Instead, the plans would be reviewed by city staff and potentially the Planning and Zoning Commission before a determination was made.

No authorization for the temporary road was granted during the meeting.

Looking Ahead

The board also approved an ordinance establishing the city's April 6, 2027, municipal election, with candidate filing scheduled to open December 15.

Officials continued discussing a possible computer forensics partnership involving the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, but that matter remained pending additional information.

As the meeting concluded, the board had addressed concerns ranging from everyday services to property regulations and public safety.

For Byrnes Mill residents, the most immediate decision means American Eagle Waste will continue collecting their trash. Other questions, particularly those involving shipping containers, Highway 30 and neighborhood traffic enforcement, remain subjects of continuing city discussion.