Crystal City Approves Industrial Drive Repairs, Begins “Dangerous Building Process”

Council also discusses falling sales tax revenue, future e-bike rules, and new meeting procedures

By The Jefferson Review Staff

CRYSTAL CITY, Mo. — The Crystal City Council approved nearly $120,000 in asphalt work for Industrial Drive and began the formal process of addressing a nearby commercial building that city officials described as unsafe and deteriorating during its Monday, Aug. 24 meeting.

The council approved Bill 2029-2026, authorizing Mayor Mike Osher to enter into a $119,464.35 contract with Spencer Contracting Company for asphalt replacement on Industrial Drive. The bill became Ordinance 29-26 after receiving final approval.

Officials said the condition of Industrial Drive has been a concern for the hospital, which has asked the city several times to improve the road. Osher and City Administrator Jason Eisenbeis met with hospital administrators in early August to discuss both the roadway and a troubled building nearby.

The paving work is being added to a larger improvement project in the industrial area. Officials said some funding remained available because the full amount set aside for the broader project will not be spent. Industrial Drive also carried additional traffic for a period while other work was underway in the area.

Councilman John Winkelman abstained from voting on the paving ordinance after disclosing that his nephew owns the company involved. The remaining council members approved the measure.

The council then unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the city to post a dangerous building notice at 170 Industrial Drive and begin proceedings to correct the property’s condition.

Officials described the vacant commercial building as dilapidated and said people have been staying inside it. The hospital has expressed interest in the property for possible additional parking or a future expansion of its cancer center, but officials said the hospital has been unable to reach an agreement with the owner.

The resolution does not immediately order the building demolished. Instead, it begins the city’s formal “dangerous building process” and allows officials to take the next steps required under city rules.

Sales Tax Decline Raises Concern

Council members also reviewed financial reports showing that sales tax revenue is running behind expectations.

Osher called the decline alarming and said officials did not yet have a clear explanation beyond reduced consumer spending. Because sales tax reports reach the city after a delay, the figures discussed at the meeting reflected earlier activity.

Eisenbeis told city departments to limit spending while officials monitor the situation. Osher compared the response to a household cutting back when income falls. Council members noted that sales tax collections can change throughout the year and may improve as the holiday shopping season approaches.

No layoffs, service reductions, or formal budget amendments were approved during the meeting. The discussion focused on caution and controlling expenses until the city has a clearer picture of its revenue.

City Plans Education-First Approach to E-Bikes

Crystal City is also beginning a longer review of its rules for e-bikes, electric scooters, golf carts, and similar vehicles.

Osher said the city plans to work with the Crystal City School District and local police officers on a safety program for students. The effort could include classroom instruction and information sent home to parents. Councilwoman Taylor Massa is expected to help coordinate the partnership with the school district.

The city is considering a public workshop or open house, possibly in November, to hear from parents and residents before proposing broad ordinance changes.

Osher said officials do not want to rush into new restrictions. He noted that the city wants young people to spend time outside, but riders also need to understand traffic laws, helmets, stop signs, lighting, and the risks of vehicles that can reach high speeds.

Council members discussed a recent local crash involving a young rider on an electric scooter. According to the discussion, the scooter did not have lights, and the rider suffered several injuries, including broken teeth and cuts requiring stitches.

Officials said education and cooperation with parents will be the first step, with updated city ordinances expected to follow after the city studies the issue.

Council Procedures May Be Updated

Council members received information about possible updates to the city’s meeting rules and code of conduct. The review could address how long people may speak, how council discussions are managed, and how disruptions are handled.

The discussion included questions about who should restore order if the presiding officer becomes involved in a dispute. No final rules were adopted. Eisenbeis said he plans to combine examples from other policies into a proposal for later council review.

The council also voted to move its December meeting from Monday, Dec. 28, to Monday, Dec. 21, to avoid holding it between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

In other business, the council approved the 2026 Bottleneck Bridge Ride scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, and authorized city representatives to attend the Missouri Municipal League and International City/County Management Association conferences.

Young Champions Honored

The meeting paused for a celebration of the Twin City Little League 10U championship team. Osher read a proclamation recognizing the players and coaches, and the city presented medals to the team.

The proclamation credited the team with going 3-0 in district play while outscoring opponents 38-2. The team then advanced to Joplin, where it defeated Webb City and Carroll County before overcoming a four-run deficit in the final inning to beat Webb City 11-10 in the championship game.

Osher proclaimed Aug. 24, 2026, as a day recognizing the Twin City Little League 10U champions. The players were also treated to cupcakes provided by the council and ice cream donated by Culver’s.

Councilman Rick Fischer reminded residents that Twin City Days will include Blues on the Bricks on Sept. 11, with live music, food trucks, vendors, and a drone show. The drone presentation is expected to recognize on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and 250th anniversary of the United States.