De Soto Council Moves Efficiently Through Rezoning, Property Donation, and City Business
Council members approved a multifamily rezoning request, accepted floodway property, authorized a local vendor fair, and received updates on water main and Amtrak projects during a tightly managed meeting.
By The Jefferson Review Staff
The De Soto City Council moved efficiently through its August 17 agenda, addressing rezoning, city property, special events, and infrastructure projects.
DE SOTO, Mo. — The De Soto City Council moved efficiently through a full agenda Monday evening, approving a rezoning request connected to a possible senior housing development, accepting the donation of a floodway property, and advancing several pieces of routine city business.
The August 17 meeting was conducted with little delay as council members worked through public hearing requirements, ordinances, a special event application, and updates on ongoing infrastructure projects.
Property Rezoned for Possible Senior Housing
The council approved Bill No. 12-2026, rezoning a parcel on Park Street near the Arnold Reddington property from a single-family residential district to a multifamily residential district.
City officials said the property owner is considering developing senior housing on the site. The rezoning allows the applicant to continue exploring a multifamily development, but it does not constitute final approval of a particular project.
Any site plans and other development details would still need to proceed through the city’s review process, which could include additional public hearings and council action.
One neighboring resident spoke against the rezoning during the public hearing. He said he purchased his home in 2019 partly because the adjoining seven-acre property contained only one house. He expressed concern that a senior development could eventually become another type of multifamily housing and questioned whether housing would be compatible with noise from the nearby Arnold Reddington property.
Following the public hearing, the council returned to its regular session and approved the rezoning ordinance.
City Accepts Donated Floodway Property
The council also agreed to accept the donation of a property on Rounds Road located within the floodway.
City Manager Todd Melkus said the property owner contacted the city after determining that bringing the property back into compliance would not be financially feasible. Because of its location, repairing the structure could require substantial work, including elevation requirements.
De Soto City Manager Todd Melkus updated the council on the donated floodway property and several ongoing city projects.
De Soto has acquired and removed other floodway properties during the past several years. Melkus said the city would complete the necessary legal process to accept the property and could eventually have the structure demolished.
The property had reportedly been occupied until recently, and the tenants’ departure prompted the owner to begin discussing its future with city officials.
Council Removes Energy Conservation Code References
Council members approved Bill No. 10-2026, amending the city code to remove references to the International Energy Conservation Code.
The ordinance was read twice by title and approved by the council. No extended discussion accompanied the measure during the meeting.
Financial Controls Policy Readopted
The council also approved its annual risk assessment and internal control policy for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Melkus explained that the policy documents the city’s financial safeguards and helps demonstrate to auditors that appropriate checks and balances are in place.
Those procedures include having multiple people involved in reviewing and approving city expenses rather than allowing a single individual to control the entire process. The full policy is available for public inspection at City Hall.
Dogwood Salon Vendor Fair Approved
The council approved a special event application from Dogwood Salon for a craft and vendor fair near the business at Fletcher and Main streets.
The salon requested the temporary closure of a small portion of the alley behind its building. The event is expected to take place during the same general period as the farmers market, but city officials said it should not interfere with traffic on Fletcher or Eddy streets.
The applicant had already submitted the required insurance documentation, and the council approved the request without opposition.
Property Tax Hearing to Be Scheduled
The city is also preparing to hold its annual public hearing regarding the property tax rate for fiscal year 2026-2027.
City officials said the final rate information had not yet been received from the Missouri State Auditor’s Office. The hearing will give members of the public an opportunity to comment once the figures are available.
Lowe Street Water Main Work Progressing
During his report, Melkus said work continues on the Lowe Street water main project.
Crews have been working in the area across the railroad tracks for approximately two to three weeks. Although work beneath the creek had not yet begun, other portions of the project were moving forward.
Temporary street closures have occurred, but crews have maintained alternate access through the area.
Melkus also addressed work near the city’s water reservoir on Rock Road. He said a contractor initially received incorrect information suggesting that a portion of the property near the reservoir and cell tower did not belong to the city. The city clarified the ownership, allowing the work to proceed.
Amtrak Project Nearing Final Design
De Soto officials were scheduled to hold a quarterly meeting with Amtrak following the council meeting as the city continues advancing plans for improvements associated with the passenger rail project.
Melkus said the city’s engineers were preparing to resubmit plans at approximately the 60 percent design stage, placing the project closer to final construction documents.
Recent comments have focused on matters including accessibility requirements and lighting. Melkus said Union Pacific and Amtrak have both been responsive, helping the city avoid significant delays.
The city is working against a deadline tied to project funding and hopes to have the plans ready to move forward before fall.
After completing the public portion of the agenda, the council voted to enter a closed session.
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