Herculaneum Approves Street Work, Fire Chief Contract and Park Improvements

The Herculaneum Board of Aldermen approved a series of contracts, purchases and public improvement projects at its latest meeting, including a renewed agreement for the city’s part-time fire chief, the 2026 asphalt street program and a playground seating wall.

The board approved an annual contract with Kevin Baker to continue serving as part-time fire chief. City officials said the agreement includes a modest pay increase, bringing compensation to roughly $4,700 per month. Officials said the arrangement remains less expensive than hiring a full-time chief because the city does not pay health insurance, retirement or other employee benefits under the contract.

City Contracts and Purchases

The board also approved a new contract with Waste Connections of Missouri for trash and recycling services. During discussion, aldermen raised concerns about loose trash left behind during collection and whether more residents could receive larger carts. City officials said complaints have declined over the past year and that the new agreement includes stronger expectations for crews to collect trash spilled during service.

The board approved the purchase of Surface Pro devices for aldermen. Officials said the new equipment will be faster, easier to use and better suited for viewing color agendas and documents through the city’s CivicPlus system.

A three-year agreement with Decker and Pace for city audit services also received approval. The board had previously questioned a proposed five-year term, and city officials said the firm agreed to shorten the agreement while still providing cost savings.

The city also ratified the purchase of a heavier-duty sewer department truck from Don Brown Chevrolet. Officials said the city moved from a 1500-series truck to a 2500-series model for approximately $45,000. The larger truck is expected to provide stronger suspension and better long-term durability.

Street and Park Improvements

Jokerst Paving and Contracting was selected as the lowest and best bidder for the city’s 2026 asphalt street improvement project. The company submitted the lowest of six bids, according to city staff. The planned work includes Wall Street, Broad Street and Mississippi Avenue.

Officials said most remaining streets in Herculaneum are concrete, making the selected roads part of one of the city’s few remaining asphalt areas. The improvements will continue a broader effort to update streets throughout that neighborhood.

Another project approved by the board was a proposal for a seating wall connected to a playground expansion. The accepted proposal came in at approximately $23,000, substantially lower than another estimate discussed during the meeting.

During the public forum, a resident asked the city about placing a memorial bench at the dog park in honor of a regular visitor who recently died. City officials directed her to work with the parks superintendent on the location, design, cost and application process before the proposal returns to the board for approval.

Community and Department Updates

Department reports included updates on the city park, fire department training and public works projects. The new StoryWalk has been installed at the park, and the Jefferson County Library is planning a ribbon cutting and story time at noon on Aug. 11. Crews have also restored the park’s digital sign and resurfaced trails ahead of fall cross-country events.

Fire Chief Kevin Baker reminded the board that the department’s water parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Aug. 8. He also said the department continues testing drone equipment and expects to seek bids before making a purchase recommendation.

City officials also addressed the lack of routine animal control service. They said Herculaneum receives only four to six animal-related calls each year and that operating a city facility could require hundreds of thousands of dollars in startup costs and significant annual expenses. The city will continue responding to serious cases, including dangerous animals, and will pay for temporary housing when necessary.

The meeting concluded with the board entering closed session for legal and personnel matters.