Herculaneum Board Recognizes New Fire Captain, Moves Forward on City Services and Public Safety Needs
The Herculaneum Board of Aldermen opened its recent meeting with a change in city leadership, accepting the resignation of Ward 1 Alderwoman Krystle Milton before moving into a full agenda that included public safety purchases, business licenses, trash service discussions, infrastructure updates and recognition for the fire department.
Fire Captain Recognition
One of the most personal moments of the evening came early in the meeting, when Matthew Wadlow was promoted to captain within the Herculaneum Fire Department. Wadlow was recognized for his leadership, professionalism and service to the community.
Wadlow’s son joined him at the front of the room and had the honor of pinning the new captain’s badge on him during the ceremony. City officials praised Wadlow’s commitment and the role he will now take in helping guide crews during emergency response.
Fourth of July Celebration
The board also heard several reports about the city’s Fourth of July event, which drew strong praise from aldermen and department heads. Officials repeatedly thanked the police department, fire department, public works employees, volunteers, event organizers and the Light Up the Sky Foundation for the work that went into preparing for and managing the event. Several people noted the heat, crowd size and amount of coordination required, while also calling the event a huge success.
Police had extra officers on duty for the event, and the fire department also had additional personnel available. No major concerns were reported during the celebration, although officials discussed establishing a designated medical tent next year so attendees will have one clearly marked location to seek assistance. Food trucks reportedly had a strong night, with some selling out and others calling it one of their best events.
Online Payments and City Services
The board also discussed changes coming to the city’s payment system. City officials said Herculaneum is moving toward a system that will allow residents and businesses to pay city bills online through one platform. That includes water bills, permits and other city-related payments.
The change will require residents currently using autopay to update their payment information once the new system is in place. City staff members are being trained so they can answer questions and help residents through the transition. Officials said the city plans to send both emails and mailed letters to notify residents of the change and provide instructions.
Police Vehicle and Grant Funding
Public safety was another major part of the meeting. The board approved the purchase of a new Dodge Durango for the police department, along with the equipment needed to make it ready for service. Officials explained that the vehicle must be fully outfitted with items such as a protective cage, emergency lights, radios and other police equipment, which account for a significant portion of the total $73,325 cost. Even with the outfitting expenses, the purchase came in under the amount budgeted for police vehicle needs.
The police department also received notice of grant funding connected to the city’s Blue Shield status. Kyle said the city was awarded just under $29,000, with about $20,000 expected to be available toward the next police vehicle purchase after other needed protective equipment is addressed.
Trash and Recycling Service
Trash service also received extended discussion. A committee had been formed to review trash and recycling proposals, including input from residents who had previously expressed concerns about the city’s current provider. After reviewing the options, the committee recommended staying with Waste Connections, the city’s current trash hauler, while asking that the new contract include a clear exit clause in case service quality declines.
A representative from Waste Management attended the meeting and encouraged the board to consider switching providers. He spoke about Waste Management’s customer service, local presence and equipment, including its use of natural gas trucks. Still, officials said the committee’s recommendation was to remain with Waste Connections, noting that service and communication had improved. The board did not take final action on a contract during the discussion but asked for more information, including the bid comparison and contract language.
Water Towers and Fire Department Updates
The city also received an update on its water towers. Mark Johnson, Public Works Supervisor for the city of Herculaneum, said all three water towers have now been cleaned and painted inside and out. The towers are now covered by a continuing maintenance contract and will follow a rotating maintenance schedule, with one tower serviced each year rather than all three being handled at once.
With the water tower work complete, the fire department is preparing to begin hose testing. Officials said the testing is part of regular quality assurance and helps ensure fire hoses are safe and reliable during emergency response.
The fire department also received support to pursue a 50/50 grant through the Missouri Department of Conservation. Herculaneum Fire Chief Kevin Baker said the department’s current pagers are about 18 years old and are due for replacement. The pagers are used to alert on-call firefighters when emergency calls come in. The replacement cost was estimated at around $10,000, with the proposed Missouri Department of Conservation grant potentially covering half.
Baker also announced an upcoming Water Parade planned for 2 p.m. on August 8 as part of the Herculaneum Fire Department’s 75th-anniversary celebration. The event is expected to feature fire trucks, police vehicles and other participants spraying water along the parade route, giving residents a chance to cool off and join in the celebration.
The department is also looking into additional grant funding for a drone that could assist both police and fire operations. Officials said the city has about $25,000 in grant money available, but drones that meet approved standards can cost around $100,000. A drone could be used for search and rescue, river incidents, structure fires and police support.
Business Licenses and Closing Updates
The board also approved business licenses, including a liquor license renewal for La Pachanga and a new business license for Faded HQ. The owner of Faded HQ said the business is relocating from Festus and will include both a barbershop and a barber school next door.
The meeting closed with continued thanks for everyone involved in the Fourth of July event and updates on other city projects, including code enforcement, street work and upcoming community activities.