Masonic Lodge Building Moving More With Each Rain

Grant City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes told the City Council at their regular meeting Wednesday that the Masonic Lodge building was leaning more with each rain. The Northeast corner, which is right next to the housing unit next door, is trying to fall off. She reported that the asbestos has been removed from the building and that the DNR is satisfied with that. The CDBG board was having a meeting Thursday to decide on emergency grants.

Ms. Jeanes reported a violation of city ordinances regarding junk boats, junk cars, and mattresses for which the city had sent multiple letters of violation. There were also ATV and UTV’s using the trail, which is a violation of city ordinances. ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed on the trail. The city used to require a license for them.

The city and the Progress Organization are working on a park grant to add some new equipment next year.

Clerk Farrah Richey presented the 2026 insurance rates and proposed 2027 insurance rates. The council looked through the coverage and found two items the city no longer has. The proposed rate is $572 more than last year. The council will review the list to remove items that the city no longer has.

The city received a letter from Porter Trash stating that their residential pickup rate would increase by 25 cents per customer. The council decided not to pass on the increase to customers. The current rate the city charges customers is $23.50.

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center sent a proposed agreement for the city to sign stating the city would provide a generator in the event of a generator failure. The council responded that the city only has two generators; one goes to its lift station in the event of an emergency, and the other goes to City Hall. The council suggested they contact Emergency Management.

Clerk Farrah Richey reported that she had found Time Clock Wizard, which allows users to clock in and out for free. The current payroll system keeps track of comp time, vacation, and sick leave, but does not have a clock in/out option. The city will get a tablet for the barn for workers to clock in and out.

Ryan Fletchall reported that the old firehouse would need a new furnace. The council directed him to get quotes.

The city has a new testing service for lagoon samples so that Mr. Fletchall doesn’t have to drive to Maryville weekly to take samples.

There was a customer who has a water meter in a cellar that they plan to dig in. The council suggested the city remove part of the cellar where the meter is located and leave the rest up to the customer.

Tyson Troutwine reported digging ditches, mowing, patching potholes, and blading streets.

There were parking complaints about North Lyon Street near the fairgrounds. There is no room to drive, especially for someone hauling a trailer, when people park on both sides of the road during ballgames. The council didn’t see a need to put up no parking signs for short ball seasons.

The council approved building permits for the Worth County School and Tim & Traci Dillivan.

The city received a complaint that when the batting cage was finished at the ball diamond, when the school poured the concrete to replace what was taken out, it was not the same width as the rest of the walking trail. Clerk Farrah Richey will look to see what was agreed between the city and the school when the start of the trail was moved.

Grant City Building Owner Refuses to Sign Off on Demolition Grant

The City of Grant City is seeking to demolish the Masonic Lodge building on the Grant City Square, but they found out that the building is attached to the adjacent building on the southeast corner of the Square. The owners of the building in question, Rick and Cindy Frese, at a condemnation hearing Wednesday at the Grant City Council Meeting, refused to sign off on demolishing their building, saying that it still could be salvaged.

The hearing in question was a show cause hearing for the owners to show why the building should not be demolished. The city was represented in the proceeding by attorney Taryn Henry. 

Ms. Henry called City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes as a witness. Ms. Jeanes showed Exhibit C, showing the front of the building. It consisted of pictures taken over a three month period showing that a crack in the front of the building is getting bigger. Exhibit D showed the back of the building showing the anchors holding the building and the part of the building that has already collapsed. 

Ms. Henry then proceeded to show Exhibit A, the city’s code on dangerous buildings; Exhibit B, the condemnation and demolition order of 318 South Main Street in Grant City filed November 3rd, 2023, and Exhibit E, the building inspection of 320 South Main dated May 27th, 2026. Ms. Jeanes testified that Exhibit A was the current city code on dangerous buildings. 

Ms. Jeanes quoted from the May 27th, 2026 report on the buildings which stated, “This building has been considered previously as two separate buildings with a shared center wall. This building is a single building, and the two property spaces are only separated by a wood-framed bearing wall, not a masonry wall.” The report continued, “Demolition and reconstruction costs are expected to be far greater than the land and building values. Norton and Schmidt Engineers recommends obtaining three competitive bids for cost comparison. She testified that there has been discussion, but there has been no solution, that the building is a danger to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community, and that the city should condemn the other half of the building that has already been condemned so it can be demolished before it hurts someone.

Residents of the housing unit adjacent to the building in question have expressed concern over the past few years that the building in question could collapse and hurt someone and/or render the unit unlivable. Recently, the back end of the Masonic Lodge building collapsed, prompting the city to accelerate proceedings to get it demolished.

Mr. Frese said that his building was in good condition, that it was possible to save, that he felt he deserved compensation for his side of the building, and that he did not give consent to demolish his side of the building. He said that it was not his job to get competitive bids to cut the beams and shore up the wall; it was the job of the contractor. “No,” responded Mayor Debbie Roach, “The contractor will demolish the Masonic Lodge building only; it is an emergency demolition grant.” 

They then clashed over the assessed valuation of the building. Mr. Frese said the building was assessed at $36,000; Ms. Jeanes said that it was assessed at $32,120. “No,” said Mr. Frese, “It has to be more than that; the land and building are worth much more than that.” “That is the assessed valuation from the assessor’s office,” said Ms. Jeanes. 

Mayor Roach said, “The city is not responsible for any compensation. We are just trying to get a grant to remove the danger. Are you willing to pay the costs out of pocket it will take to clean up the building after it falls because you didn’t sign off on the demolition?” “I’ve been advised not to discuss,” responded Mr. Frese. “So if we wipe our hands clean of this, and the building collapses, could anyone who is injured, or the property owner of the apartments next door sue Rick?” Mayor Roach asked Ms. Henry. “Absolutely,” responded Ms. Henry.

The council voted to allow Mr. Frese to obtain a lawyer and reconvene on August 26th at 6:00 pm to proceed further.

Lizzie Jeanes reported that the CBDG demolition grant has been submitted and that the council should hear something by September. She reported that the Masonic Lodge building is moving more and more with each rain they get. She reported that after one recent rain, the northwest corner, which is adjacent to the housing, is trying to fall off. She reported that the asbestos has been removed from the building, and the DNR is satisfied with that. The emergency grant has not been submitted.

Ms. Jeanes reported getting compliance from most letters of violation that the city had sent out last month. The city mowed two properties that were in violation of weed ordinances. 

The council left the property tax rates unchanged for the upcoming tax year.

Ryan Fletchall presented three bids for smoke testing machines. DSG bid $2,455. Core & Main bid $2,621.95. Hurco bid $3,399.00. The council voted to purchase the smoke tester from DSG with some liquid smoke; the amount of which will be determined by shelf life. 

The City put in tubes at the ball field, fixed a leak at 8th & Francis, and fixed the main that runs between the Richey and Hall properties. The city put in a new drain at the new shelter house.

Tyson Troutwine reported that the tubes at the ball field were almost done; they have a lot of dirt to haul in, but the city part of the project is almost completed. The city will be cutting brush and mowing right of ways.

The council approved a building permit for Dalton Miller.

Dusty Cowgirl Anniversary Party to Expand

Gwyanda Harker asked for and was granted permission by the Grant City Council Wednesday to close the west and south side of the Grant City Square for the Dusty Cowgirl’s fifth anniversary celebration that will be held on Saturday, September 19th starting at 12 noon.

This year, Ms. Harker is partnering with Psalm 100 Ministries to provide more activities. The event will be expanded this year with a beer garden, food service, Bingo, Cornhole games, booths from community organizations, and vendor booths. The event will be insured.

This is the 44th year that Harker has been working at the tavern, the last five as owner/operator. She started working there in 1982.

Ryan Fletchall was not present, but submitted a report. The water tower was repaired after it was drained and a leak was found. The city replaced meters at the swimming pool and Sunny Slope.

The city has been in the process of cleaning out sewer lines. One line in Farrah Richey’s yard collapsed, resulting in sewer water in her basement. There are two others that will need attention soon. He is looking to buy a smoke tester to detect leaks so he won’t have to keep hiring it done. The city council directed him to get more prices. The pump house at the pool park is complete.

Tyson Troutwine reported that he has been putting in driveway tubes, cleaning out ditches, and mowing yards that the city says are in violation of city ordinances, and fixing potholes. The council approved another load of cold mix.

Mr. Troutwine reported that Superintendent Chris Healy approached him about wanting to fill in the ditch west of the softball diamond and putting in a tube so they can put in more parking. There has been an increasing number of complaints about overcrowded parking at the ball diamond during games; with over 20 girls projected to play junior high softball this fall, that could continue.

If the ditch on the west end was filled, it could provide more parking at the field since cars could park diagonally instead of parallel like they do now. The council was receptive to the city putting in the tube as long as the school pays for the material.

The city got a thank you note from Psalm 100 Ministries for the city allowing them to be part of the Fourth of July festivities. The council voted to donate $100 to the Aivry Griffin Foundation.

 

 

Grant City Seeking Two Grants to Demolish Buildings

The City of Grant City is seeking two separate demolition grants to demolish buildings. The first is a CDBG Emergency Demolition Grant for the Masonic Lodge. Recently, the back end of that building fell in, creating safety concerns for the nearby housing unit. The structure has been tested for lead and asbestos materials. The materials cannot be removed prior to demolition due to the condition of the building, and as a result, all debris will be sent to a landfill designed for asbestos. The property will be leveled and seeded. The total project cost is estimated at $375,000. Commercial owners are required to contribute a 20% cash match.

The second grant, a regular CDBG grant, is for the demolition of the VFW Building as well as seven abandoned homes in town that owners were willing to see demolished. Total project cost is $200,000, with abandoned home owners required to contribute $500 each and commercial owners required to contribute 20%. All structures will be tested for lead and asbestos before demolition begins. If hazardous materials are found, all material will be sent to a landfill designated for asbestos-containing material. The properties will be leveled and seeded.

Construction of the new shelter house is underway, with the skeleton up as of July 4th.

There were citizens who wanted to have a survey done on the properties that border the city barn. The computer system the county uses to map out the properties is not accurate, and there are questions about where the property lines are. The council said they were interesting in helping pay for the survey.

The city got complaints about parking on East Farwell during ball games. The road is barely passable when people park on both sides of the street.

There is a leak in the water tower that the city tried to fix, with no luck. The city will get bids for repair.

The city got an estimate for the replacement of a water line from South High Street to South Lyon for an odd-sized line that they had to order special parts for.

The water line for the Masonic Lodge was removed.

Tyson Troutwine reported that chip seal of the streets was finished. The council voted to approve a load of cold mix. The city is going to mow road sides. The pool drain needed some new screws.

The new Clerkbooks accounting system is up and running. The 2025 audit is finished and all documents have been submitted to the State Auditor’s Office and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.

The council voted to donate $100 for the Back to School Fair.

The city got complaints about kids riding four-wheelers and golf carts and not following traffic laws.

 

 

 

Grant City Council Minutes for May 18th, 2026

Unofficial Minutes

Present

Mayor: Debbie Roach

Council Members: Lenny Campbell, Kevin Kobbe, Jeff Mozingo, and Catherine Runde.

City Clerk: Farrah Richey.

Public Works Director: Tyson Troutwine.

Water and Wastewater Operator: Ryan Fletchall.

City Administrator: Lizzie Jeanes.

Gas Superintendent: Carl Staton.

Mayor Debbie Roach called the meeting to order at 5:55 pm.

Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes April 22nd, 2026: Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve the minutes. Lenny Campbell seconded. All approved, motion carried.

List of Bills/Supplies: ME April, May 18, 2026: Catherine Runde made a motion to approve the list of bills. Lenny Campbell seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Pam Deardorff: Not present.

Jeremy Baker: Not present:

Bill No. 05202026 Ordinance No. 3764: New Base Rate for Grant City Customers. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title, Alderman Lenny Campbell made a motion to approve, Catherine Runde seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Bill No. 05202026 Ordinance No. 3765: New Base Rate for Parnell. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title. Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve, Lenny Campbell seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Bill No. 05202026 Ordinance No. 3766: New Base Rate for Public Water Supply District. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title, Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve, Kevin Kobbe seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Bill No. 05202026 Ordinance No. 3767: Transfer Fees. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title, Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve, Lenny Campbell seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Bill No. 05202026 Ordinance No. 3768: Utility Deposits. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title. Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve, Lenny Campbell seconded, all approved, motion carried.

Bill 05202026 Ordinance No. 3769: Connection and Reconnection fees after shutoff. Ordinance was posted prior to meeting, ordinance was read twice by title, Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to approve, Kevin Kobbe seconded, all approved, motion carried.

The meeting was cut short due to incoming weather.

Building permits: Kaitlyn Miller, approved and signed. Traci Dillivan denied at this time.

Alderman Jeff Mozingo made a motion to end regular meeting and enter into closed session. Kevin Kobbe seconded, all approved, motion carried. Alderman Catherine Runde made a motion to end the closed session and adjourn the meeting. Lenny Campbell seconded, motion carried, all approved. Meeting Adjourned at 6:05 pm.

 

Grant City Council Agenda for May 18th, 2026 (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN WILL HOLD A REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, May 18, 2026, 6:00 PM AT CITY HALL

● Mayor Call to Order

● Minutes: Regular Meeting April 22, 2026

● List of Bills/Supplies: ME April, May 20, 2026

● Pam Deardorff: Home questions

● Jeremy Baker: 5K Run

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3764: New Base Rate for Grant City Customers

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3765: New Base Rate for Parnell

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3766: New Base Rate for Public Water Supply District

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3767: Transfer Fees

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3768: Utility Deposits

● Bill No 05202026 Ordinance No 3769: Connection and Reconnection fees after shut off

● July 4th

● Lizzie Jeanes:

● Water/Sewer (Ryan):

● Gas (Carl):

● Parks/Recreation/Streets (Tyson):

● Clerks Report:

● Building Permits: Kaitlyn Miller

● Topics of Interest: Mayor/Board/Public:

● Employees/Closed pursuant to: 610-021- (3) & (1) - Summer Help Applications

Tentative agenda of this meeting also includes vote to close part of this meeting pursuant to:

610-021 (1) Litigation

610-021 (3) Employees

Grant City Raises Disconnection Fees

The Grant City Council, at their regular meeting Wednesday, voted to increase disconnection fees to $100. They will be $50 when city crews have to go out and disconnect services and another $50 when they have to go back and reconnect. In order to reconnect, customers will have to pay their bill in full plus the $100 to get their services restored. It is a Misdemeanor in the State of Missouri if customers tamper with utility services after being shut off for nonpayment. Council members agreed it was fair due to the time it takes for the city crews to stop what they are doing and shut it off and then stop what they are doing to go turn it back on. Previously, the disconnection fee was $65. Currently, the only notice of shutoff the city has to provide customers is on their bill. Typically, the city posts notices on peoples’ doors the day before disconnection; council members said that would be a good idea to continue the policy.

Ordinances will be posted for the proposed changes before the next meeting and the city will send a letter out to customers.

Catherine Runde and Jeff Mozingo were reelected to the Grant City Council. They were sworn in at the meeting. They will both serve two-year terms.

The city will file a tax lien for the emergency demolition on the southwest corner of the Square with the Recorder. Council members asked why the solid waste balance is negative; Clerk Farrah Richey explained it was because of the cleanup from the collapsed buildings on the Square. Council members decided it was not fair to the rest of the citizens of the city to pay for the cleanup; they left solid waste rates as they are.

The city has been in the process of commissioning a water rate study from Kerri Peters, and Clerk Farrah Richey has been researching what other towns charge. She proposed not increasing the base rate, but lowering the minimum to 1,000 gallons instead of 2,000. The council will post an ordinance to that effect before the next meeting, and a letter will go out to water customers.

The city received four scrap metal bids. The first was from Travis Casteel for 30% to the city and 70% for him. John Hansen bid $90 per ton. Josh Woods bid $95 per ton. Bo Hansen bid $620. The council voted to accept the bid from Josh Woods.

The city received two bids for the building covering the pool pump and filter. Ben Petersheim bid $13,355. King City Lumber bid $22,186. The council voted to accept Mr. Petersheim’s bid pending certificate of liability insurance and if the bid includes material and labor.

Ryan Fletchall reported that the SAGER Unit is pretty much done; they are moving equipment out and just waiting to go online as soon as the water level is where it needs to be. He reported having generator training. He has been getting ready for smoke testing, which White Cloud will do once they get the smoke bombs to complete the testing. Once testing is complete, they will connect more service lines. He plans to start on the pool next week.

Tyson Troutwine reported that city crews have started mowing. They have been working on rebuilding roads. He has had people reach out about wanting to put up speed limit signs and Children at Play signs. Others have wanted to extend tubes to get rid of ditches. The council voted to purchase a load of cold mix. Road Builders will arrive the first part of May to rebuild Briggs Street since all the construction at the Lagoon will be complete.

The council voted to donate to the Progress Organization Golf Tournament. The council approved two building permits for Jordan Huntsman.

Two More Abandoned Homes Come Down in Grant City

City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported at the Grant City Council Meeting in March that two more dilapidated homes were torn down.

There were two change orders for the sewer project. Two structures will be built around the blowers and UV lighting. A drainage tile will be put in so that runoff water does not get into the lagoon. The council voted to approve the change orders.

The city conducted a water rate study to see if the city was charging enough or too much. The study concluded that the wholesale rate was reasonable, but decreasing was not advised. The rate residential customers are paying needs to be reviewed and revised to avoid a budget deficit.

Ryan Fletchall is in the process of taking wastewater classes to recertify his current operator certification.

There were a few new small leaks in the water tower and Fletchall suggested getting a plan for a new water tower system sooner rather than later. The city will advertise for bids.

Riley Jones passed his water certification test.

Tyson Troutwine reported filling up the gas tanks at the city barn before the gas prices went up.

The city has been cleaning ditches and cutting shoulders.

The council voted to accept a bid from Whipp Sales & Service for a Kubota Skid Steer for $54,300 pending Tyson’s approval.

The council voted to accept a bid for Chip Seal from Approved Paving for $89,150 contingent on July 15th completion. If not completed by July 15th, the council reserves the right to cancel acceptance of the proposal.

Alderman Kevin Kobbe discussed having hydrant meters available to customers so they do not have to pay extra sewer fees on water used to water grass and gardens. Albany issued meters to customers and the city applies a discount to their bill when they are returned.

Alderman Lenny Campbell had an individual ask him about having a camper sewer cleanout. The council said that would be OK if there was a sewer main close enough.

The council approved building permits for Lenny Campbell and Shelby Hansen.

 

Cannon Fletcher Proposes Disc Golf Course for Grant City

Cannon Fletcher proposed a disc golf course for Grant City Wednesday during their regular City Council meeting. He said that there are courses at Maryville, Afton, Creston, St. Joseph, and Southwest Iowa Community College as well as a private one in Creston that is five holes. Disc golf is played with frisbees, and Fletcher brought a whole bag full of them to show the council.

Mr. Fletcher discussed tentative pricing. City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes will look at what prices the city can get equipment for, and Fletcher will get the city a layout for his proposal.

Jeremy Dale Baker of the Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition came to propose a 5K run in September and asked what he would need from the city to hold such an event. People who wish to use city property for special events will need to fill out a Special Event Permit form, the streets and property to be used, and provide proof of liability insurance. One possible route discussed was to start north of the Courthouse to High Street, south to Old 169, to the school, and then back. One possible starting point could be the school since there is more parking there.

The city voted to donate $100 to the Tri-County Health Scholarship.

City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported that two dogs were picked up by the city. One was returned to the owner, the other was surrendered by the owner and adopted out.

Three new property owners signed up to have their dilapidated houses taken down, making the total who have expressed interest six.

The city received no response from the owner of the Phillips building that collapsed on the southwest corner of the Square, and it has been 30 days since the invoice for cleanup was sent out. The council gave the go-ahead to proceed with a tax lien on the property.

The city has sold two lots that it had previously advertised. One has had the paperwork signed, and the other will be taken care of this week.

The city sent new letters of violation for code ordinances.

The city has been doing a water rate study with Midwest Assistance Program Project Manager Kerri Peters. The study found, according to the city, that it should be charging more for water rates.

In particular, the city is only making a profit of $3,241.55 per year from its wholesale customers, which is not enough to repair or upgrade the water system if something catastrophic happens. The city passed a bond issue back in the 2010’s that overhauled its eight-mile water line, among other things; however, the previous line lasted less than 20 years.

The figures are uncertain because the city is transitioning to Quickbooks from another budget platform, and there are issues in the way the city’s new platform classifies budget items as opposed to the old one. As a result, the current audit of the city finances is taking longer than expected. But the city will have a presentation regarding the rate study for the council when it is completed.

The city currently is paying off a loan from the USDA for its recent water line overhaul. It will continue to make payments on it until 2049, unless it chooses to pay off the loan early.

Ryan Fletchall reported repairing a water line break on South Briggs Street. He also took out a meter pit on the same street to see if the line was tappable for the water line to be ran down to the lagoon. He proposed after the lagoon project is complete to get bugs to help decompose the remaining sludge in cells one and two.

The council voted to seek bids for chip seal work.

Tyson Troutwine reported cutting more shoulders so that water would run off the streets into ditches. The city is seeking summer help with applications due March 18th.

The council voted to pass a resolution opposing Senate Bill 1586 and House Bill 2761, which would eliminate all solid waste districts, including the Northwest Solid Waste District.