East Central Reporter

City of Flora City Council met Sept. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

OPENING CEREMONIES

Mayor Pro Tem Linda Spicer called the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Flora to order, and City Clerk Kaci O'Dell called roll. Present were Commissioner Jeremy Henderson, Commissioner Phil Wiley and Commissioner Jim Fehrenbacher.

Others in attendance were Chief of Police Jeremy Ruger, City Attorney Bob Coble, City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford, City Clerk Kaci O'Dell, City Treasurer Stephanie Bailey, Building and Zoning Official Chad Bayles and Superintendent of Public Services Toby Rinehart. There were several guests and two media representatives in attendance.

Mayor Pro Tem Linda Spicer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Phil Wiley offered the Invocation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Tourism Committee Member, Stephen Smith gave an update on activities that are planned for the Ford Town Event this coming weekend. Next, Smith wanted to praise the current City Council. He stated that with this Council, under Mayor Slaughter's leadership, Tourism has been allowed to add two new events, give out thousands of dollars in numerous grants, and bring in hundreds of people from outside of Flora and Clay County to the Flora area. Mayor Spicer thanked Mr. Smith for his work with Tourism.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF FLORA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

FILLING OF VACANCIES

Mayor Pro Tem Spicer opened the floor for nominations of Mayor.

A MOTION TO NOMINATE AND ELECT COMMISSIONER LINDA SPICER AS MAYOR (TO COMPLETE CURRENT TERM) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO ACCEPT LINDA SPICER'S RESIGNATION AS COMMISSIONER OF DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES (EFFECTIVE UPON EXECUTION OF VOTE) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

Next, City Clerk Kaci O'Dell administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Linda Spicer. Spicer's husband, Steve, and sons, Ryan and Aron held the bible.

Before the next item was voted on, Commissioner Henderson offered an explanation regarding his vote. Henderson stated his vote is not personal to Ms. Lewis, but a reflection of his dissatisfaction of the process. Commissioner Henderson wished the process would have been completed differently than it has been in the past. Henderson would have preferred a collective approach and for the public to be formally notified of the open position.

A MOTION TO NOMINATE AND ELECT LACEY LEWIS AS COMMISSIONER OF DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES (TO COMPLETE CURRENT TERM) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No-Henderson

Abstain - None; Absent - None

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were listed under the Consent Agenda:

ACCEPT POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025

ACCEPT BUILDING AND ZONING REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025

APPROVE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

APPROVE SCHEDULE OF BILLS AUGUST 28, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

APPROVE TREASURERS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025

A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

REGULAR BUSINESS

Mayor Spicer started with thanking the City's part-time employee, Becky Wiley. Wiley has helped with transitions as the City made changes in the treasurer's position. Additionally, Wiley has been filling in to help cover City Hall staff vacations and a maternity leave. Wiley's dedication and willingness to help is very appreciated. Next, Mayor Spicer praised Rotary's Cemetery Tours held the previous weekend, indicating that Rotary is a well-oiled machine. Mayor Spicer is happy that Rotary hosts events that give our community a chance to learn about our City's history.

Commissioner Jeremy Henderson had one item for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3456, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A RESIDENTIAL LEASE WITH KYLE NICHOLSON (29 BOATRAMP DR - $550 PER MONTH, PLUS UTILITIES) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

Commissioner Phil Wiley mentioned that Flora and surrounding areas have been under a boil order. He apologized for the inconvenience it has caused, not only to residents, but to business owners. Wiley thanked businesses for doing what they can to be able to operate. Wiley then thanked the community for their patience and understanding while we wait for the order to be lifted. Next, Wiley thanked Rotary for another successful cemetery tour.

Commissioner Jim Fehrenbacher spoke on the construction happening around town with the current sewer project. He expressed his appreciation for everyone dealing with the street closures. Fehrenbacher stated that the sewer improvements will be a great benefit once they are completed. Next, he thanked all the City crews for their work on the projects.

City Administrator/Economic Development Director Mike Stanford also thanked employee Becky Wiley for stepping in with our transitions at City Hall. Next, he informed the community that in order to get the boil order lifted, it is not a quick test. Before we can take our samples, other facilities must be cleared. Then, our sample is required to sit for 24 hours in order to guarantee there is no bacteria growth. Stanford then had multiple items for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3458, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING A GRANT UNDER THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGARM FOR MATTHEW R. WINTERROWD AND AMANDA E. WINTERROWD AT 101 W. NORTH AVENUE ($5,000.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON.

➤ Vote: Yes - Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3459, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING A GRANT UNDER THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGARM FOR MATTHEW R. WINTERROWD AND AMANDA E. WINTERROWD AT 103 W. NORTH AVENUE ($5,000.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3460, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING A GRANT UNDER THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGARM FOR MATTHEW R. WINTERROWD AND AMANDA E. WINTERROWD AT 105 W. NORTH AVENUE ($5,000.00) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILEY.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3461, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A COMMUNITY FACILITES GRANT AGREEMENT (TO RECEIVE $17,000.00 TO BE APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OF A POLICE VEHICLE) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

Before the next item was voted on, Commissioner Henderson had a few questions. Henderson asked if this request was associated with the Downtown grant and if so, was this approved by the State? Stanford replied that it does fall under the Downtown grant and we are only requesting bids at this time, not approving, so it is an approved procedure.

A MOTION TO APPROVE SEEKING BIDS FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT AT CITY HALL AND FLORA PUBLIC LIBRARY WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

A MOTION TO ACCEPT AN OFFER OF $1,000.00 PER PROPERTY FROM MATTHEW WINTERROWD FOR REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 419 PRESLEY AND 401 W 5TH STREET WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

City Administrator/ Economic Development Director Mike Stanford noted, that these properties did not receive any bids during the bidding process.

City Clerk Kaci O'Dell had one item for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE RELEASE OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES (REGULAR MEETING JUNE 2, 2025) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

Building and Zoning Official Chad Bayles had a few items for approval.

A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 25-3457, AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE TO THE FAITH TABERNACLE CHURCH OF FLORA WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILEY; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

September 15, 2025

A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE WILLHOUSE RENTALS, LLC REAL ESTATE AS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS (233 ADAMS) WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent – None

A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE KELSEY MCINTOSH REAL ESTATE AS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS (732 S. MAIN ST.) WAS MADE BY

COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENDERSON.

➤ Vote: Yes -Spicer, Henderson, Wiley, Fehrenbacher

No - None

Abstain - None; Absent - None

Superintendent of Public Services Toby Rinehart announced there would be few more weeks of excavation along N. Olive. Once N. Olive is completed, the project will continue in the area of Seminary Street, from 5th to 7th Street. The community can expect intermittent road closures.

ADJOURN

At approximately 5:10 p.m. with no further business to discuss, Mayor Spicer requested a motion to adjourn.

COMMISSIONER WILEY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN; SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FEHRENBACHER. COUNCIL MEMBERS CONCURRED AND MAYOR SPICER DECLARED SAID MEETING ADJOURNED.

https://florail.govoffice2.com/vertical/sites/%7B62602091-720B-4C05-8923-FB9F25FCDE7A%7D/uploads/Minutes_10-06-2025.pdf