Board of Aldermen Regular Session
Regular MeetingOdessa, MO · April 13, 2026
Agenda
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
REGULAR AGENDA
Monday, April 13, 2026
6:00 P.M.
Community Building
601 W Main Street
Odessa, MO 64076
The meeting can be viewed live on YouTube, by subscribing to
@OdessaMO
Anyone wishing to address the Mayor and Board during the meeting must fill out a Speaker’s Appearance Form and
submit it to the City Clerk before the Board meeting begins. Forms are available online or at the entrance of the
Community Building. Speakers are subject to the Board of Aldermen Rules of Procedure.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bryan Barner
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bryan Barner
ROLL CALL City Clerk Karen Findora
WELCOME TO VISITORS Mayor Bryan Barner
CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes
All matters under the Consent Agenda are ● March 23, 2026 – Regular Session
Considered to be routine by the Aldermen
and will be enacted by one motion with no
separate discussion. If a separate discussion is Police March Rpt.
desired, that item may be removed from the
Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular
Municipal Court March Rpt.
Agenda by request of a member of the Aldermen. Community Development March Rpt.
MAYOR REPORT
ALDERMEN REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING Annexation / ANNEX-02-2026 / Unaddressed Property –
Located Along West Main Street / Parcel #: 23-1.0-02-0-
000-001.000 / Bruce Bellington, Greenup Holdings, LLC,
property owner
PUBLIC COMMENTS
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2026-15 Proposed Resolution No 2026-15 authorizing the Mayor to sign
System Study Task Order the work authorization agreement with Allgeier, Martin and
Associates, Inc. and the City of Odessa for a 2026 Electrical
Distribution System Study.
Shawna Davis, City Administrator
Presentation FIFA Mutual Aid update.
FIFA Mutual Aid Update Josh Thompson, Police Chief
Presentation Economic Development Update
Economic Development Update Cathy Thompson, Finance Director
Next Scheduled Meeting Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Regular Session
Aldermen – Request for New Items Members of the Board of Aldermen have the opportunity to
propose items for consideration to be added to the agenda for the
next regularly scheduled meeting. A vote will be held to
determine whether to include an item on the agenda. Therefore,
debate and discussion should be limited to determining the
board's interest in further discussion at the upcoming Board of
Aldermen meeting.
Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to RSMO 610.021 (1) Legal actions, causes of action,
litigation, or confidential attorney/client communication.
Pursuant to RSMO 610.021 (2) Real Estate Negotiations
Pursuant to RSMO 610.021 (3) Personnel
Pursuant to RSMO 610.021 (12) Sealed bids and related
documents, until bids are open; and sealed proposals and related
documents or any documents related to a negotiated contract
until a contract is executed, or all proposals are rejected.
Up-Coming Meetings / Events:
April 15 @ 7:00 p.m. – Parks Board Meeting @ Community Bldg.
April 16 @ 6:00 p.m. – Planning Commission @ Community Bldg.
April 27 @ 4:30 p.m. – Finance Committee @ City Hall
April 27 @ 6:00 p.m. – Board of Aldermen @ Community Bldg.
May 11 @ 6:00 p.m. – Board of Aldermen @ Community Bldg.
May 12 @ 9:30 a.m. – Municipal Court @ Community Bldg.
May 20 @ 7:00 p.m. – Parks Board Meeting @ Community Bldg.
May 21 @ 6:00 p.m. – Planning Commission @ Community Bldg.
May 25 - City Hall Closed in observance of Memorial Day
May 26, Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m. – Finance Committee @ City Hall
May 26, Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. – Board of Aldermen @ Community Bldg.
Other Events:
April 3 @ 3:30 – Dusk – Easter Chalk the Walk – Downtown 4-Way
April 4 – St. George Catholic Church Easter Fireworks
June 19 & 20 – Chamber of Commerce Rodeo
For more information, please visit the City of Odessa website.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Bryan D. Barner bryan.barner@cityofodessamo.com (816) 985-0361
Ward 1 Alderwoman Mickey Starr mickey.starr@cityofodessamo.com (816) 260-8448
Ward 1 Alderwoman Karla Polson karla.polson@cityofodessamo.com (816) 739-2224
Ward 2 Alderman Carl Crabtree carl.crabtree@cityofodessamo.com (816) 590-0630
Ward 2 Alderman Mike Plachte mike.plachte@cityofodessamo.com (816) 263-9997
Ward 3 Alderman Bruce Whitsitt bruce.whitsitt@cityofodessamo.com (816) 565-6610
Ward 3 Alderman Collin Carrigan collin.carrigan@cityofodessamo.com (801) 829-8482
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The City of Odessa is committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals who require an ADA
accommodation to attend a meeting are encouraged to make those arrangements with the City Clerk at (816) 230-5577 ext. 6 or by
email at karen.findora@cityofodessamo.com at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to communicate their needs.
Posted April 10, 2026
City Hall & City Website
Emailed to The Odessan
Karen Findora, City Clerk
PO Box 128 ∙ 228 S Second ∙ Odessa, MO 64076 Email | Phone: (816) 230-5577 ext. 6 | www.cityofodessamo.com
City of Odessa, Missouri
Board of Aldermen
Odessa Community Building | 601 W. Main Street
Regular Meeting ~ Monday, March 25, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
@OdessaMO
Monday, March 23, 2026 Board of Aldermen Meeting Rescheduled to Wednesday, March 25, 2026
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bryan Barner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and led in the pledge of
allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Karen Findora, City Clerk, called the roll and confirmed a quorum.
Mayor Bryan Barner Present Alderman Bruce Whitsitt Present
Alderwoman Karla Polson Present Alderwoman Mickey Starr Present
Alderman Mike Plachte Present Alderman Carl Crabtree Present
Alderman Collin Carrigan Present
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE
Shawna Davis, City Administrator Troy Woutzke, Electric - Absent
Karen Findora, City Clerk Darrin Lamb, Streets/Water
Cathy Thompson, Finance Director Kenny Snider, Wastewater
Josh Thompson, Police Chief - Absent Lt. Cody Smith, Police
Jeff Deane, Lauber Municipal Law Lindsey Adams
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE
Hannah Sparr, The Odessan Amy Finch
Erin Ford, City Clerk, City of Blue Springs Tony Easter
Charity Easton, City Clerk, Bates City Amanda Hoskins
Jodi Schneider, City Clerk, City of Warrensburg Bradlee Falls
Ron Finn Katherine Brown
Amanda Hoskins Seth – Amanda – G Smith
Don Findora Wallace – Heather – K – A Harper
WELCOME OF VISITORS
Mayor Barner welcomed visitors and those viewing on YouTube.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes and consent agenda.
● March 9, 2026 – Regular Session
Alderman Whitsitt gave a brief update on the recent Finance Committee meeting.
Page 1 of 9
Alderman Whitsitt moved to approve the consent agenda and the March 9, 2026, Regular
Session meeting minutes as submitted, seconded by Alderwoman Polson. .
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
MAYOR REPORT
Mayor Barner reminded everyone to watch the City Insight broadcast hosted by Leslie
Shier, Public Information Coordinator. Mayor Barner thanked all who participated and
volunteered for I LOVE Odessa and the City Wide Clean Up day. He also encouraged
people to stay faith-based, focus on facts, and pray for the city and community during this
upcoming election.
ALDERMEN REPORTS
● Alderman Plachte gave a brief update on the recent Planning Commission
meeting. Commissioners discussed storage containers and off-street parking. The
Commission will revisit these topics at future meetings.
● Alderman Carrigan reminded everyone to vote at upcoming April 7th election.
Alderman Carrigan volunteered for the City Wide Clean Up Day and stated that he
enjoyed working with the staff.
● Alderwoman Polson – No Rpt.
● Alderman Crabtree also reminded everyone to get out and vote.
● Alderwoman Starr thanked everyone who volunteered for the City Wide Clean Up
day, she stated that she enjoyed working with department heads.
● Alderman Whitsitt – No Rpt.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shawna Davis, City Administrator, provided a brief update on city events.
(visit the city website to hear update.)
AMEND AGENDA ~ Special Event Permit “St. George Catholic Church Easter
Fireworks.”
Alderman Plachte made a motion to amend the agenda to hear a Special Event Permit
request made by St. George Catholic Church, seconded by Alderwoman Starr.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
St. George Catholic Church is requesting to set off fireworks at the church field on April
4th for Easter Sunday. The church will have a pumper truck on site from the Odessa Fire
Dept. The church is required to contact all residents within 185 ft. of the site. The fireworks
are 1.4 G consumer fireworks, and the church does have a licensed fireworks display
operator licensed shooter. Greg Dickens, Deputy Chief, Fire Inspection, Fireworks
Enforcement, and Permitting Unit, was contacted, and he confirmed that there is no state
license required for the 1.4 G consumer-grade fireworks.
Alderman Plachte made a motion to approve the Special Event Permit for St. George
Catholic Church Easter Fireworks, seconded by Alderwoman Starr.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
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PRESENTATION ~ MRCC Recognition
Recognition of City Clerk, Karen Findora, MRCC, for achieving the Missouri Registered
City Clerk designation; presented by Erin Ford, City Clerk of Blue Springs, Jodi Schneider,
City Clerk, City of Warrensburg, Charity Eaton, City of Bates City on behalf of the Missouri
City Clerks and Finance Officers Association (MoCCFOA). Karen stated, “It is my honor
to serve the City of Odessa and the community. I remain dedicated to fulfilling the
responsibilities of this office with integrity, professionalism, and devotion, as do all our city
employees.” She went on to thank Mayor Barner, the Board of Aldermen, and Shawna
Davis, City Administrator, for all of their support and encouragement in pursuing her
professional development.
PROCLAMATION ~ National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Mayor Barner proclaimed March 26, 2026, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and
urged all citizens to join in honoring and remembering the brave men and women who
served in the Vietnam War. He encourages all residents to take time to reflect on the
sacrifices made by these veterans and to express their appreciation for their service to
our nation.
PUBLIC HEARING ~ Annual establishment of Sewer Rates ~ “CIRA”
Open: 6:41 p.m.
Close: 6:42 p.m.
In Favor: None
Opposed: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION ~ FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget
Cathy Thompson, Finance Director, presented the proposed FY 2026-2027 City Budget.
Resolution No. 2026-10 ~ Capital Improvements Plan FY 2026/27-2030/31
Mayor Barner read the proposed Resolution No. 2026-10 adopting the Capital
Improvement Plan for the FY 2026/27-2030/31.
Motion was made by Alderman Plachte, moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-10
seconded by Alderwoman Starr.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No
Page 3 of 9
Resolution No. 2026-11 ~ Fee Schedule FY 2026-2027
Mayor Barner read the proposed Resolution No. 2026-11 approving and adopting the FY
2026-2027 City of Odessa Fee Schedule.
Discussion: Alderman Whitsitt asked whether the fee schedule sets electric rates at the
same level as they currently are. Shawna Davis, City Administrator, confirmed that they
are. She went on to say that Bill No. 2026-09 on the agenda is tied to the fee schedule.
The fee schedule includes new electric connection fees. This change is significant
because it alters the electric department’s invoicing and billing for service when new
services are requested. For example, an electrician would install the conduit, pay a
connection fee to the electric department, and then they would pull and connect the wire.
This is the same process that both water and sewer currently use. This, in turn, will take
a huge load off the electric crews, allowing them to focus more on the city's electric system
and move large projects to completion.
Motion was made by Alderman Plachte, moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-11
seconded by Alderman Carrigan.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No
Bill No. 2026-08 Introduction and 1st Reading ~ Consideration / Adoption of Final
Budget FYE 03/31/2027
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-08, of proposed ordinance
adopting and approving the City’s annual budget for FY 2026-2027 and appropriating
funds accordingly, first reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Carrigan to adopt Bill No. 2026-08, upon its first reading,
and proceed to the second reading. Motion seconded by Alderman Plachte, and carried
with the following vote.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Discussion: Alderman Whitsitt questioned section four (4) of the ordinance. He
requested further explanation as to why the City Attorney is listed and what they have to
do with the budget approval. Section four (4) reads as, “Mayor, City Clerk, and City
Attorney are hereby authorized to take all the actions necessary to implement the budget.”
Jeff Deane, City Attorney, stated that this covers the city in case something needs to be
corrected or the attorney needs to file something on behalf of the city. It’s a backup. It’s
listed as an additional authority in case the City Attorney needs to file a correction or make
a filing on behalf of the city. Mr. Deane stated that it gives the City Attorney the authority
to execute documents when directed to do so, without having to return to the board for
additional authority. For example, signing approved-as-to-form documents from the state
and coordinating with auditors should they have questions for the city attorney, without
having to come back and request additional authority.
Page 4 of 9
Bill No. 2026-08 Introduction and 2nd Reading ~ Consideration / Adoption of Final
Budget FYE 03/31/2027
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-08, of proposed ordinance
adopting and approving the City’s annual budget for FY 2026-2027 and appropriating
funds accordingly, second reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Whitsitt to adopt Bill No. 2026-08, of proposed ordinance
adopting and approving the City’s annual budget for FY 2026-2007 and appropriating
funds according upon its second reading, and approve the bill as an ordinance. Motion
seconded by Alderman Carrigan, and carried with the following vote.
Roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Plachte yes Alderman Carrigan yes
Alderman Whitsitt yes Alderwoman Polson yes
Alderman Crabtree yes Alderwoman Starr yes
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Bill No. 2026-08 became Ordinance No. 3172
Bill No. 2026-09 Introduction and 1st Reading ~ Consideration / Adoption of Electric
Service Connections and Extensions
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-09, amending Section 48-661
– 48-667 of the City Code of the City of Odessa regarding service connections and
extensions, first reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Plachte to adopt Bill No. 2026-09, upon its first reading,
and proceed to the second reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Polson, and carried
with the following vote. Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Discussion: The Developer's Agreement will clean up the Code of Ordinances.
Alderman Carrigan suggested adding the words “residential development” to Sec. 48-666
( e.) of the ordinance.
Bill No. 2026-09 Introduction and 2nd Reading ~ Consideration / Adoption of Electric
Service Connections and Extensions
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-09, amending Section 48-661
– 48-667 of City Code of the City of Odessa regarding service connections and
extensions, second reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Carrigan to adopt Bill No. 2026-09, amending Section 48-
661 – 48-667 of the City Code of the City of Odessa regarding service connections and
extensions as amended by adding the words “residential development” to Sec. 48-666
(e.) of the ordinance upon its second reading, and approve the bill as an ordinance.
Motion seconded by Alderman Plachte, and carried with the following vote.
Page 5 of 9
Roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Plachte yes Alderman Carrigan yes
Alderman Whitsitt yes Alderwoman Polson yes
Alderman Crabtree yes Alderwoman Starr yes
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Bill No. 2026-09 became Ordinance No. 3173
Bill No. 2026-10 Introduction and 1st Reading ~ Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA)
Credits
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-10, approving the Energy Cost
Adjustment (ECA) Credits, first reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Plachte to adopt Bill No. 2026-10, upon its first reading,
and proceed to the second reading. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Polson, and carried
with the following vote. Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Discussion:
• 60-day / Changed to 90-day window to submit the form.
• You will have to opt in to obtain the credit/refund.
• A Google form with waiver language has been created, and all account holders
requesting the credit/refund will need to fill out and submit the form to the city.
• You can visit the city's website to submit a Google form
https://www.cityofodessamo.com/news/post/10690/
• Hard copies can be filled out at City Hall, 228 S 2nd Street.
• Account holders will need to provide an account number, and the credit/refund will
be processed and credited accordingly.
• Multiple forms are required if there is more than one account.
• Refunds/Credits will be distributed over 3-4 months.
• If you currently have an open account, the entire credit will be issued to the current
utility billing account.
• If you no longer have a city account, you must provide your current address, and
a check will be mailed to you.
• If there are outstanding bills, the credit will first be applied to the outstanding
balance.
There were discussions about where the funds would go if no one claims them. It was
discussed to forward unclaimed funds to the state’s unclaimed property program. Jeff
Deane, City Attorney, informed the board that if the funds remain unclaimed with the state,
the state will receive the funds, not the city. The board will hold future discussions on how
to handle unclaimed funds. The city will open a separate bank account for refunds –
marked as a liability. It has already been marked as a liability in the audit.
Unclaimed property: The funds will carry the liability over from year to year, for a minimum
of three (3) years, and then in three (3) years, the board can determine what to do with
Page 6 of 9
the funds. After the three (3) year mark, you can send it to unclaimed properties. More
research needs to be conducted on the issue.
The board agreed to change the 60 days in the ordinance to 90 days.
Bill No. 2026-10 Introduction and 2nd Reading ~ Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA)
Credits
Mayor Barner read the proposed Ordinance, Bill No. 2026-10, approving the Energy Cost
Adjustment (ECA) Credits, second reading.
Motion was made by Alderman Whitsitt to adopt Bill No. 2026-10, approving the Energy
Cost Adjustment (ECA) Credits as amended to change the 60 days to 90 days, with the
consensus that the city will open a separate bank account for the funds upon its second
reading, and approve the bill as an ordinance. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Starr,
and carried with the following vote.
Roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Plachte yes Alderman Carrigan yes
Alderman Whitsitt yes Alderwoman Polson yes
Alderman Crabtree yes Alderwoman Starr yes
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Bill No. 2026-10 became Ordinance No. 3174
Resolution No. 2026-12 ~ Audit Engagement Letter
Mayor Barner read the proposed Resolution No. 2026-12 authorizing the Mayor to
approve the Engagement Letter and Professional Services Agreement for auditing
services with BerganKDV.
Motion was made by Alderman Carrigan, moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-12
seconded by Alderwoman Polson.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Resolution No. 2026-13 ~ vCFO Advisory Services Internal Controls Review
Mayor Barner read the proposed Resolution No. 2026-13 authorizing the Mayor to
approve the Engagement Letter for an Internal Controls Review completed by vCFO
Advisory Services.
Discussion: It was noted that if the vCFOA Advisory Service noticed items in the audit
that they felt needed a bit more attention that they would review those items during the
audit process. The audit will cost the city $4,000 - $6,000.
Motion was made by Alderman Plachte, moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-13
seconded by Alderwoman Starr.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Page 7 of 9
Resolution No. 2026-14 ~ Street Maintenance Bldg.
Mayor Barner read the proposed Resolution No. 2026-14 authorizing the Mayor to enter
into an agreement with KAT Excavation, Inc. for the construction of a street maintenance
facility and demolition of the existing structure at 400 N 1st Street.
Discussion: The Board discussed whether to keep bulk water sales or remove them.
Ron Finn commented that he likes using the service, and Darrin Lamb, Water & Streets
Superintendent, stated that residents at Lake Lafayette often use it. Notice will be given
to water haulers that the Odessa site will be out of order during the construction of the
new street maintenance building. It was noted that Oak Grove also sells bulk water. The
board agreed to keep the bulk water service. City staff will install it after the building is
constructed.
Motion was made by Alderman Carrigan, to approve Resolution No. 2026-14 seconded
by Alderman Crabtree.
There was a consensus among the board to add bulk water back into the project
development, with the city responsible for construction. It will not be part of the approved
resolution, but the city will pay to reinstall the bulk water. It will cost the city $10,000.00 to
install.
Alderman Carrigan amended his motion to add bulk water back into the project, with the
city responsible for cost and construction, seconded by Alderman Whitsitt.
Motion carried 5-Aye, 0-No, 1-Abstain (Plachte).
Presentation ~ FIFA Mutual Aid Update ~ POSTPONED TO NEXT MEETING
Josh Thompson, Chief of Police, provided an update on the FIFA Mutual Aid for the World
Cup.
Motion was made by Alderman Whitsitt, to postpone the FIFA Mutual Aid Update to the
next board meeting, seconded by Alderman Plachte.
Motion carried 6-Aye, 0-No.
Discussion ~ Electric Rate Study
Shawna Davis, City Administrator, gave a brief update on the electric rate study. For
now, the rate will stay as is for a few months. The board will revisit the ECA and base
rates.
Aldermen ~ Request for New Items
None
Next Regular Scheduled Meeting:
Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Regular Session
Page 8 of 9
Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board of Aldermen, a motion was
made by Alderman Plachte, seconded by Alderman Whitsitt, to adjourn the meeting at
8:25 p.m. Motion carried 6- Aye, 0-No.
Approved: CITY OF ODESSA
_______________________ ________________________________
Bryan D. Barner, Mayor
ATTEST
_____________________
Karen Findora, City Clerk
Page 9 of 9
Odessa Police Department
310 S First Street • Odessa, MO 64076
Phone: 816-633-7575 • Fax: 816-633-7221 • odessapd@cityofodessamo.com
April 8, 2026
Shawna,
Officers worked over 759 incidents in March.
I’m proud to announce that School Resource Officer Andrew Lockhart is our recipient of the 2025
Odessa Police Department’s Bob Kinder Police Employee of the Year award. The nominations for
Officer Lockhart this year were overwhelming, highlighting the profound impact he has on those around
him. His colleagues, who also consider him a close friend, shared several insights into his character:
“Andrew has truly stepped out of his comfort zone this year, moving from the ‘tiny tots’ to the high
school students and absolutely rocking it. He has become the unspoken team leader for the SROs and
remains a constant source of positivity. Whether he is teaching DARE or just walking the halls, his
smile is infectious—everywhere Andrew goes, you can find people laughing. He puts in the hard work
for his students and teachers, ensuring our youth stay on the right path.” Officer Lockhart’s value to this
agency cannot be overstated. We thank him for his service.
Over the past eight months, the City of Odessa has been committed to a transparent, community-led
process regarding our public safety infrastructure. This journey began over a year ago with a
dedicated Focus Group, composed of local citizens and stakeholders who volunteered their time to
research available options, from renovating existing structures to building a new facility. Their
recommendations formed the proposal presented to the voters, and since then, we have hosted numerous
open houses, "Coffee with the Chief" events, and Chamber of Commerce presentations to ensure every
resident had access to the facts. All Focus Group meetings were recorded and made available on the
City’s website and YouTube channel to maintain total transparency throughout this evaluation of our
department's long-term needs.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the volunteers, city staff, and community members who
worked tirelessly to provide accurate information and foster open dialogue during this period. While the
ballot measure did not pass, the engagement we’ve seen proves how much our residents care about the
future of Odessa. We will now take the next few months to decompress, regroup, and analyze the
feedback. Our goal remains the same: to provide the professional, high-quality public safety services
while finding a path forward that the community can fully support. We appreciate your partnership as
we determine the next best steps for Odessa.
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Police Clerk Jenny Riedl and I have completed our 2025 Annual Report for the Odessa Police
Department. In my efforts for transparency and to build upon our wonderful community involvement
efforts, this report will be shared publicly and updated annually. I believe an effective law enforcement
organization is built behind an engaged, informed and supportive community. Police Clerk Riedl has
done a very good job organizing the report, and we believe it will provide the public a synopsis of our
law enforcement activities in 2025. You can review the report in the following pages.
The department is currently recruiting for two police officer roles - a patrol officer and a school
resource officer. We plan to prioritize the patrol vacancy first. The recent updates to our compensation
structure, employee handbook, and job descriptions are expected to be major assets in recruitment and
retention.
Codes Enforcement is currently working 41 active enforcement cases. Codes Enforcement has closed 41
cases for the year 2026 and taken 12 new enforcement cases for February 2026. We would like to
remind residents that permits are require to maintain backyard chickens. Chicken permits can now be
obtained through our Cloud Permit software.
On March 21, 2024, I volunteered to help the I Love Odessa group at the dumpster site in Dyer Park.
This has always been a meaningful event, and I enjoy volunteering to help.
On March 24, 2026, Lt Phillip Salmon and I participated in the Odessa Chamber of Commerce
Odessa High School Student Development Day. We met with a number of Odessa seniors to discuss
emergency preparedness, situational awareness, self-defense, rights as a citizen, traffic stops and other
police topics. We had good interaction with the students.
On March 24, 2026, I attended a Lafayette County CERT (community emergency response team)
leadership meeting. This group discussed the activation and training of interested Odessa community
members. Emergency managers from Lafayette County and Higginsville were engaged. We will have
another leadership and planning meeting in a few weeks. I am planning to move forward with the
planning of an Odessa community CERT program.
On March 26, 2026, Lt. Phillip Salmon attended the area Major Case Squad meeting in Lee’s Summit.
The Major Case Squad is an organization that I’ve been a member of for 25 years. The squad is made up
of a number of municipalities and county law enforcement professionals from across the Missouri
Region A rural area. The primary role when the squad is activated is to investigate homicide cases.
I’m working through the FIFA mutual aid request. I will update the BOA as I firm up the commitment
and reimbursement steps.
Respectfully,
Josh Thompson
Chief of Police & Emergency Management Director
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2025
ANNUAL REPORT
Courage Integrity Compassion
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTM ENT
310 S First Street
Odessa, MO 64076
Odessa Police Department
310 S First Street • Odessa, MO 64076
Phone: 816-633-7575 • Fax: 816-633-7221 • odessapd@cityofodessamo.com
A message from the
Chief
I am proud to share the 2025 Police Annual Report, a comprehensive look at a year defined
by growth, modernization, and a commitment to the community we serve. This past year,
the Odessa Police Department has focused on not only responding to the needs of today but
building the infrastructure for a safer tomorrow.
Our greatest asset remains our personnel, and in 2025 we were fortunate to welcome several
new staff members to our team. These individuals bring a wonderful commitment to public
service and have quickly embraced our core values of “Service with Integrity.” Their energy and dedication are essential as
we continue to meet the high expectations of the City of Odessa and ensure that every member of our department is equipped
with the necessary training and resources to protect our residents.
This year, we have also taken a more proactive approach to our property maintenance code enforcement efforts. Recognizing
that a well-maintained community is a safer community, our team has worked to build collaborative relationships with
property owners, developers, and contractors. By prioritizing open communication and partnership over mere enforcement,
we are working together to enhance the beauty and safety of our neighborhoods while fostering a sense of shared
responsibility.
To better equip our officers, we have aggressively pursued and received multiple grants that have significantly bolstered
our police operations. These funds have allowed us to launch impactful new initiatives, most notably our new drone
program. This technology provides us with an invaluable tool for search and rescue operations, tactical assessments, and
incident management, ensuring our officers have the best possible resources to protect the public. These advancements
complement our ongoing progress on the new police facility, which continues to move forward with the input of our
Community Focus Group.
Beyond these new milestones, we remain dedicated to our specialized support programs, including the further development
of our school resource officer program, our CIT K9, and our veteran suicide prevention initiatives. We continue to prioritize
regional partnerships and the strong relationships we have cultivated with our elected officials and the residents of Odessa.
The dedication of our officers and civilian employees are the cornerstones of our success. We remain grateful for a
community that works hand-in-hand with us to identify challenges and develop meaningful solutions.
I invite you to review the details of our progress in the following pages and stay connected with us throughout the year on
social media to remain informed about our ongoing initiatives and achievements.
Respectfully,
Josh Thompson, Chief of Police
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 2
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Odessa Police Department is to work in partnership
with the community, to protect human life, safeguard property,
respect and preserve the rights of all individuals equally, and endeavor
to enhance the quality of life for all who live in Odessa.
Dedication
to the community, this department, and one another
Respect
for our residents, each other, and ourselves
Integrity
in which our actions will reflect our honesty
Accountability
to answer for our actions and decisions
Courage
to be steadfast in the face of challenges
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 3
Police Department
The Odessa Police Department is responsible for police services to the City of Odessa, twenty-four hours
a day, seven days a week. This is accomplished with a staff of 14 full-time officers, eight reserve officers,
one animal control/nuisance compliance officer, and one police clerk, all working out of the building
located at 310 S First Street in Odessa.
The 14 commissioned officers include one Chief of Police, one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Sergeant,
four School Resource Officers, and five Police Officers, as well as Hawkeye, our Patrol K9, and Radar,
our CIRT K9. The fleet of vehicles includes nine vehicles that are utilized for patrol and traffic
enforcement, four specially marked vehicles used by the School Resource Officers, one Police K9
vehicle, and one truck used by our animal control/nuisance compliance officer.
Officer duties are varied. They are expected to investigate crime scenes, participate in community
outreach programs, and conduct traffic enforcement. They are responsible for patrolling
neighborhoods and responding to a variety of calls for service ranging from noise complaints to family
violence. The basic nature of an officer’s job is both the most exciting and most dangerous because
they never know what the next dispatched call or encounter will be. They must be alert at all times for
their safety and the safety of the community they serve, while at the same time being an approachable
servant to the citizens of Odessa.
Odessa Police Department Budget - Total $1,722,194
3%
1%
5% Salary/Benefits
8%
Capital Improvement Plan
4%
Police Operations
Equipment Maintenance
79%
Liability Insurance
Police Department Utilities
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 4
2025 Department Roster
Josh Thompson Leland “Bubba” Liese Cody Smith Phillip Salmon Derek Zarda
Chief of Police Captain Lieutenant Lieutenant Patrol Sergeant
Andrew Lockhart Mat Osborn Samantha Bell Ben Brown Austin Summitt
School Resource Officer School Resource Officer School Resource Officer School Resource Officer Patrol Officer
Alexis Parrott Daniel Melchioris Ty Bell Kane Dobson Galene Seitz
Patrol Officer Patrol Officer Patrol Officer Patrol Officer Animal Control/Codes
Hawkeye Radar Jenny Riedl
Patrol K9 CIRT K9 Police Clerk
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 5
Calls for Service
In 2025, the Odessa Police Department received 10,140 calls for service, compared to 8,633 calls for
service in 2024. This increase can be partially attributed to a change in how we log extra patrol
assignments to more accurately reflect duties being accomplished. The average response time was 3
minutes with an average of 51 minutes spent on scene. Our officers receive a wide variety of calls
ranging from simple ordinance violations, to business checks, to assaults. The chart below doesn’t show
every category of calls received but rather some of the more frequent and/or notable ones.
2288
Calls for Service by Category
2000
1500
1224
970
1000
638
473 495
500 377 329
211 170 175 203 213
124 135
0
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 6
Traffic Analysis
Our officers conducted 1,232 traffic stops in 2025, compared to 1,637 traffic stops in 2024, and 2,099
traffic stops in 2023. Of those stops, approximately 1 out of 5 were given citations. In addition, the
majority of those stops were drivers that lived outside of Odessa city limits, with about 32% living within
our jurisdiction. License violations (ie, expired plates) were the primary reason for stops, followed by
moving violations (ie, speeding, stop sign violation, etc), equipment (ie, brake light out), and
investigative.
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
License Violation 574
Moving Violation 404
Equipment 249
Investigative 6
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 7
Citations Issued – Not Minor Traffic
The majority of citations issued during the year are for minor traffic violations (previous page). The chart below
shows some other areas in which citations were issued in 2025. Please note that some incidents investigated by
the Odessa Police Department are not issued city tickets but rather sent to the State Prosecutor’s Office. In
2025, 81 cases were submitted to the State for charges.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Animal Control 25
Assault 7
Code Violation - Nuisance 21
Discharging Fireworks 1
Disorderly Conduct 21
Drug Offense 3
DUI/DWI 18
Illegal Burning 2
Leaving the Scene 5
Liquor Laws 6
Obstruction 1
Parental Responsibility 4
Peace Disturbance 13
Resisting/Interfering Arrest 3
Revoked/Suspended 33
Trespassing 5
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 8
Property & Evidence
The Odessa Police Department’s Property and Evidence staff is charged with maintaining the integrity
of all items taken into custody per department policies as well as state and federal laws. Each piece of
property must be checked in, entered into a records management computer system, packaged into the
proper storage container, put away in its correct and secure location, and then maintained as long as
needed for the case.
Detailed records of transactions involving items of evidence are maintained to preserve the "chain of
custody" – the documentation of the continuous custody of items submitted as evidence. All items
entered into our system are given a barcode for tracking and to maintain detailed records needed to
present evidence in court. Security measures are also in place to ensure restricted access to property
and evidence. In addition, property and evidence staff manage the department’s successful
prescription drug disposal program twice a year.
236 PIECES OF EVIDENCE RECEIVED IN 2025
Drug
Evidence
Other
Biometrics
Weapons/
Ammo
Digital
Evidence
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 9
Training
The City of Odessa Police Department takes an active role in ensuring all of its employees receive
professional, proficient and quality training. The Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)
requires sworn officers to complete a minimum of 24 hours of Continuing Law Enforcement Education
(CLEE) every year. This training includes legal studies, technical studies, racial profiling, interpersonal
perspectives, skill development, and firearms. In most cases, Odessa officers average 40-50 hours of
continuing education every year. Some of the training completed in 2025 included:
Taser recertification
School Resource Officer Training
Firearms Training/Qualifications
DARE Instructor Course
PepperBall Weapon Training
Public Information Officer Training
Midwest Public Risk Annual Conference
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
MoCARS (Vehicle Crash Investigation) Training
Missouri Investigators Association Conference
Crisis Leadership and Decision-Making Seminar
Missouri State Highway Patrol MIBRS/NCIC Training
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Certification
Missouri First Responders Health and Wellness Conference
American Association of Codes Enforcement Conference
Missouri Police Canine Association Workshop
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 10
Department Grants & Donations
Annually, the Odessa Police Department applies for law enforcement grants to assist our department.
The applications are submitted to sponsoring agencies for approval and issuance.
The Odessa Police Department was awarded the Missouri Blue Shield Grant. This is a non-competitive
grant, which means each Missouri Blue Shield recipient receives an award of $50,000 for allowable
supplies, equipment, and/or training needed in for the department. The City elected to replace a police
vehicle with the grant award, lowering the capital improvement request for the upcoming budget year.
In April of 2025, we received an amazing donation from
Remington, a young girl living here in Odessa. At just 11
years old, Remington took it upon herself to ask for
donations to support our city dog pound. With around 40
donors, and a contribution from her own birthday
money, she was able to purchase much-needed items
including dog treats, beds, blankets, and toys. Thank you,
Remington, for having such a kind heart and being an
inspiration to us all.
In May of 2025, we received a grant from the Canadian Pacific
Kansas City Railroad in the amount of $2,500. CPKC is
committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to
provide extra rail safety, education, and/or enforcement to
help keep the community safe. Our department plans to use
these funds to assist with the formation of a first responder
drone program, enhancing safety and operational
effectiveness with real-time aerial intelligence.
In June of 2025, we received a grant from Casey’s General
Store in the amount of $1,000. Casey’s has been a wonderful
supporter of local communities through giving that makes an
impact on fundamental needs. Our department plans to use
these funds in addition to the CPKC grant to assist with the
department’s drone program.
Also in June of 2025, we received a grant from Walmart Charitable Foundation in the amount of $2,500.
Walmart is a wonderful supporter of law enforcement, providing funding for special needs and projects.
These funds will also be used to help fund our first responder drone program.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 11
K9 Unit
The Odessa Police Department K9 Unit was established in the summer of 2019 thanks to the generous
donations of our community. Below are some of the many achievements made by this dynamic duo.
Area Search PATROL TYPES
for Humans
11%
Tracking
11%
Building
Search
11%
Drugs found during K9 alert searches in 2025
resulted in the confiscation of drug Pursuits
paraphernalia and 74 grams of drugs including 67%
methamphetamine, Xanax, MDMA, and
cocaine.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 12
School Resource Officers
The Odessa R-VII School District encompasses over 333,000 square feet of school facilities including
McQuerry Elementary School, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Ag Building, and the
Childcare Center. At the beginning of 2025, the Odessa Police Department had four School Resource
Officers (SROs) in the district, with the assistance of a grant from the Lafayette County Children’s
Services Fund.
The deployment assignments for the Odessa
School Resource Officers are (left to right):
SRO Ben Brown – Upper Elementary
SRO Sam Bell & CIRT K9 Radar – Middle School
SRO Andrew Lockhart – High School
SRO Mat Osborn – McQuerry Elementary
Our School Resource Officers maintain an open and interactive relationship with students and strive to
provide a positive image of law enforcement and prevent crime from occurring on school property.
They also instruct the D.A.R.E. program to 5th-grade students every year and work security after-hours
at various school events.
The D.A.R.E. program provides children with
an opportunity to learn and practice good
decision-making skills to lead safe and
healthy lives. Prior to graduation from the
program, students are asked to create a
poster or digital presentation about the
D.A.R.E. program and what they learned.
The winners in 2025 were Kim Dang,
Kierstynn Halsey, Dakota Jackson, Kaleigha
Joe, Derian Lopez-Quezada, Skylar Marshall,
and Finnlee Seals, with Hazel Tilton as the
top winner. The winners received a 10-day
pool pass for the Odessa Aquatic Center
with the top winner receiving a season pass.
In addition, the 2025 D.A.R.E. shirts were designed by two students – Layla Bainbridge and Ryun
Kuhlmann – who each received Sonic gift cards. Congratulations to all of the D.A.R.E. graduates.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 13
Critical Incident Stress Management K9 Program
In 2024, the Odessa Police Department implemented
a Critical Incident Stress Management Therapy K9.
Radar and his handler, SRO Sam Bell, have been
trained to work in the complex physical environments
of crisis to assist people experiencing intense
emotions and stress in the aftermath.
Radar is a valuable addition to our department that
was 100% funded by grants and donations. He
provides support for students, veterans, victims, first
responders, and the entire community of Odessa. We
are committed to providing compassionate crisis
intervention and effective stress management
services to empower individuals facing difficult
circumstances. And Radar plays a significant role in our
efforts.
Trauma Calls – Emotional distraught
juveniles, persons, disturbances, missing
persons, sexual assault, chec, the well
beings/suicidal subjects, deaths.
Public Safety Critical Incident – Line of duty
death of a police officer, firefighter, EMS
personnel, dispatch services.
Military Veterans and Families – Persons
suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury
and/or military sexual assault.
Public Relations Events – School events,
community events, court events, educational
evants about Law Enforcement services.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 14
Animal Control
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for serving the community by protecting the health and safety
of our residents and animals while promoting responsible pet ownership. In 2025, there were 211
animal control calls for service. From all of the non minor traffic related citations issued, the second
highest category was animal control with 25 tickets. The breakdown of the animal control citations are
as follows:
Vicious
Nuisance 8%
4%
Dog at Large
36%
Neglect or
Abandonment
20%
Not
Vacccinated
12% No Dog License
20%
The Odessa Police Department
renewed our annual Animal Care
Facility license with the Missouri
Department of Agriculture. This
license is necessary to operate
our City Dog Pound.
In 2025, we had an intake of 52
dogs compared to 62 in 2024 and
67 in 2023. Of those, the majority
(30) were returned to their
owners, 15 were adopted, 4
were transferred to other
rescues, and 3 were euthanized
due to behavioral/health issues.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 15
Codes Enforcement
The primary objective of Codes Enforcement is to educate
and assist residents in complying with city ordinances in
order to promote a clean, safe, and attractive community
for all who live in Odessa as well as visitors. We work with
citizens and property owners to address complaints and
make every reasonable effort to obtain voluntary
compliance. In 2025, Codes Enforcement received 175 calls
for service and issued 21 citations. The breakdown of those
calls are as follows:
Codes Enforcement/Nuisance Calls for Service
3%
Chicken Violation
23%
Tall Weeds/Grass
52% Trash/Debris in Yard
10%
Property Maintenance/Damaged
Buildings
12% Wrecked, Disabled, or Improperly
Parked Vehicles
BEFORE AFTER
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 16
Accomplishments/Recognitions
School Resource Officer Andrew Lockhart was recognized as
the 2025 Odessa Police Department's Bob Kinder Police
Employee of the Year. All full-time police department
employees provide nominations of a co-worker for this award.
Submissions are evaluated on the employee’s service to the
department, the City of Odessa organization, and the Odessa
community.
This year, Officer Lockhart demonstrated incredible personal
growth by taking on the role of DARE Instructor at the Upper
Elementary School. His transition to the High School SRO
position has been seamless, proving his ability to mentor and
protect students of all ages. He remains an open-minded
confidant to his peers and a professional representative of this
badge in every interaction. A comment received from one of his co-workers was, “Andrew has truly
stepped out of his comfort zone this year, moving from the ‘tiny tots’ to the high school students and
absolutely rocking it. He has become the unspoken team leader for the SROs and remains a constant
source of positivity. Whether he is teaching DARE or just walking the halls, his smile is infectious –
everywhere Andrew goes, you can find people laughing. He puts in the hard work for his students and
teachers, ensuring our youth stay on the right path.” Thank you Officer Lockhart for your service, and
congratulations on your achievement!
Lt. Phillip Salmon was named the 2025 Missouri
Investigators Association Investigator of the Year. This
award recognizes his exceptional dedication to resolving
crimes, providing justice, and fostering regional law
enforcement cooperation. Lt. Salmon’s pivotal role in
solving a complex series of business burglaries across
multiple counties in August 2021 was a key factor in his
selection. His sharp investigative skills, collaboration with
other law enforcement agencies, and successful
deployment of a GPS tracking device led to suspect
apprehension and recovery of stolen property. We
sincerely appreciate Lt. Salmon’s commitment to the
Odessa community and our department.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 17
The City of Odessa received the Missouri Blue Shield
designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
This distinction recognizes Missouri communities that
demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public
safety and supporting law enforcement. Achieving the
Missouri Blue Shield designation is an honor for Odessa, and
a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Odessa
Police Deparment in ensuring the safety and well-being of our
community.
In addition, as a Missouri Blue Shield recipient, the City of
Odessa received an award of $50,000 for allowable supplies,
equipment and/or training needed for the department. The
City elected to replace a police vehicle with the grant award,
lowering the capital improvement request for the upcoming
budget year.
School Resource Officer Andrew Lockhart graduated from DARE Instructor school in September 2025.
The DARE program was founded in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department. Today there are more
than 15,000 DARE officers teaching the program around the United States. The DARE training course
will allow Officer Lockhart to teach both elementary and middle school evidence-based curriculum to
students. Officer Lockhart was also awarded a distinguished instructor award while attending this
course.
School Resource Officer Samantha Bell and K-9 Radar attended a five-day CIRT development seminar
and cerfication course in which they were both certified nationally through AERI CIRT K-9. Certification
is important in public safety to ensure that both the handler and K-9 can operate in high-stress, sensitive
environments.
The Odessa Police Department successfully completed a Missouri Department of Public Safety Law
Enforcement Support Office audit. This audit involved the Department of Defense property grant
program that assists local agency’s law enforcement goals preferencing counter-drug and counter
terrorism activities.
Odessa was ranked the 5th Safest City in Missouri! This award
was published by Safewise Group (a residential safety
consulting group). Safewise Group publishes the top 20 safest
cities in each state every year. The ranking is based on data
reported monthly to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and
Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Uniform Crime
Reporting system.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 18
Lafayette County Law Enforcement Day
D.A.R.E. students from all over Lafayette County celebrated their graduation with festivities on Law
Enforcement Day at Fairground Park in Higginsville. They watched SWAT presentations, K9
demonstrations, interacted with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, learned about the role of Missouri
Conservation Officers, and watched while the fire department responded to a car on fire, first dousing
the car and then dousing the kids. Everyone had a great time!
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 19
National Night Out
In October of 2025, we hosted our fifth National Night Out! This is a national event that takes place
every year as a fun way to increase neighborhood spirit and improve police-community partnerships.
The goal is to enhance the relationship between residents and law enforcement while bringing back a
true sense of community, making our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.
We truly appreciate everyone who came out to enjoy this fun event. In addition to our department, the
Odessa Fire & Rescue Protection District, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department
of Conservation, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, and Odessa City Utilities were in attendance.
Everyone was able to meet their local first responders and enjoy an evening full of family fun with food
vendors, free music, and bounce houses.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 20
Shop with a Cop
The Odessa Police Department held its 4th Annual Shop with a Cop event. We had a great time spending
time with 20 Odessa children and helping make their Christmas wishes come true. Everyone headed
out that morning to the Oak Grove Walmart where each child was able to spend around $300 on gifts
for themselves and their families. Walmart also donated a holiday meal to each family. After shopping,
we all returned to the Odessa Community Building to eat pizza and cookies. And then the kids were
treated to a special visit from Santa himself! We truly appreciate all of the local businesses and
volunteers who made this event possible with their generous donations and services – we couldn’t have
done it without you. It was such a great day with lots of smiles and holiday cheer!
achievement!
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 21
Community Involvement
The Odessa Police Department strives to bring the quality of life to the community and citizens we
serve, which includes giving back to the community and those in need. It is important for us to engage
with the residents of Odessa proactively rather than only in a reactionary way. Community policing is a
collaborative effort that seeks to unite police officers with the community to address issues together.
In addition to some of our larger events such as Law Enforcement Day, National Night Out, and Shop
with a Cop, we had numerous positive interactions with the residents of Odessa throughout 2025.
In March, School Resource Officer Sam Bell volunteered to be the Odessa Police Department
representative at the Odessa Project Grad Donkey Basketball fundraiser. Fellow police officers and
other City staff attended to cheer Officer Bell on. She did well, making a few baskets and staying on the
donkey.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is held twice a
year, and the Odessa Police Department participated in both
events as a drop-off site for residents to dispose of their
unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Studies show that a
majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from
family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The
DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for
Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. We
collected over 110 pounds of medication to destroy in 2025.
In June and July, we launched a summer “Storytime” event,
partnering with the Odessa branch of the Trails Regional
Library, in which an Odessa Police Officer reads one of their
favorite children’s books to the kids.
In June, the police department
hosted summer school
students from McQuerry
Elementary. We discussed
many safety learning tips,
police operations, and what it
is like to be a police officer. We
also showed off our police
vehicles and some of the
equipment we use to stay safe.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 22
Odessa’s annual summer fair, Puddle
Jumper Days, took place the first
weekend of August. The SROs organized
a dunk tank in order to encourage
positive relationships with the
community and help raise money for
back to school supplies and the Shop with
a Cop program. We also had a command
post booth setup and made sure we were
out and about socializing with all of the
fairgoers. In addition, Officer Zarda and
Hawkeye put on a K9 demonstration for
everyone to enjoy.
We partner with the Lafayette County Veterans Suicide Prevention Coalition with the goal of raising
awareness, promoting educational opportunities, and striving to improve the lives of all veterans and
their families. Captain Liese plays a vital role in assisting the coalition, and has recently helped the group
acquire their 501c3 status, obtain donations for K-9 Radar, and place suicide prevention signs at Odessa
public parks and the reservoir.
The Odessa Police Department has
teamed up with WeTip to enhance
community safety through
anonymous crime tip reporting. This
partnership empowers rsidents to
report suspicious activities or criminal
behavior without fear of
identification. By providing a
confidential channel for tips, WeTip
encourages more community
members to engage in crime
prevention efforts, ultimately
fostering a safer environment for
everyone in Odessa. This partnership
highlights the department’s
commitment to transparency and
community involvement in tackling
crime effectively.
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 23
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 24
ODESSA
POLICE DEPARTMENT
City of Odessa Police Department
310 S First Street
Odessa, MO 64076
816-633-7575
Fax: 816-633-7221
www.cityofodessamo.com
www.facebook.com/odessamopolice
Dial 911 in an Emergency
ODESSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 25
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MISSOURI
CITY OF ODESSA MUNICIPAL DIVISION
The Municipal Division of the Circuit Court of Lafayette County for the City of Odessa was
held in regular session on March 10, 2026, at 9:30 am. Court is held in the Community
Building Courtroom at 601 W Main St, Odessa.
Municipal Presiding Judge: Carl Scarborough
City Prosecuting Attorney: Jeffrey W. Deane
Municipal Court Clerk: Jennifer LeBlanc
In compliance with COR 4.29, please find attached the monthly Municipal Division Summary
Reporting Form.
The next scheduled court date is May 12, 2026 at the Odessa Community Building.
Building and Community Development
Compliance Update
March 2026
Planning & Zoning Meeting
March 19, 2026 meeting
A. OLD BUSINESS-Continued discussion on storage and shipping container
regulations.
B. NEW BUSINESS-Started a new discussion on parking and driveway requirements.
The next regular Planning & Zoning meeting is April 16, 2026.
A special Planning and Zoning meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
March 6, 2026
A. PUBLIC HEARING / VAR-01-2026 / R&O SIGN CO / SIGN VARIANCE / 101
W OLD 40 HIGHWAY / PARCEL #14-7.0-36-3-001-001.
Motion carried to APPROVE variance request VAR-01-2026; 5-Ayes, 0 Noes.
B. TRAINING- Public officials’ liability training was conducted by Lindsey Kolisch, with
Lauber Municipal Law.
1
Active Projects
Taco Bell
New Construction Permits
None
Other Permits Issued
Accessory structure 2
Demolition 1
Electric 2
Fence 3
Plumbing/Sewer 4
Signs 2
Total 14
2
PUBLIC NOTICE
ANNEXATION | ANNEX-02-2026
Unaddressed Property – Located along W. Main St
Parcel #: 23-1.0-02-0-000-001.000
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Odessa on
Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Dyer Park Community Bldg., located at 601 W Main Street, Odessa,
MO.
The purpose of this public hearing is to hear from interested parties and citizens on a request by the property owner,
Greenup Holdings, LLC, Bruce Bellington to annex an unaddressed parcel of land currently located in the county
and adjacent to the City of Odessa limits. The property is generally located along W. Main St. consisting of 25.96
+/- acres, as further described by the legal description below. The property is currently vacant. Interested parties can
review the application materials on file by submitting a request via email to jenny.neel@cityofodessamo.com or
visiting City Hall at 228 S 2nd Street, Odessa, MO. Comments in support of, in opposition to, or general inquiries
regarding this proposed annexation may be submitted to jenny.neel@cityofodessamo.com or may be submitted
during the public hearing.
For more information, the site is legally described as follows:
A tract of land located in the Northeast Quarter of Section 2, Township 48 North of the Base line, Range 28 West of
the Fifth Principal Meridian, Lafayette County, Missouri, being all that portion of a tract of land described in Book
671 at Page 25-30 lying North of the Northerly right -of-way of West Main Street in Odessa, Lafayette County,
Missouri.
CITY OF ODESSA
Board of Aldermen
PUBLISH: Thursday, March 26, 2026
E-MAIL TO THE ODESSAN: odessannews@gmail.com
3/23/2026
Lafayette County, MO
1 in. = 461ft.
922.2 0 461.09 922.2 Feet This Cadastral Map is for informational purposes only. It does not purport
represent a property boundary survey of the parcels shown and shall not
used for conveyances or the establishment of property boundari
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIO
ISSUE:
Approval of Task Order with Allgeier Martin and Associates, Inc (AMI) for a 2026 Electrical
Distribution System Study (Loads for 2027 to 2047)
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve/deny Resolution No 2026-15 authorizing spending not to exceed $74,800 for the
2026 Electrical Distribution System Study
BACKGROUND:
The City of Odessa is responsible for providing reliable and cost-effective electric service to
its residents and businesses. As part of ongoing efforts of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan to
evaluate and improve system performance, the City previously engaged Allgeier Marin and
Associates, Inc., to conduct a comprehensive electric rate study. Following the completion
of that study, it was recommended that the City further evaluate its electrical distribution
infrastructure to identify opportunities for system improvements, operational efficiencies,
and long-term cost reductions. The study will give a definitive answer to where upgrades
are needed and how they should be prioritized.
System study scope:
• Data Collection
• Model Creation
• Load Projection for 20 years
• Review of Problem Areas (Divided into 5-year maps)
• Review of Protection Device Sizing and Coordination
• System Loss Analysis
• Sectionalization Review
• System Maps
• Wall Map (Free)
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
$ 74,800 is the not-to-exceed amount on this project. The City budgeted $65,000 based on
the preliminary estimate provided by AMI.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 2026-15; 2026 Electrical Distribution System Study Work Authorization
PREPARED BY: DATE:
Shawna Davis, City Administrator April 13, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ODESSA, MISSOURI, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A
TASK ORDER WITH ALLGEIER, MARTIN, AND ASSOCIATES, INC. (AMI) FOR A 2026 ELECTRICAL
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM STUDY
WHEREAS, the City of Odessa, Missouri, (the “City”) is responsible for providing reliable and cost-effective
electric service to its residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Strategic Plan includes evaluation and improvement of the electric distribution system;
and
WHEREAS, Allgeier Martin and Associates, Inc. (AMI) has recommended and submitted a proposal to
conduct a 2026 Electrical Distribution System Study to assess system performance and plan for future
needs; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the study shall not exceed $74,800.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF ODESSA,
MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Task Order and any related documents
necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution.
SECTION 2. The Task Order with Allgeier Martin and Associates, Inc. (AMI), for the 2026 Electrical
Distribution System Study is hereby approved in an amount not to exceed $74,000.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to correct any scriveners’ errors made in amending the
Resolution.
APPROVED AND PASSED by the Board of Aldermen and approved by the Mayor of the City of Odessa,
Missouri, this 13th day of April, 2026.
(SEAL)
___________________________
ATTEST: Bryan D. Barner, Mayor
________________________________
Karen Findora, City Clerk
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS RECRUITMENT, RETENTION & EXPANSION
An Economic Development Team—comprised of Shawna Davis, Cathy
Thompson, Jenny Neel, and Leslie Shier—is leading coordinated efforts to
support the business community:
Recruitment: Increasing visibility and marketing available sites through
regional partnerships
Retention: Maintaining engagement with existing businesses and
responding to needs
Expansion: Supporting local employers in pursuing growth opportunities
and accessing resources
CURRENT PROJECTS OPPORTUNITY ZONES
Create Economic Development Web page The City of Odessa is actively researching Missouri’s
Update grocery store initiative presentation Opportunity Zones to better understand how these
Coordination with downtown business federally designated areas can support local economic
community regarding sidewalk project growth and investment.
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS & RECOGNITION
The City has strengthened its regional presence
through new memberships with the Kansas City Area
Development Alliance and KC SmartPort. On April 1,
Odessa was recognized at the KC SmartPort Board of
Directors meeting, where Cathy Thompson represented
the City and reinforced a clear message: “Odessa is
open for business and focused on growing its
commercial and industrial footprint.”
WHERE CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A national site selector presented on regional business development and
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT provided the following recommendations for the KC Region.
Support your local officials
Data Center component manufacturing and Electricity availability = economic development
Defense Industry production are the two fastest Engage with the public
Make it easier to start and grow a busines
growing industries in the Midwest. How can
Enhance international relationships
Odessa best position itself for commercial Retain and attract talent
development and job creation in these areas? Deploy wealth through engagement of the philanthropic community
Align the business community with the education/training providers
Invest in the basics
Modernize your tax structure
Maximize federal incentives/industrial policy opportunities
Be ambassadors for your community
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