Here are key highlights from Monday night’s City Council meeting. You can watch the full meeting on the City of Lebanon YouTube channel or view official documents on the City website.

SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION MOVING FORWARD ON BECK & IVEY

Council approved purchasing materials to build new sidewalk along one side of Beck Lane and Ivey Lane.

• Roughly 4,400 feet of sidewalk will be added from Linda Circle to Elm Street.
• Materials include concrete, aggregate, truncated domes, striping, and handrail.
• Construction is expected to begin this summer.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: This improves walkability and provides safer routes for families, students, and pedestrians.

ENGINEERING APPROVED FOR FOURTH & VAN BUREN IMPROVEMENTS

Council approved engineering design work for intersection upgrades at Fourth Street and Van Buren.

• Plans include wider turning areas and evaluating a crosswalk connection into Gasconade Park.
• Supports the long-term West Loop traffic relief concept.
• Design work begins immediately.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: These improvements aim to reduce congestion and improve safety near a busy neighborhood and park.

TAXIWAY & APRON REPAIRS ADVANCING AT THE AIRPORT

Council approved moving forward with repairs to the taxiway and apron at the Floyd W. Jones Lebanon Regional Airport.

• Repairs will address cracks and surface wear that can affect aircraft and daily operations.
• The project uses a mix of federal funding and local support.
• Work will help extend the life of the airport’s main operational surfaces.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: A reliable, well-maintained airport is vital to Lebanon’s economy by supporting local industry, business travel, corporate recruitment, and investment.

POLICE BODY CAMERA & CAR CAMERA SYSTEMS BEING REPLACED

Council approved upgrading the Police Department’s camera systems.

• Many current body and car cameras are failing or out of service.
• New equipment provides stronger evidence capture and integrates with existing police tools.
• Features include automated activation, GPS capabilities, and improved video quality.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: These upgrades help officers document incidents clearly, strengthen cases, and ensure accountability.

LICENSE PLATE READERS EXPANDING CITYWIDE

Council approved expanding automated license plate readers and video cameras.

• New system uses advanced search tools to identify vehicles and support investigations.
• Cameras will be placed along major routes in and out of the city.
• Supports faster case closures and crime deterrence.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: This provides officers better tools to identify suspects, solve cases, and enhance public safety.

E-TICKETING COMING TO POLICE PATROL CARS

Council approved adding in-car printers to support electronic ticketing.

• Reduces roadside time for officers and drivers.
• Improves accuracy by sending information directly to the court system.
• Supports modern traffic enforcement tools.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: Faster and safer traffic stops benefit both officers and motorists.

FIRE & POLICE TRAINING STRUCTURE APPROVED

Council approved construction of a new joint training structure for the Fire and Police Departments.

• Enables realistic, hands-on training for emergencies and tactical scenarios.
• Allows year-round access for both departments.
• Serves as the foundation of a broader training area planned for future use.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: Stronger, more consistent training means faster, safer responses in real emergencies.

GOLF COURSE FUND ADDED TO FY 2026 BUDGET

Council approved adding the new Lebanon Area Community Golf Course to the FY 2026 City budget.

• Establishes a dedicated fund for operations and staffing.
• Supports routine maintenance and equipment leasing as the City assumes management.
• The course is expected to break even based on projected revenues.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: Establishing this fund keeps operations stable during the transition while maintaining the golf course as a community asset.

OTHER ACTIONS

Council opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Ward 1 Councilman Gib Adkins, who passed away on December 7.

Board appointments were approved:

• Airport Advisory Board: Jeff Mutchler (Council Representative)
• Golf Course Advisory Board: John Gideon, Steve Jackson, Randy Wall (Council Representative), Bob Garner (Council Representative)
• Zoning & Planning Commission: John Elmore (term to June 2026)

WANT TO SEE MORE?

Watch the full meeting on the City of Lebanon YouTube channel or visit lebanonmissouri.org for official documents. This recap covers key items but does not include every action taken.