Residents press for forensic audit and raise safety concerns about roadside utility markers

Two public commenters drew sustained council attention during the meeting.

A resident urged the council to request a Missouri State Auditor forensic audit covering potential fraud, waste and conflicts of interest in economic development projects (including Green Street cost increases) and recent union contract negotiations, and said he would gather signatures to force such an audit if the council declined. Mayor Lopez responded that he had confidence in the public process and staff but did not record a council vote to request the state audit.

Separately, Ken Downs said utility locate flags and plastic wire markers used during recent fiber‑optic work littered streets and yards and posed hazards to lawnmowers, pedestrians and children. Staff explained locate markings are required for certain underground work, that removal responsibility can fall to contractors, property owners or the city depending on the job, and that different marking methods (flags, paint) are used. Council members asked staff to follow up and determine reasonable mitigation or enforcement steps.

The mayor encouraged the public to follow established processes for petitions and noted the council cannot comment on pending litigation when applicable.