St. Mary Board of Aldermen sets date for city election

/ News, Ste. Genevieve News

ST. MARY — Voters in St. Mary will be going to the polls Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 for the municipal city election.

Voters will find the mayor and four alderman on the ballot.

A mayor will be elected for a two year term and two aldermen will be elected to two year terms and two will be elected for one year terms.

Also on the ballot will be a $7 million bond issue to improve the city’s waterworks and sewerage system.

The city officers whose terms are expiring in April are Mayor Adam Bequette, Ward 1 Alderman Dr. Zenon Duda and Alderman Kathy Bergmann and Alderman Rose Rosenzweig. The second Ward 1 seat is currently vacant.

All persons wishing to file for office may do so by filing with the city clerk between 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 9th and 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 31st.

All candidates must be a citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of the city for one year.

Those filing for alderman must be a resident of the ward from which he is elected.

Candidates must be in good standing with the city whereby all taxes and money due the city must be paid in full prior to the date of filing.

The aldermen voted to put the matters on the ballot at their meeting Tuesday.

The Minutes of the Tuesday, November 18 meeting of the St. Mary Board of Aldermen have been released.

THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI

Board of Alderman Meeting

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

6:00 PM

  1. Be it Remembered: A regular meeting of the St. Mary Board of Aldermen was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Adam Bequette on Thursday, November 18, 2025 beginning at 6:00 PM at City Hall located at 782 3rd Street, St. Mary, Missouri 63673.
  2. Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
  3. Roll Call: Aldermen answering the roll call were Alderman Rose Rosenzweig, Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, and Alderman Kathy Bergmann . Quorum present.
  4. Approval of Agenda: Motion to amend agenda as printed by Alderman Duda, second Alderman Rosenzweig, all in favor Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzwieg (aye), Alderman Duda (aye), motion carried
  5. Consent Agenda: motion to approve by Alderman Duda, second by Alderman Kathy Bergmann.  Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), and Alderman Rosenzweig (aye), motion carried.

       ∙●    Minutes from previous meeting – motion made by Alderman Kathy Bergmann to approve minutes

            From the previous meeting, seconded by Alderman Zenon Duda

           

  • Treasurer’s Report – question regarding the Park being considerably over budget, this due to a clerical error and will be corrected by Jessica Gunter, City Clerk.
  • Collectors Report
  • Bills for Payment
  • City Clerk to pay previously appropriate expenses as they come due as allied by budget.
  1. Public Forum: NONE
  2. Unfinished Business:
  • Jokerst INC/FEMA DR-4872 Bid proposal for complete project – motion was made by Alderman Zenon Duda to accept the bid from Jokerst INC and proceed with repairs per FEMA, motion seconded by Alderman Kathy Bergmann. All in favor Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye) motion carried.
  • Truck Parking Club – discussion regarding the benefits to the city and local businesses financially to allow Truck Parking Club to set an overnight parking area at no expense to the city.

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Motion was made by Alderman Zenon Duda to proceed with the Truck Parking Club, seconded by Alderman Kathy Bergmann, all in favor Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye), motion carried.

 

  • Payment to Ominigo (police software) final payment for contract signed in 2023. Motion made by Alderman Zenon Duda to fulfill the contract using reserve funds, seconded by Alderman Rosenzweig, all in favor Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye), motion carried.
  • Board approval in closed session to purchase a new computer system due to the lack of security since Windows updated and the incompatibility of the City’s current system with the new Windows operating system. New computer has not been purchased as of today, continued research is being done by Jessica Gunter, City Clerk. Motion made by Alderman Zenon Duda to proceed with the purchase of a new computer operating system, seconded by Alderman Rose Rosenzweig, all in favor Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergman (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye) motion carried.  
  1. New Business:

BILL NO. 1017 – AN ORDINANCE CALLING FOR A GENERAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI: SETTING THE DATE OF ELECTION; OFFICIALS TO BE ELECTED AND THE LOCATION OF THE ELECTION. 

  • Motion made by Alderman Kathy Bergmann to amend and correct errors in Bill NO. 1017 seconded by Alderman Zenon Duda. Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye), motion carried
  • Motion made by Alderman Zenon Duda to approve Bill NO. 1017 with corrections, seconded by Alderman Kathy Bergmann by heading only, roll call Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye)
  • Second reading by heading only Bill NO. 1017 Roll call vote Alderman Zenon Duda (aye), Alderman Kathy Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rose Rosenzweig (aye), motion carried.

 

 BILL NO. 1018 – AN ORDINANCE CALLING A BOND ELECTION IN THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THERE WITH

 

  • PASSING THIS BOND ISSUE DOES NOT TAKE ANY DEBT TO THE CITY, SIMPLY AUTHORIZES THE CITY TO TAKE OUT DEBT IN THE FUTURE SPECIFICALLY FOR WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS.
  • THERE WILL BE TOWN HALL MEETINGS TO CLARIFY CITIZEN CONCERNS.
  • INVESTIGATING ROLLING USDA LOANS INTO THIS BOND TO LOWER INTEREST RATES.
  • Motion to approve Bill NO. 1018 by heading only made Alderman Zenon Duda, seconded by Alderman Kathy Bergmann, all in favor Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye).
  • Second reading by heading only Bill NO. 1018 roll call vote, Alderman Zenon Duda (aye), Alderman Kathy Bergmann (aye), Alderman Rose Rosenzweig (aye). Bill NO. 1018 passed.
  1. Department Reports:

Emergency Management – Mayor Adam Bequette – continues to work with FEMA for road, park and sewer plant repairs.

Police Department – Alderman Zen Duda – Nothing to report

Street Department – Alderman Zen Duda – repairs made to 8th Street cut out

  • Barricades up on Third Street at the recommendation of FEMA proceeding with Jokerst Inc for repairs.
  • Jokerst Inc. is mobilizing to begin repairs

Water/Wastewater Department- Mayor Adam Bequette – Frankie Ullman

  • Sewer plant functioning as well as possible
  • Dumping sludge regularly to minimize
  • UV room shut down Oct. 31, 2025
  • Warning lights are being installed on new grinders

Water

  • Resident concerns regarding a sulfur smell of the water and white and milky in color
  • The sulfur smell could be caused by not cleaning out hot water heaters
  • The milky color was caused by air in the lines due to extreme temperature changes
  • DNR was contacted regarding this issue
  • A special water (BAC-T) sample was sent out to test for any specific issues. If adverse results are returned a boil order will be issued and a second sample will be taken. 

Park & Cemetery Department – Alderman Rosenzwieg –

– one sign put up at Cemetery stating hours of operation

– trash barrels put at Cemetery

– concern about a large tree stump in the area of Third Street, Alderman Duda requested it be burnt

– Discussion regarding relocation of the park with FEMA funds

  1. 10. Additional issues that may come before the Board – none
  2. Citizen Participation addressed by the Chairman of the Board – Frank Gerardot asked about Dollar General coming into Saint Mary, he is of the opinion that a business that can not be found locally would be a better option.
  3. Meeting Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Alderman Duda seconded by Alderman Bergmann.  Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergmann (aye), and Alderman Rosenzweig (aye), meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

_____________________                                                                                         

Mayor Adam Bequette

____________________

Jessica Gunter, City Clerk

BILL NO. 1017

ORDINANCE NO. 1017     

AN ORDINANCE CALLING FOR A GENERAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI: SETTING THE DATE OF ELECTION; OFFICIALS TO BE ELECTED AND THE LOCATION OF THE ELECTION.

 

BE IT ORDAIANED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

 

            SECTION 1.  A General Election shall be held in the City of St. Mary, Missouri on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 for the purpose of electing the following city officials:

 

Mayor for two (2) year term

Alderman Ward I for a two (2) year term

Alderman Ward I for a one (1) year term

Alderman Ward II for a two (2) year term

Alderman Ward II for a one (1) year term

 

            SECTION 2.  All persons wishing to file for office may do so by filing with the city clerk during the filing period.  The filing period shall begin on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 9:00 AM and close on Tuesday, December 31st, 2025 at 5:00 CST.

 

            SECTION 3.  All candidates must be a citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of the city for one (1) year.  Those filing for alderman must be a resident of the ward from which he is elected.  Candidates must be in good standing with the city whereby all taxes and money due the city must be paid in full prior to the date of filing.

 

            SECTION 4.    The polling place is city hall located at 782 3rd Street, St. Mary, MO.  Polls will open at 6:00 AM and remain open until 7:00 PM.

 

            SECTION 5.   The city clerk shall file notice of the election in a local newspaper of general circulation prior to the filing date.

 

            SECTION 6.  The city clerk shall certify all candidates to the County Clerk by Tuesday, January 20th, 2025.

 

Passed and approved this the 18th day of November, 2025.

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    MAYOR – ADAM BEQUETTE

ATTEST:

_________________________

CITY CLERK – JESSICA GUNTER

ALDERMEN                AYE             NAY                ABSTAIN                   ABSENT

Kathy Bergmann              X

Rose Rosenzweig             X

Dr. Zenon Duda               X                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                         

I, Jessica Gunter, City Clerk of the City of St. Mary, Missouri, do hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was duly read and passed at a regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen of St. Mary, Missouri on this the 18th day of November, 2025.

CITY CLERK- JESSICA GUNTER

BILL NO. _1018______        ORDINANCE NO. _1018______

AN ORDINANCE CALLING A BOND ELECTION IN THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI, AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Mary, Missouri (the “City”) finds it necessary and hereby declares its intent to borrow up to $7,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, extending, equipping, furnishing, and improving the City’s combined waterworks and sewerage system (the “Project”) and to evidence such borrowing by the issuance of combined waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds of the City in the amount of $7,000,000.

 

Section 2.  A bond election is hereby ordered to be held in the City on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, on the following question:

 

QUESTION

 

Shall the City of St. Mary, Missouri, issue its combined waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds in the amount of up to Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, extending, equipping, furnishing, and improving the City’s combined waterworks and sewerage system, the cost of operation and maintenance of said system and the principal of and interest on said revenue bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived by the City from the operation of its combined waterworks and sewerage system, including all future extensions and improvements thereto?

 

The authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to fix, establish, maintain and collect rates and charges for the services provided by the City through its combined waterworks and sewerage system, including all extensions and improvements thereto hereafter constructed or acquired by the City, in addition to the other rates and charges for such services provided by law, as will produce income and revenues sufficient to provide funds to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of said combined waterworks and sewerage system and the principal of and interest on said bonds as they become due and to retire the same within thirty-five years from the date thereof, and to provide for the establishment of reasonable reserves therefor.

 

Section 3.  The form of the Notice of Bond Election for said election, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby approved.

 

Section 4.  The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to notify the County Clerk of Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, of the adoption of this Ordinance no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2026, and to include in said notification all of the terms and provisions required by Chapter 115 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

 

Section 5.  The City expects to make expenditures on and after the date of adoption of this Ordinance in connection with the Project, and the City intends to reimburse itself for such expenditures with the proceeds of the Bonds.  The maximum principal amount of Bonds expected to be issued for the Project is $7,000,000.

 

Section 6.  The Mayor, the City Clerk and other officers and representatives of the City are hereby authorized and directed to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this Ordinance.

 

Section 7.  If any clause, word, paragraph, section or other part or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional for any reason, the Board of Aldermen hereby declares it would nevertheless have enacted the remaining portions thereof and such remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Section 8.  This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.

 

PASSED by the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor this _18th___ day of November, 2025.

(SEAL)

_________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

                                                           

City Clerk