St. Joseph City Council to Consider Kratom Ban, Phil Welch Upgrades and Major Infrastructure Funding Monday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The St. Joseph City Council is set to tackle several high-profile issues during its meeting Monday evening, Aug. 3, including a proposed ban on several controversial substances commonly sold in convenience stores, funding for safety improvements at Phil Welch Stadium and millions of dollars in infrastructure projects.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at St. Joseph City Hall and includes a mix of public safety, parks, utilities and public works items.

Proposed Ban Targets Kratom and Other "Gas Station Drugs"

One of the most closely watched agenda items is a proposal that would prohibit the possession and distribution of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (hydroxymitragynine) and tianeptine within the city.

The substances have become increasingly available at smoke shops, vape stores and convenience stores, leading some officials to refer to them as "gas station drugs."

According to city documents, officials are seeking the ban because of concerns surrounding the substances' potential health risks and the lack of consistent state or federal regulation. The proposed ordinance is intended as a temporary local safeguard until broader regulations or safety standards are established.

The issue has drawn national attention in recent years as lawmakers across the country debate whether the substances should be regulated, restricted or banned.

Phil Welch Stadium to Receive Safety Improvements

Council members are also expected to vote on amending the Parks Sales Tax Fund budget to install new handrails at Phil Welch Stadium.

The project carries an estimated cost of $49,737.

City officials say the improvements are needed after recent seating upgrades at the historic stadium to ensure the facility continues to meet accessibility and public safety standards. The handrails are expected to improve access for spectators while complementing the stadium's ongoing improvements.

Nearly $1.2 Million Water Protection Facility Project

Another resolution would authorize a payment of $1,193,846 to Garney Construction for the next phase of improvements at the city's Water Protection Facility.

The project includes replacing critical blower equipment and installing new electrical components such as:

• Switchboards

• Panel boards

• Motor control equipment

• Network switches

• Pressure and flow monitoring equipment

The work represents Phase 5 of a six-phase modernization project, with the final phase expected to wrap up in September. The upgrades are designed to improve reliability and efficiency at one of the city's most important utility facilities.

Eastown Sewer Project Moves Forward

Council members will also consider approving an additional engineering work order with Snyder & Associates, Inc. related to the Eastowne Sewer Improvement Project.

The engineering firm would assist in re-aligning the Eastowne Force Main with the Candy Creek Lift Station while reviewing original construction records, drawings and photographs from the 2015 pump station project.

Officials say the additional engineering work will help ensure the sewer improvements are properly integrated with existing infrastructure and reduce the risk of future construction issues.

Police Department Grant Would Fund Traffic Enforcement

Among the bills receiving their first reading is a proposal to amend the Police Department's budget after receiving a $155,802 grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation's Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

The proposal would also carry forward $30,513.14 from Fiscal Year 2026.

If approved, the funding will support overtime enforcement efforts focused on:

• Hazardous moving violations

• Impaired driving enforcement

• Motorcycle safety initiatives

• Midland Empire Alcohol Task Force operations

The grant is intended to increase officer visibility during targeted traffic enforcement campaigns and improve roadway safety throughout the community.

Fire Station 10 Project Faces Rising Costs

Council members will also receive the first reading of a proposal to increase the budget for the new Fire Station 10 project.

Originally budgeted at $4.2 million, the project is now expected to cost $6.26 million.

According to city documents, the increase is attributed to several unforeseen challenges, including:

• Poor soil conditions at the construction site

• Stormwater management requirements

• Relocation of a park trail and statue

• Inflation and higher construction costs

City staff have recommended awarding the construction contract to Herner Construction Incorporated, which submitted the lowest qualifying bid.

Meeting Information

The St. Joseph City Council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Residents may attend in person, and agendas and supporting documents are available through the city's official agenda portal.