Imperial City Council Approves Settlement Agreement, Trails Project, and MOU with Anti-Trafficking Group

 The Imperial City Council met for its regular session on May 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 740 Court Street. With all members present—Nick Colton, Jan Elliott, Julie Gockley, and John Miller—the Council reviewed and approved a series of items affecting public safety, infrastructure, and legal affairs in the city. Mayor Craig Loeffler presided over the meeting, which was open to the public.
Consent Agenda and Key Approvals
The meeting opened with approval of the consent agenda, followed by a series of significant votes. Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding with The Set Me Free Project, an anti-human trafficking education organization. The agreement includes a $6,532 one-time payment and an annual $250 fee, funded through donations to the Imperial Police Department.
Council also green-lit the Recreational Trails Program Project Agreement for the Prairie Sage Trail, moving forward with plans to expand outdoor recreational access.
Executive Sessions and Settlement Agreement
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on legal matters related to a proposed settlement agreement with residents Jewel and Pam Jensen. The Council entered two executive sessions—one including the Jensens and Public Works Superintendent Pat Davison, and another excluding them—to discuss the terms.
Following deliberations, Councilmember Elliott introduced a motion to amend Paragraph 2 of the proposed agreement, replacing the term "ancillary building" with "accessory building as defined by the City of Imperial Zoning Regulations." The amendment passed unanimously.
A final motion to approve the amended settlement agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign it also passed with full Council support.
Financial Approvals and Vendor Payments
Council approved a long list of general and utility checks, covering routine expenses, service contracts, and materials. Notable expenditures included:
$25,000 to the City of Imperial-General for services
$9,800 to J&M Displays, likely tied to upcoming community events
$28,327.68 on the city’s UMB Visa account
$26,551.70 to Way Trucking, reflecting major infrastructure or hauling work
One vote—Check Numbers 26238 and 26241 to Prairie States Communications—saw Council member Elliott abstain due to a declared conflict of interest. The motion carried with the remaining members voting in favor.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a motion by Elliott to adjourn, seconded by Colton. The next regular City Council meeting is planned for Monday, June 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.