According to the City of Pleasant Hill, the following persons have filed for candidacy for the April 7, 2026, General Municipal Election.
Mayor
John King
Don Donovan
Bernice Howe
Robert Gear
Council at Large
Dr. Zachary Patterson
Tyler Young
Mark Crain
John Self
Council – Precinct 22
Kaila Fain
Claire Hertzog
Jessica Elliot
Cathy Babylon-Gilbert
This holiday season, a small home on Campbell Street in Pleasant Hill is shining a little brighter — and so are the hearts of many in our community.
Chris and Justine of All Trades – Christmas Lights, a local holiday light installation company, recently hosted an online contest inviting residents to nominate a Pleasant Hill family in need. Their goal was simple and heartfelt: to bring joy, hope, and Christmas spirit to a household that could use a lift.
“All Trades LLC is dedicated to bringing joy and support to families during the holiday season,” the company shared on its Facebook page.
The contest welcomed nominations for families living within Pleasant Hill city limits who have at least one child in the home. This year’s recipients were Mike and Carla Murray, a retired Pleasant Hill couple who are currently fostering two young children.
The Murray family was nominated by a neighbor who recognized both their challenges and their compassion. In recent months, Mike Murray has been hospitalized several times, placing additional strain on the household. Despite these hardships, Carla Murray remains actively involved in the community through Pleasant Hill Downtown LLC and continues to show a strong interest in local government and civic life.
“This is why I love Pleasant Hill. While Mike is still in the hospital and I’m caring for two toddler foster kids, our neighbors and a hometown business stepped in and created a Christmas miracle for our family when we simply couldn’t. That’s what makes our community so special,” said Carla Murray.
For All Trades – Christmas Lights, this marks the second year of their holiday giving initiative.
“This will be our second year helping a family experience the joy of seeing their house shine bright with Christmas cheer, despite any financial challenges they might be facing,” the company shared. “With your nomination, together, we can spread the holiday spirit and gift another family the warmth and joy of the season.”
Thanks to their generosity — and the caring voices of neighbors who spoke up — the Murray home now glows with festive lights, serving as a beautiful reminder of what community truly means in Pleasant Hill.
By Connie Whitlock
Publisher
At the December 22 City Council meeting, anticipation filled the room as council members entered a closed session to vote on Pleasant Hill’s next city administrator. Assistant City Administrator Nici Wilson has been serving in the interim role since Shelby Teufel’s resignation last summer. At the same time, the council worked behind the scenes to identify the right long-term leader.
When the council returned to open session, Mayor John King announced the decision: Kristen Dorman has been selected as Pleasant Hill’s new city administrator.
Dorman is no stranger to the community. According to her LinkedIn profile, she previously served as Pleasant Hill’s assistant city administrator from July 2020 through July 2022. She will transition to the role from her current position as interim city administrator for the nearby city of Warrensburg.
Mayor King hopes to formally introduce Dorman at the January 12 City Council meeting. She is expected to officially begin her duties on January 13, stepping into the role with momentum as the city moves into the new year.
City Council meets three times this week in Pleasant Hill, convening for its regular meeting and adding two special meetings. The agenda includes standard approvals and a brief consent docket, and adds several rezoning applications to the eventing.
December 8th’s meeting begins with the Consent Agenda, during which the Council is expected to review the November 24, 2025, meeting minutes and Bill No. 25-42, which would authorize a contract with TSI Global Companies, LLC for Bid No. 09-25, the firm selected to handle the city’s upcoming security and access-control upgrades across municipal buildings. Afterward, the floor will briefly open for Public Comment, allowing residents to speak.
A series of four rezoning ordinances forms the bulk of the discussion.
Bill No. 25-38 addresses Tract A-1 and Tract A-2 of Lake’s Edge 2nd Plat, along with Tract A-3A and Tract A-3B of Lake’s Edge 3rd Plat, shifting their zoning from Residential Suburban (RS) to Suburban Neighborhood District (R1). This change may influence future residential development patterns around the Lake’s Edge area.
Bill No. 25-39 involves the rezoning of several unplatted properties within Pleasant Hill from the Downtown Business District (C2) to the General Business District (C1). This adjustment could help refine the commercial landscape and long-term goals for the downtown corridor.
Bill No. 25-40 draws attention to The Children’s Memorial Park and proposes a shift from the Downtown Business District (C2) to the Suburban Neighborhood District (R1). This rezoning aligns the park more closely with surrounding residential and recreational spaces.
Bill No. 25-41 proposes rezoning 203 N Armstrong from Commercial Office District (CO) to Downtown Neighborhood District (R1D), accompanied by a Conditional Use Permit. This could allow the property to transition toward residential-style use while maintaining certain regulated activities.
After handling the public agenda, the Council may enter Closed Session under Missouri statutes to discuss legal matters, real estate, and personnel issues.
City Hall has also scheduled two Special Council Meetings this week, one on Tuesday at 6:00 PM and another on Thursday at 6:00 PM.
