Year: 2011

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Monday night April 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Calvin Wilson, Alderpersons Greg Richmond, Kevin Reardon, and Kristin Lett. Also present were City Clerk Paula Brodie, Officer Curt Drake, City Supervisor David Brodie Tax Collector Dawn Bunch and Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson.  Guests included Belinda Hudson, Bill Hess and J R Fisher. Ald Kohley was not present. 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from March 15, 2011. Ald Richmond moved to approve the minutes from March 15, 2011. Ald Lett seconded. Aldermen Reardon, Lett and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed the Recreational Board Directors position. 

Clyde Davidson stated the recreation board recommended re-appointing Stewart Pace. He noted that Stewart was out of town and could not be present. 

Ald Lett moved to re-appoint Stewart Pace Recreational Board Director. Ald Reardon seconded. Aldermen Reardon, Lett, and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Mayor noted that the Board had received a request from Johnny and Belinda Hudson to average the water bill from146 N. School St. It was noted that they had a renter that moved out during the snow storm, leaving the heat off and the line busted. Mrs. Hudson stated that her husband put a zip tie on the meter to keep anyone from accidentally turning it back on.  Mrs. Hudson stated that the busted line has been fixed. The Board discussed whether or not to average the whole bill. Ald Richmond stated that due to the fact it was during the snow storm he felt the Board should average the complete bill.  Ald Reardon made the motion to average the complete bill. Ald Lett seconded. Aldermen Reardon, Lett, and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes.  

The Board discussed Bill No. 2011-421 for Ordinance No. 2011-431 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. The Mayor read Bill No. 2011-421 for Ordinance No. 2011-431 for the first reading. 

Ald Richmond moved to approve the first reading of Bill No. 2011-421 for Ordinance No. 2011-431 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. Ald Reardon seconded.  Aldermen Reardon, Lett, and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed Bill No. 2011-422 for Ordinance No. 2011-432 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. The Mayor read Bill No. 2011-422 for Ordinance No. 2011-432 for the first reading. 

Ald Lett moved to approve the first reading of Bill No. 2011-422 for Ordinance No. 2011-432 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. Ald Reardon seconded.  Aldermen Reardon, Lett and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed Bill No. 2011-423 for Ordinance No. 2011-433 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. The Mayor read Bill No. 2011-423 for Ordinance No. 2011-433 for the first reading. 

Ald Richmond moved to approve the first reading of Bill No. 2011-423 for Ordinance No. 2011-433 increasing the minimum sewer rate by $.50. Ald Reardon seconded.  Aldermen Reardon, Richmond and Let voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Department heads made the following reports: 

Tom West –not present.

David Brodie -discussed a letter that Mrs. Keel sent to the Mayor regarding being reimbursed for a broken sewer line that she felt was broken by the water improvement contractors as they were installing new water lines to her rental property at 122 E. Russell St. Her letter asked for reimbursement for the rent of a sewer auger 7 times plus 14 hours of labor, plus fuel to pick up the auger, plus installing 90’ of pipe, labor to install the pipe and reimbursement for her renter moving out without notice because the sewer line was stopped up. The total reimbursement request was for $1567.00. Ald Lett asked if there were receipts attached to the letter and was told no. The board asked if David would explain what he knew about the situation. David stated that when the contractors were installing the line they crushed it in one place. He said the Keel’s asked for the contractor to fix it, which they did by installing a rubber boot. David stated that he had talked with Mr. Keel about a sewer problem a couple of times since it was repaired. David stated that he told Mr. Keel that if he would have the line stripped out; David could look at the line and see if the City was responsible. It was noted that the water project was completed 5 years ago and that the contractor’s works was only guaranteed for 3 years. David stated that if Mr. Keel would do what he asked he could see if it had been the city’s fault and if so he felt that the Board of Aldermen would be willing to help with the expense to repair it, however he did not think that the city should be responsible for all of the items in Mrs. Keels request. 

David stated that he would suggest the Board write to her, suggesting that she have her husband             strip the line out to the main. David will then look at it and if it is the cities fault the city will fix it. Regarding the items on that Mrs. Keels is asking for reimbursement, David would suggest that            they were things Mr. Keel took upon himself to try and the city should not be responsible to      reimburse. The Board agreed that Mr. Keel should have come to the Board and asked them to look       into it years ago if he was still having trouble. The Board agreed to follow David’s suggestion by having the clerk to write Mrs. Keels with his suggestion.

Dawn Bunch – Board received her report in their packets. She informed the Board that she had only collected 71% of the taxes so far.

Paula Brodie- asked the Board to look over the information from Ameriscan on a program called Minutes-On-Demand which organizes the city’s Web-site into an easy to use, easy to search application. She noted that all of the documents will be indexed, uploaded and searchable by any key word.  She asked the Board to look into purchasing the program as the clerks spend valuable time researching requests made by citizens and the Board. The initial setup fee is $500.00 which includes the scanning of 5,000 pages. She noted that a lot of the minutes, agenda and the code book are on CD so those would not need to be scanned, but several years of the older minutes would need to be scanned. The clerk stated that she felt it would help the Board of Aldermen and the citizens by their being able to go to the web-site, search through the minutes, agendas, and code book. The annual web hosting services costs $495.00 a year. 

reported that the Annual Region M Management Council Meeting is going to be held on April 13^th. She asked if the Mayor or one of the Aldermen could attend as the city is required to have a member present. The Mayor and Aldermen stated that they could not attend and asked the clerk to attend to represent the City. Ald Richmond moved to have Paula attend and also approved her to be a voting member for this meeting. Ald Reardon seconded. Aldermen Reardon, Lett and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the following old business: 

• Estimates on running electricity for City Hall and Police Department Generators.  David said he had not gotten any estimates yet. Tabled to next meeting.
• Discuss water easement at First Community Bank. David reported that he had talked to Shay the job foremen from First Community Bank and Jill Beshears from the bank are going to make sure that a water line easement is on the banks plans.
• Discuss what Board of Aldermen thought about the burned out trailer at 113 E. Stites St. belonging to Joshua Bradford. Calvin stated he thought it needed to be torn down. The Board agreed to send a letter to Steven Bradford asking for them to tear down the trailer. If they have any questions they can come to the next meeting.
• Kevin asked about a street light on Barlow Street. David stated he would look into it. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the following new business. 

Ald Richmond asked if the Board had decided to put up a fence along Barlow Street at the new park. Clyde stated that the betterment club might be willing to do it as a project. Tabled until the next meeting. 

The Board discussed the bills for April 4, 2011 for $41,356.80 including transfers. Ald Richmond moved to approve the bills. Ald Lett seconded. Aldermen Richmond, Lett and Richmond voted aye with no nay votes.

Ald Richmond moved to adjourn. Ald Reardon seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Reardon voted aye with no nay votes.

                                                                                           __________________________

                                                                                          Calvin Wilson, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

                                                                                            Approved: ____________________

                                                                                            Date: ________________

 

 

 

 

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday night March 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Calvin Wilson, Alderpersons Greg Richmond, Kevin Reardon, Keith Kohley and Kristin Lett. Also, present were City Clerk Paula Brodie, Chief of Police Tom West and City Supervisor David Brodie. Also present was Joyce Haynes reporter from McDonald County Press and Amy Buckley reporter Neosho Daily News. Guests included Bill Hess, Clyde Davidson, Michael Wasson, J.D. Herrin and Ray Barker. 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from February 15, 2011. Ald Lett moved to approve the minutes from February 15, 2011. Ald Richmond seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from March 1, 2011. Ald Richmond moved to approve the minutes from March 1, 2011. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the special meeting On March 4, 2011.  Ald Richmond moved to approve the minutes. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed the condemnation of the Karla Thompson property on Russell Street. David Jones was present representing Ms. Thompson. The Mayor noted that Ms. Thompson stated that she was willing to put quite a bit of money in it to rebuild instead of tearing it down. Ald Kohley asked David about the house as he had not looked at it. David stated that William Mosby, the city building inspector, had told the Board that he would recommend going through with the condemnation. Ald Richmond stated that the complete foundation would need to be replaced. Ald Richmond stated that one of his main concerns about making them tear down the house is that the lot would remain vacant. He asked would it be more cost effective to move a double-wide on to the property. David Jones stated that it was their intention to replace the flooring, all walls, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning unit and new roof.  Ald Richmond asked if the Board would be able to stop the building once the building permit was issued. Clyde Davidson stated that the inspection was done in four parts so if they could stop the construction if the builder was not complying with the code. David Jones stated that the home can be inspected throughout the whole process. In answer to a question about the electricity he stated that he was going to install a new two hundred amp service.  

There was some discussion in regards to whether or not a Board of Aldermen had ever not continued with a condemnation once it was started. David stated that he knew of condemnation procedures that were started and the owners were made to comply by tearing down their houses.  

Ald Kohley stated that as far as he was concerned if they rebuilt to code he would vote for it. Ald Reardon stated that Mr. Mosby did state at the last meeting that the construction would have to be handled like it was a new home not a rebuild.

 Ald Kohley moved to issue to Karla Thompson a building permit for the house on 136 E. Russell St. Ald Reardon seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes.

 The Mayor Noted that Colleen Epperson-Hollman was not present. 

The Mayor noted that Missy had put in a request from Rena Gortney to average her bill. David stated that Ms. Gorney’s water line froze and busted during the snow storm and that due to the situation of the snow storm the water bill should be averaged. Ald Reardon moved to average her water bill. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Mayor noted that Bill# 2011-421 for Ordinance # 2011-431 and Bill # 2011-422 for Ordinance # 2011-4032 adding $.50 cents to the water and sewer minimum rate was not  calculated correctly. He stated that the Ordinances would need to be redone before the Board could vote on them. 

J.D. Herrin asked how the increase would affect his water/sewer bill. He was told that the increase was $.50 cents on the minimum water usage and $.50 cents on the minimum sewer usage. David stated that if a resident has water and sewer the increase will be $1.00 a month. If they only have one of the services it would be $.50 cents a month. 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the Recreation Department. The Mayor noted that the Board had been asked to hirer an Assistant Recreation Board Director at $500.00 a year. Ald Kohley asked if the Assistant Recreation Board Director was being hired to mow. 

Clyde stated that an assistant recreation board director was needed for when Stewart could not be present. He stated that someone needed to be officially in charge when Stewart could not be present. He said that the Assistant Recreation Board Director would be doing a lot of other things besides mowing. 

Ald Lett moved to adjust the 2011 budget by adding the position of an Assistant Recreation Board Director at $500.00 a year. Ald Richmond seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

Clyde stated that the Recreation Board would like to recommend Michael Wasson for the position of Assistant Recreation Board Director. Ald Lett moved to appoint Michael Wasson to the position of Assistant Recreation Board Director. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The following reports were given: 

Tom West-

• noted that he had received a letter from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. He stated that to receive funding in the future the Police Department would have to add to their policy the mandatory wearing of the vests. He stated that they did not need new vests at this time but in the future they would have to add this provision to receive grant funding.
• stated that he had completed the Racial Profiling report from last year and was up to date for this year.                        

       David Brodie-

• reported that David Sarratt had been release by his Doctor to return to work full time on March 21^st.
• stated that he had informed the Board of Aldermen about the problem with the water line to the flower shop at the last meeting. He stated that he had put in a temporary line until he could look into how to run a permanent line. He noted that after looking into the situation he discovered that the City did not have an easement for the water line to the flower shop. The architect from the bank is looking into drawing up the paper work to give the city a 10’ easement for a 2” main water line for the bank and the flower shop. David said that it would have to be at the city’s expense because it should have been a main line to begin with. He also stated that the line would have to be put in by a contractor because it is more than he and David can do.
• noted that the security door at the ballpark is complete and that he had repaired that other door to make it more secure. Much more secure.
• he stated that there was a need to hire an electrician to run wiring to run the generator at the City Hall and Police Department during power outages.  The Board asked him to get estimates.

      Dawn Bunch-

• the Mayor noted the Board received her latest report at the last Board meeting.                  

     Paula Brodie-

• noted need to look at the burned trailer at 113 E. Stites Street belonging to Joshua Bradford. Decide at next meeting. The Mayor asked the Board to look at it before the next meeting.
• completed 2010 Annual financial report to the State Auditors Office.
• completed 2010 Annual Financial report to Rural Development.
• completed training update for JIS.
• completed Management’s Discussion and Analysis statement for the 2010 Audit for Nick Myers
• attended meeting with FEMA/SEMA in regards to getting reimbursed for snow removal.
• noted that Jesse Ruby turned in notarized agreement between him and Mr. Cantrell.

The clerk noted that she had received an email from Callie Hudson in regards to the Community Development Grant application for the Goodman Community Building. She noted that Callie was getting the paper work together for the application which must be in by April 1^st. The email stated that Callie had been working on getting some more community support in the form of money to be a match for the application. She stated that she had contacted the Cornerstone Bank and that they had agreed to commit $20,000.00 to the community center project in the event the grant is approved and funded. In return, the City of Goodman would agree to share the name with Cornerstone (for example: The Goodman Cornerstone Bank Community Center).Callie stated in her email that this would help Goodman meet the grant criteria. Ald Richmond made the motion to agree to use the name of Cornerstone Bank within the name of the community center so that the bank will issue a letter of commitment from Cornerstone Bank for the $20,000.00 to be received after the city is awarded and received the grant from Community Development Block Grant program. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed the bills from March 1, 2011 for $12,943.84 including transfers. Ald Richmond moved to approve the bills. Ald Kohley seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

The Board discussed the bills from March 15, 2011 for $38,405.09 including transfers. Ald Richmond moved to approve the bills. Ald Lett seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes. 

Ald Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald Richmond seconded. Aldermen Lett, Richmond, Kohley and Reardon voted aye with no nay votes.

                                                                                            __________________________

                                                                                          Calvin Wilson, Mayor

 Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

                                                                                             Approved: ____________________

                                                                                             Date: ________________

 

 

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday night March 1, 2011 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Calvin Wilson, Alderpersons Greg Richmond and Kristin Lett. Also, present were City Clerk Paula Brodie, City Supervisor David Brodie, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson, City Attorney Duane Cooper and City Building Inspector William Mosby. Also present was Joyce Haynes reporter from McDonald County Press and Amy Buckley reporter Neosho Daily News. Guests included Bobby Anglin, Karla Thompson, J.R. Fisher and Bill Hess. Aldermen Kohley and Aldermen Reardon were not present. 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. He noted that there were not enough Board Members present for a quorum. He apologized to those present that there were not enough Board Members present to conduct business. The Board decided to listen to Karla Thompson and Bobby Anglin’s position on Ms. Thompson’s house on Russell Street.  

Mr. Anglin stated that he had talked with Mr. Mosby the city’s building inspector before the meeting. He said that he didn’t want to speak for him but believed that Mr. Mosby wanted them to tear down the house and start over. Mr. Anglin stated that they really wanted to rebuild the house instead of tearing it down. He said that the support beams and lumber within the house was oak. They have estimates on how much it would cost to rebuild the house and believe the house would be an asset to the community once it was redone. He said that he did not want to move a double-wide on to the property but would rather rebuild.  

Mr. Anglin noted that Ms. Thompson would not be issued the quiet title for another 3 weeks. Ms. Thompson stated that she hoped the Board would approve rebuilding instead of making her tear down the house and start over. 

William stated that he thought the cost would be totally prohibitive. He said that he recommended them not rebuilding. He stated that he would like to see them tear it down and then build. William said the undercarriage is very rotten and noted that the way the electrical had been torn out they would need to rerun all new wiring which will be very costly. Greg asked if Ms. Thompson does everything that the city would require would the house be complete. Mr. Mosby said that if the Board does go ahead and vote to allow them to rebuild he would want the house to be inspected as he would a new home being built. He noted that it must meet the criteria established to be completed correctly. Greg asked regardless of the cost can the house be made livable. He noted that if it could be rebuilt it shouldn’t matter to the Board if Ms. Thompson wants to spend the amount of money it will take. Greg stated that he did not like to do condemnations. He would rather see the house rebuilt. The Mayor stated that since the Board did not have a quorum they would move making the final decision to March 15, 2011 at the regular meeting. Ms. Thompson asked if she could send a representative since she lived in Texas.  

William asked whether or not he could be paid his inspection fee on the Ruby house. He noted that he understood that the Board had given Mr. Ruby permission to use Mr. Cantrell’s water service for now. He stated that usually he received payment after he issued the Certificate of Occupancy. He had not issued it yet because of the water situation. The Board agreed that his inspection fee should not be held up just because of an agreement they made with the owner. They agreed that he should be paid. They instructed the clerk to pay out his inspection fee and add it to the next bill sheet.   

The Clerk noted that the Board has to have a special meeting to decide on which health insurance option they are going to use. She noted that their decision has to be in to Anthem before March 15, 2011. The Board decided to hold a special meeting on Friday March 4, 2011.  

The Mayor noted that all of the rest of the agenda will be discussed at the next meeting on March 15, 2011. 

David stated that he would like the Board to be aware that the construction company building the bank had hit the water line at the flower shop. He said he was going to run a temporary line and then decide where to install a permanent line. 

Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting. 

                                                                                           __________________________

                                                                                          Calvin Wilson, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

                                                                                           Approved:__________

                                                                                          Date:_______________

 

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting Tuesday night February 15, 2011 at 6:50 PM.  Those present included Mayor Calvin Wilson, Alderpersons Greg Richmond, Kevin Reardon, and Kristin Lett. Also, present were City Clerk Paula Brodie, Officer Curt Drake, and City Supervisor David Brodie. Also present was Joyce Haynes reporter from McDonald County Press and Amy Buckley reporter Neosho Daily News. Guests included Shirley Capps, Bud Richmond, Jim Morgan, Denis and Lois Kolb, Clyde Davidson and David Jones. Ald Kohley was not present due to his job. 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM. The Mayor stated that the Board was opening the meeting with a Public Hearing to discuss the condemnation of the house on property owned by Karla Thompson. He also noted that the Board of Aldermen did not hold a meeting on February 1, 2011 because of the snow storm.  

David Brodie stated that William Mosby could not be present. He stated that He and William inspected the house and that Williams stated that the house needed replaced from the floor up, including electrical, plumbing, water, walls, and roof. David said that William recommended that the Board continue the condemnation. 

The Mayor acknowledged David Jones a contractor, who was present to speak for Karla Thompson. He said that his company proposed to replace everything that the city inspector suggested. He noted that Karla Thompson would not get the quiet title for the property until Feb. 28, 2011.  He said that the plans were to replace the flooring and sub-flooring, all electrical, sewer, water, walls, and metal roof. They plan to paint, scrape and replace any siding that needs to be replaced. He also noted that all of the workers would be licensed and bonded. David said the floor joists in the kitchen are on the ground and the flooring is rotted in the bathroom and the front bedroom. David repeated again that the Boards building inspector said to continue the condemnation.   

Ald Richmond stated he didn’t know how it could be cost effective for them to fix the house, but admitted that he had not seen the house and did not know the extent of the repairs needed. 

The Mayor stated that he would like to have the Building Inspector present to help the board decide on how to proceed. Ald Richmond stated that he would like to have the building inspector present so they could ask him questions. He said that if Mr. Mosby tells the Board that the house can not be repaired than he would agree to complete the condemnation. 

The Board agreed to ask Mr. Mosby to be present on March 1, 2011 and tabled the discussion until then. 

Ald Richmond moved to approve the minutes from January 18, 2011. Ald Reardon seconded. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes. 

The clerk noted that the Board has not received the agreement from Jesse Ruby and Calvin Cantrell. It was noted that Jesse told the Board on January 18, 2011 that he would get a signed, notarized agreement from Mr. Cantrell. The Board decided that they would give Jesse Ruby and Calvin Cantrell 10 days to get the agreement into the city and asked the clerk to write to them informing them of the request. 

The Board discussed the request made by Jesse Ruby to allow him and Mr. Cantrell both to hook to the 2” water line running across both of their properties. David stated that the line runs across three separate properties without easements. He said that it was not feasible for the city to maintain the line. David stated that a 2” line can service more than one residence; however a flush hydrant would need to be installed and maintained. He also noted that to install a fireplug the line would have to be a 6” line. David also noted that the city code states that one service line can only serve one residence. His final comment was that the Board had told three previous owners that they could not connect more than one residence to the existing line. He was concerned that there would be a problem if now the Board changed their minds and allowed two residences to hook to the one line. The Mayor stated that it seemed that there was nothing the city can do, as the ordinances are clear. 

The Mayor acknowledged Jim Morgan to give a report from the Goodman Rural Fire District Board meeting.

Jim talked about the snow storm being declared an emergency by the President. He stated that the Rural Fire District Board had been discussing how to be better prepared for emergencies. He stated that both the Fire Station on Main Street and the Senior Citizens centers both have generators, in case of power outages. He said that they could be used as temporary warming stations. He said that the current snow storm had gotten them to thinking about the need to have emergency plans set in place for various emergencies, such as ice storms, power outages, snow storms and tornados. All of those emergencies would be different scenarios. He stated that just before the snow storm hit the Fire District had put the new generator on line at the city well. He said that they knew that they would have water but they never thought about how bad the snow accumulation would effect the city. He stated that David had tried to keep the snow plowed but got stuck several times. He said that he had taken his backhoe and pulled him out and also cleared the way for ambulances on emergency calls. 

The Mayor noted that during the snow storm he and Missy had taken food to some people that were out of groceries. It was also noted that the fire department and the city had responded to various peoples requests during the storm and after.

 Jim noted to help the city during emergencies he and a few more of the firemen where installing the city water frequency in their radios so they can make direct contact with the city hall and city employees. 

The Mayor noted that Denis Kolb the emergency management director had gotten an agreement from the Trinity Pentecostal Church and the Banner Nazarene church to use their facilities during emergencies however they do not have generator. Jim said that the Rural Fire District has two extra generators on trailers. He said they could be used by either of those places for emergency purposes. He said that they had thought that the two generators could be used by someone who is on oxygen until they could be moved. The clerk noted that hosting an emergency facility is more involved then some realize. She stated that the Red Cross has people who would train volunteers willing to run the shelters.  

The Board agreed that the city needed procedures and a checklist to follow during emergencies. The Mayor suggested setting up a round table meeting to work out plans to handles future emergencies. It was decided to hold the meeting on Monday the 21^stof February at 7:00PM at the Redneck Café. 

Jim stated that everyone was invited to be present at the city well on February 17^that 2:30 PM to acknowledge the donation by the Conservation Department to the Rural Fire District the generator that will maintain water coverage during power outages.  

The Board of Aldermen discussed a request from the Methodist Church to average their sewer bill due to a water leak. David stated that the meter was spinning and that the meter showed 109,500 gallons usage. Ald Lett moved to approve to average their sewer bill. Ald Richmond second. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes. 

After more discussion on whether or not to average the water used too, Ald Richmond made the motion to average the water also. Ald Lett second. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes. 

The Board discussed the increase on the Employee’s Health Benefits from Anthem. It was noted that health insurance coverage for the city employees went up 23.4%. The Clerk stated that after looking over all the options and tax to their agent Tim Roark, she would recommend the Board approving the 3^rd option which is Blue Preferred Plus Option 3 with RX Option D. She stated it would mean that the employees would be paying more out of pocket expenses but would also increase the premium for one year by $1,678.80. She stated that the $1,678.80 would be divided between 4 accounts, which would be about $400.00 out of each account. She stated that she felt her recommendation was fair for the Board and also for her fellow employees. If the Board chooses the 3^rd options the expense would be shouldered by both the city and the employee. Ald Richmond stated he hated to have the employees have more out of pocket expense, since they had not received pay raises in the last three years. The Board decided to think about it and then make a decision on March 1during the regular meeting. 

The Board discussed drafting an ordinance to increase both water and sewer minimum water rate by $.50 cents each. It was noted the Board discussed the need to do this during budget workshops and decided to discuss it again after the first of the year. The clerk noted that the Board had discussed during the budget discussion the recommendations made by Rural Development and Department of Natural Resources to do annual increases. The Board discussed the need for the increases due to the increased costs of repairs, parts and supplies and the age of the treatment plant and wells. It was noted that Rural Development who the city has a loan with, expects the City to maintain their equipment in good working order so that they will receive their monthly loan payments. 

Ald Richmond made the motion have the clerk draw up a draft ordinance to raise the minimum water and sewer rates by $.50 cents each. Ald Reardon second. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes.

Clyde Davidson was present to speak for Stewart Pace, the Recreation Board Director who is busy running the basketball games at the school. Clyde stated that Stewart was able to get the PTO to reschedule their carnival to Friday night the 29^th of April so that the Fun Run Car Show could be held on Saturday the 30^th of April. He stated that Keith Kohley had over stepped his bounds by approving the 30^th of April for the Fun Run without approving it through Stewart Pace who schedules all activities at the ball park. Because of this both events were scheduled on the same day. He said that problem was now fixed however the Fun Run Car Show might not be able to hold its make up day if it should rain. He said the make up rain day was scheduled for May 7^th. He stated that the Ball program starts on the first of May so there will be ball games scheduled for that day. He also noted that because of the lack of lights more games will need to be played on Saturdays.  He said they will try to work with the Fun Run organizers to keep the rain day on May 7^thbut it is not guaranteed. He said that in the future Stewart needed to be kept in the loop in regards to those needing to use the ballpark. 

Clyde informed the Board that the Recreation Board would be working on replacing the existing lights at the ballpark .He said that the Recreation Board might be asking the City to help with the costs. He said they had some options to look into first and then would be getting together with the Board of Aldermen. 

Clyde stated that Stewart only has a few people who are able to help him. He said that Stewart was hoping the Board would consider making an Assistant Recreation Board Directors position with a salary of $500.00 a year. Clyde stated that Stewart had mentioned asking the Board to appoint Michael Wasson the assistant Recreation Board Director if they approve the added position, because he had been very helpful to him in the last few years. The Board tabled a decision until their next meeting on March 1^st. 

 The Department heads gave the following reports:

                         1. Curt Drake gave the following reports for Tom West:

•         Curt Drake reported that Tom had finished his racial profiling reports.

                        2. David Brodie gave the following reports:

• asked if the Board had received anything from Duane Cooper on correspondence between him and the Community Block Grant people. David stated that the city needs to get the Water Improvement Grant closed so that they can start applying for grants to repair streets. The Mayor stated he had not received anything from Duane yet.
• reported the dump truck had broke down after using it constantly during the two snow storms. He said it was repaired and back on the road.
• stated that he had ordered the tires from Joplin Yamaha for the 4-wheeler that the Board had approved during budget talks. They should be installed at the end of the week. He said the cost was right at $400.00 including mounting.

                        3. Dawn Bunch-

•         the Mayor noted that the Board had Dawn’s monthly report in their packets.                

                        4. Paula Brodie gave the following reports:

•         informed the Board that the Tax Collectors computer has been upgraded and working fine.
•         informed the Board that she received a State Scholarship to the Annual Mo. City Clerks and Finance Officers Training Conference from Monday March 7^th to Thursday March 10th. The Scholarship includes ½ of the room costs and the registration fee. The City will only need to cover ½ of the room costs, mileage, and regular hourly wage. Note that the Board put the complete training costs in the 2011 Budget.  She is not attending the Master Academy just the Spring Institute. Ald Lett moved to approve paying the ½ of room costs, mileage and hourly wages for the clerk to attend the conference. Ald Richmond second. 3 ayes 0 nayes.
•         Reported that she would be attending JIS training in Newton County on February 22 and 23^rd. JIS is the State Court Program that the Goodman Municipal Court uses. The Office of State Courts Administrators will be teaching the class.

The Board discussed the bills from February 1, 2011 for $27,859.61 including transfers. Ald Lett moved to approve the bills. Ald Reardon seconded. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes.

The Board discussed the bills from February 15, 2011 for $20547.74 including transfers. Ald Richmond moved to approve the bills. Ald Reardon seconded. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nayes.

Ald Richmond moved to adjourn. Ald Lett seconded. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nays.

Respectfully submitted:

___________________________

Paula W. Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk                                __________________________

                                                                                          Calvin Wilson, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk