COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday April 2, 2019
The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday April 2, 2019 at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Ron Johnson, Keith Kohley and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. Chief Joe David, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, Asst. City Clerk Dana Cornwell and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were, Kevin Keeney, Carlton Lewis Jr., Tammie Davis, J.R. Fisher, Beth Hallmark, Walter Jeffers, Jared Mackall, Erica Mackall and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.
Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and noted Ald. Johnson was not present.
The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting March 19, 2019. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from March 19, 2019. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Ald. Johnson arrived at 7:02 P.M.
Unfinished business:
Mobile Food Vending Ordinance Draft: Mayor Richmond noted a draft copy of the Mobile Food Vending Ordinance was given to the Board and asked if the Board had looked over it. Mayor Richmond noted that he had discussed with the City Clerk about changing the wording of section V of the Operating Regulations as it said to operate on paved surfaces only and that is very difficult in our area. It was discussed and agreed to change it to operate on a level surface. It was also discussed on the last page if the feet from a sponsored event was to be 1000 feet or 2000 feet from the event, if they choose not to participate in the event. It was agreed to be 1000 feet from the event. It was asked to be put on the next agenda.
Mayor Richmond then noted the gazebo material had been purchased and delivered along with the trusses from Sam Boblett. Construction had been halted due to weather. Josh Wagner will continue to build at a minimal cost. The City had been waiting to hear from Josh in hopes he could work on it Monday and Tuesday and the City could do the dedication on Thursday April 4, 2019, two years after the tornado, but with the weather, that may not be possible. It was asked how the City would inform the residents if the ceremony was to take place, since there is no longer a Facebook page. Mayor Richmond noted that the City would put up flyers and put it on the City’s webpage.
New business: City Clerk McNorton noted she had spoken with Mike Williams today about continuing to mow for the City. He has always charged $170.00 and he has raised it to $180.00. He has not raised his rates for about 10 years. Do we want to continue to have him mow? After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to approve having Mike Williams mow for the City. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Beth Hallmark asked if the City has an ordinance on empty houses and being responsible for the upkeep of the property, like high grass and junk. Mayor Richmond noted the City is proactive as can be in keeping yards clean. Mayor Richmond also noted that Chief Drake does go around and see whose lawn needs mowed. The City sends a letter. If they still do not mow, they get a ticket. Chief Drake noted that a lot of people will just pay the ticket and we can only charge so much for the offence. The City is not allowed to go on the property and mow as that is considered trespassing. Citizen Beth Hallmark asked for and received a copy of the ordinance.
Beth Hallmark then asked about the water billing as she feels like she is being billed for water she does not use. She noted that she can use 1001 gallons of water and be billed for 2000 gallons and wanted to know when did the City start billing by the 1000 gallons and why. Ms. Hallmark asked how hard it would be to look at the water financials and challenge it or request a review. She again noted she would like to know why the water rates are set the way they are. It was noted that Missouri Rural Water Association is doing a rate study and the City should have the results by Friday of this week or Monday of next week. Beth noted that it is difficult to save when you are on a fixed income and she doesn’t want to be billed for water she doesn’t use. If the rates need to come down, then bring them down. If they need to go up, then bring them up.
Department head reports:
Curt Drake: Chief Drake gave the Board the January and February reports. Chief Drake then noted that the Dodge Charger needs a new E-brake system. Chief Drake has called several places and the only quote he has gotten so far is from Fletcher for $1000.00.
It was discussed that other quotes need to be received before a decision is made.
Denis Kolb: Nothing to report
David Brodie: The backflow preventer at the water treatment plant is leaking and the rebuild kit is $80.00-$90.00 from Joplin Supply and a new one cost between $600.00 and $700.00. He believes he can repair it.
David then noted that the wires on the City Hall air conditioner are not connected. He will look at it better tomorrow.
David also noted that he is working on plumbing at the ballpark. Some of the pipes are old and he will need to replace some of it.
Meghan Sexson: The Board has their March report.
Karla McNorton-The Board has the February Financial Statement.
USDA Report from Bruce Hively on the 2018 Financial Report: City Clerk McNorton noted she had received the financial report from Bruce Hively and it says there is sufficient cash flow to provide for operating expenses, debt service and bond reserves.
Both restricted accounts are being funded appropriately with the amounts listed in the Bond Ordinance. The Bond Reserve fund is fully funded at $65,880.00 and no further deposits are required. The Replacement and Extension Account deposits continue for the life of the loan. The funds are available for Repairs or Extensions of the system. The City does need to update the Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response plan. City Clerk McNorton noted she has contacted Billy Evert as suggested and is waiting for him to let the City know when he has time to come and review and make the proper updates with the City.
The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $42,600.32 including transfers. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills in the amount of $42,600.32 including transfers. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Ald. Kohley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.