COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday July 18, 2017
The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Alice Kezar and Ron Johnson. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Police Chief Curt Drake, and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Lois Kolb, Roger and Carol Coe, Clyde Black, Jim Morgan, Tabitha Villa, Francisco Villa, Ray Villa, Kevin Keeney and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
The Board discussed the regular meeting held on July 3, 2017. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 3, 2017. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye, Ald. Kohley abstained.
Old Business: The Mayor acknowledged City Attorney Duane Cooper, to discuss changing Roger and Carol Coe’s property to R-1. Duane explained that if the City changed his property to R-1, there would be a lot of issues with businesses in the area. Also, the Fire Department could challenge that ruling and the judge would more than likely side with the Fire Department. It was also discussed that the Coe property was never zoned R-, there was no zoning prior to when they did the zoning. The Coe house was there and the buildings around him were businesses, so he was grandfathered into the Commercial District. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Roger and Carol’s property will remain C-1.
New Business: Francisco Villa and Tabitha Villa asked the Board about putting in a double wide at either a property on Terry St. or Garner St. and wanted to have permission prior to purchasing the property. The Double wide is 26.8×76 feet and it would be on a permanent foundation. They also asked about hooking up water and sewer. It was explained they would need to request a variance and the cost is $75.00, that City Supervisor David Brodie would get with them about the water and sewer and to come to the next meeting and the Board will make a decision. The discussion was tabled.
Citizens Business: Kevin Keeney complained that his neighbors still have very high grass and would like something done. Mayor Richmond asked Curt to issue a ticket as this has been going on for quite some time. Clyde Davidson asked that Curt be consistent when issuing tickets as he has had citizens come into court and want to know why they were issued a citation and the neighbor down the street has grass just as high and no citation was written. It was agreed that everyone not complying with the ordinance should be issued a ticket.
Clyde Black commented on the progress of the chicken houses. He also asked about the elementary school and wanted to know what grades would be there. Mayor Richmond noted it could be grades 1-4 or 1-5 and that we would not know for sure until it was built. Mr. Black also asked if there would be a tornado shelter in the school and it was mentioned that schools are required to put them in when being built.
Mr. Black also mentioned when the City replaces the lights at the ballpark, we should consider putting in L.E.D. lights. They are more expensive, but will save in the long run. Mayor Richmond noted that the ballpark lights are on an hour and a half a day for 6 weeks and it’s not really worth it to spend that kind of money. Mayor Richmond also noted that the ball season is over and we have some time to really look into the best option.
Department head reports:
Curt Drake- Curt noted that Officer Haswell (David) has completed his 90 day probation and is doing a fantastic job and would like to move him up to senior officer. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to revisit Joe being moved up after he has been with the City for 6 months. Ald. Wilson made a motion to give Joe David his 90 day probation raise. Ald. Kohley seconded Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Denis Kolb-nothing to report.
David Brodie- David noted that a vale at the treatment plant needs replaced. The
valve is obsolete and will need a new one. He asked to be able to bring in Mellen and Associates to look at it and see what they can do. It was agreed to have Mellen and Associates assist in any way as the valve needs replaced.
Meghan Sexson- Meghan noted the Board has its June report and it was a decent month. Also the 3 year delinquent property taxes will go in the paper next week and be in the paper through the 2nd week of August. The tax sale is the last Monday in August. She also noted 35 personal properties that are delinquent and Duane Cooper will be sending them a letter about it.
Karla McNorton- Karla Noted that Jill Cornett from the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC) does not think there will be enough survey’s turned in for the July 25, 2017 meeting and wanted to know if we could change the Comprehensive Plan meeting date to August 22, 2017. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to have the next Comprehensive Plan meeting August 22, 2017.
Karla then noted Dana Cornwell’s 90 day probation is up and feels Dana has done a great job, she is catching on quickly and would like the Board to approve her 90 day probation raise Ald. Johnson moved to approve Dana Cornwell’s 90 day probation raise. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson and Kohley voted aye and Ald. Kezar and Wilson abstained.
Karla also noted that she would like to have Dana become a Notary for the City as she cannot due to not living in the county. It would be $30.00 for the 4-year notary bond and $25.00 for the State filing fee to be a Notary. Dana will have to take the training course first. After a brief discussion, it was agreed we need a Notary in the office.
The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $52,795.76 including transfers. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $52,795.76, including transfers. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.