COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday October 2, 2018

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday October 2, 2018 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, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. City Clerk Dana Cornwell and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Betty Hays, Ronnie and Caroline Price, Jerry Bates, Connie Letourneau, Kevin Keeney, David McGarrah and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Board discussed the minutes from the special meeting held on September 4, 2018. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the special meeting minutes from September 4, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting held on September 4, 2018. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from September 4, 2018. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged Betty Hayes to discuss averaging her water bill for September and October. Betty explained that she had a leak. She came home one day and found water in her yard. She had a new line installed. The leak is now fixed and she is asking that her bill for September be averaged to $91.40 including the 20% and her October bill be averaged to $50.05. Ald. Wilson moved to approve averaging Betty Hayes September water bill to $91.40 including the 20%Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to average Betty Hayes October water to $50.05. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Richmond then noted he was going off agenda for a moment and acknowledged Connie Letourneau. Connie thanked the Police Department and the City workers for taking care of the dog leash issue she has had. She really appreciates it.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged David McGarrah to discuss the water billing procedures. David McGarrah asked if the City has done a cost analysis to run the extra staff in the water department answering the phones, preparing water bills, reading meters…etc. He noted he has several rental properties in Goodman and does not feel it is appropriate to receive a past due bill on a postcard that does not state the bill was from a tenant addressed to him at his place of business. David also feels that the City should consider changing the deposit amount received by renters to cover the final bill. Mayor Richmond noted that the he would like the Board to look over and discuss it.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged Denis Kolb to discuss the FEMA safe room. Dennis

discussed wanting to restructure the IRIS system for the FEMA shelter. It will be for the Goodman citizens only. It was noted by Ald. Wilson that the cost to 911 is approximately $1400.00 annually. Denis noted that the citizens would have to sign up and be charged to be on the IRIS system for only Goodman. It was also discussed that the key for the safe room should be in a lock box like it used to be before the tornado. Curt noted they use to have a key code and the Police Department, Emergency Management and other key members had access to it. Curt noted he had spoken to Ms. Hamilton about it several months ago but he will talk with her again in a few months when the school is closer to opening so it is fresh in her mind and see if we can do the same thing again. Ald. Kohley suggested setting up a meeting with the school about getting everything set up.

Unfinished business: Ald. Kohley asked about when could the City have the Employee Picnic. City Clerk McNorton noted that Tax Collector Sexson would not be able to attend until October 21, 2018. It was agreed to have the picnic on October 21, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Goodman Ballpark. It will consist of hamburgers and hotdogs.

Mayor Richmond noted that per the request of Connie Letourneau, MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) has put up cameras to monitor the foot traffic going across 59 Hwy to the Dollar General Store. The mayor noted it will take a few months to get the information back from MODOT on whether there is enough foot traffic to put up signs. If there is enough foot traffic, then MODOT will put up signs warning motorists.

Mayor Richmond then brought up the gazebo on Main St. He noted we need to get with KCS and find out if we can build it or not. If we have to, we will get a 99 year lease, but it would be nice to build it back.

Ald. Johnson then brought up that in that area there are a lot of ruts that need filled and it would be nice if gravel could be put in to fill them up. Johnson noted that it gets very muddy there when it rains and that is where the kids get on and off the bus. He would like to talk to Dr. Cummings about getting the gravel and the City spreading it out to fill the holes.

New business: None

Citizens business: Jerry Bates noted his water bill was much higher than normal and wanted to know why. David Brodie noted he had checked and he does not have a leak. It is most likely a toilet running. Jerry stated as far as he knows he has no leak and wanted his water bill averaged. It was noted that his average is $57.72. It was asked by the Board that he is aware there’s a one-time only average for your water bill. He understood and wanted this bill to be averaged. Ald. Kohley moved to average Jerry Bates water bill to $57.72. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Kevin Keeney then asked again about high grass and weeds and asked if the City could have the contract mower for the City mow these people’s yard. It was explained the City can’t legally go onto someone’s property and mow. If the property owner asks the City, they can. The police can write tickets and that’s about it.

Department head reports

Curt Drake: Curt gave the Board the August monthly report.

Denis Kolb: None.

David Brodie: 108 W. Williams is under control. Need to turn attention to 122 N. Wall, the Raines property. Need to contact the other siblings and find out what they intend to do about the property. City Clerk McNorton will get a letter sent.

David then noted he has a two day class in Lake of the Ozarks October 24 and 25, 2018 and he has voucher for the class to keep up his hours but, he needs a room for two nights. Ald. Wilson moved to approve David going to the Lake of the Ozarks for class October 24 and 25, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. . Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Karla McNorton- noted for Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, you have your August report

Note that Dana Cornwell was not selected to receive the scholarship through MCMI (Missouri Court Management Institute.)

Note you have your August financial Statements.

Karla explained the office ladies would like to get the 2019 calendar done for the council meetings and the first council meeting in 2019 is January 1, 2019. She asked the Board if it would be alright to move it to Wednesday January 2, 2019.

It was discussed and agreed to have the first council meeting Wednesday January 2, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.

City Clerk McNorton that she made a Scribner’s error and did not put the bills and transfers from September 18, 2018 on the agenda and they need discussed and approved before this meetings bills and transfers. The Board discussed the bills from September 18, 2018 in the amount of $40,707.22 including transfers. Ald. Johnson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $40,707.22 including transfers. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley and Wilson voted aye and Ald. Kezar abstained.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $18,179.96 including transfers. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $18,179.96 Ald. Kohley 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.

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday September 18, 2018

At 7:00 P.M. Mayor Greg Richmond announced there would not be a Planning and Zoning or a regular council meeting as we did not have a quorum. All bills will be paid and ratified at the next council meeting and all items will be move to the next agenda October 2, 2018.

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday September 4, 2018

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday September 4, 2018 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, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. Chief Joe David, Asst. City Clerk Dana Cornwell, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, City Attorney Duane Cooper and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Jared Mackall, Connie Letourneau, Greg Beckner, Kevin Keeney, Misty Farmer and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Board discussed the Public Hearing minutes from August 21, 2018. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the Public Hearing held on August 21, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the regular meeting minutes from August 21, 2018. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on August 21, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Connie Letourneau to discuss the City Animal Ordinance. Ms. Letourneau noted she had already presented to the Board that the Animal Ordinance should be changed, modified, or removed. The police have thousands of dollars in equipment and they can’t be expected to hall animals in their vehicles and not damage the equipment, something needs to change. Connie feels that someone should be picking up the animals during City Hall hours. Connie also feels the Ordinance does not make sense and that “cats” needs removed. City Attorney Duane Cooper stated that he does not feel that the Ordinance needs to be changed. Duane noted that there are 80 hours per week of Police coverage and 168 hours in a week. The City is doing the best it can where animal control is concerned.

Connie then stated that the City needs to consider a crosswalk from Casey’s to Dollar General. City Attorney Duane Cooper noted that any signs on the highway are owned by the State. The State is the one who has control over that section and Connie would need to speak to them where a crosswalk was concerned.

Mayor Richmond noted that the City had been in contact with the City of Neosho and they do not have an Ordinance for pre-payment of fuel or diesel. He also noted that the Casey’s in Neosho is pre-payment. Mayor Richmond noted that he doesn’t understand why corporate would not do it in Goodman if they did it in Neosho. Curt noted that he has spoken with corporate and was told that no Casey’s is pre-payment unless there is an Ordinance. Curt is not sure why the one in Neosho is. Mayor Richmond noted that he has an issue forcing a business to have pre-payment. City Attorney Duane Cooper noted that he would be happy to write up something saying he will not prosecute unless they made it a policy. Duane also noted that it is very hard to prosecute unless you catch them in the act.   It was also discussed that if corporate was so concerned, they would do something about it. It was agreed by the Board to have Duane and the Police Department to work on something where gas drive-offs were concerned.

Unfinished business: Misty Farmer informed the Board that the house on 108 W. Williams is completely opened up for City Building Inspector Marcus Pratt to come and inspect. She knows there are some pipes and electrical that need replaced and termite damage that needs fixed. She stated that Marcus told her when that is repaired; he did not see why it couldn’t be taken out of condemnation. Misty noted that next week they will have the front half removed and cleaned up.

Misty also noted that she is having an issue with the Kramburg property mobile homes. They are unable to locate the VIN numbers on them to get a title to move them. It was noted it is difficult to know if they were purchased without a title if you can’t locate that. Misty noted that Missouri doesn’t have a form for lost title on a mobile home. She noted that she was told that Illinois has one and to use it and change the information to Missouri. She is not sure if a judge is needed to remove the mobile homes or where she would go to court for that. She may need a judge to allow her permission to remove them if the VIN’s are not able to be located.

New business: Ald. Kohley noted that is almost time for the annual BBQ. Meghan Sexson noted that she and Karla McNorton had discussed maybe going bowling instead. Meghan noted that it would be $132.00 for up to 72 people at Edgewood bowl. Mayor Richmond asked for the City personal and Board to consider it.

Citizens business: Kevin Keeney noted there is an issue with tall grass especially on Russell St. Curt noted that two had been mowed today, the new tenants have been warned and the other has tickets to court.

Connie Letourneau noted that the Electric Company working on the school has not cleaned up all the debris and she is concerned that some of it will blow onto her property. It was noted that tickets can be written it if not cleaned up.

Kevin Keeney then asked if the ordinance had in it if the trash cans were to be moved back from the road after the trash was picked up. It was discussed that logically they should be brought back up to your home and not left by the road. Mayor Richmond noted he is not sure if that is in the Ordinance. Mr. Keeney asked if something could be put on the water bills asking Citizens to bring their trash cans back to their homes after the trash was picked up. It was agreed to have something put on the water bill.

Kevin then asked about the gazebo and if the City was going to rebuild it. Mayor Richmond noted that we are working on that. Need to get with Kansas City Southern (KCS) and figure out if the City rebuilds, are they going to tear it back down. The way it looks, some of it is on KCS property.

Department head reports-

Curt Drake: Curt noted that Joe had captured two wanted men for major drug crimes by other agencies. Mayor Richmond thanked the officers for their hard work.

Dennis Kolb: Keith Kohley noted they are watching the tropical storm and sometime late Friday night early Saturday they are expecting three to five inches of rain. He wants everyone to be weather aware.

David Brodie- David noted that the workers for the school had come across some water lines that need lowered or removed. He is asking that the Board allow him to hire a spotter with a backhoe. He explained that sometimes the workers will not do the best job and he wants permission to hire a spotter if necessary. He wants to make sure the City has the best amount of cover. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to have David get a spotter if necessary.

David then noted he is working on the bandstand and is hopeful to have it done before the festival.

Meghan Sexson- Meghan noted the tax sale is done and it went good.

Karla McNorton- Karla noted she was able to purchase the property at the tax sale for cost.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $24,865.10 including transfers.

Ald. Johnson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $24,865.10 including transfers. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

 

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday August 21, 2018

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday August 21, 2018 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, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. Chief Joe David, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, City Attorney Duane Copper and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Kevin Keeney, Lois Kolb, Jared Mackall, Brandon Poindexter with Branco, Jim Cummings and Samantha Hamilton with the Neosho R-5 School District, Connie Letourneau, Misty Farmer, Roger and Carol Coe, John McNall, Greg Beckner, Linda Gill and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M,

The Board discussed the minutes from the Planning and Zoning meeting August 7, 2018. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the Planning and Zoning meeting minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye and Ald. Kohley abstained.

The Board discussed the minutes from the Public Hearing meeting August 7, 2018. Ald. Johnson moved to approve the Public Hearing minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the special meeting minutes August 13, 2018. Ald. Johnson moved to approve the special meeting minutes from August 13, 2018. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board acknowledged John and Misty Farmer to discuss variance for a 26×29 house with an area of 754 square feet and update the Board on the 108 W. Williams property. Misty asked the Board to consider granting a variance for a house that is 26’ by 29’ with square footage of 754 feet.

Misty informed the Board that Marcus had been there this afternoon and we are close. We have most everything exposed for him to look at and he doesn’t think that part is un-savable. It does have some areas where there are termites. It was asked if she and John would be able to save the back half of the house. Misty said Marcus seems to believe they can save the back. It was noted by Misty that they should have it completely gone through by the next meeting.

Misty then noted she had pretty much explained at the last meeting that she would be asking for a variance for putting in a smaller house at either 119 S. First Street or 112 W. Splitlog Ave. Misty will be renovating the home and adding a front porch to the house. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to approve the variance for John and Misty Farmer to put the smaller house on one of the two properties. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board acknowledged Linda Gill to discuss a second sign for her business. Linda informed the Board that she has spoken with the owner of the property Ross Bobbett and was given permission to put a sign 20”x24” on his property. After a discussion with the manager of the property about her maintain the area around where her sign would be and being told he maintains the grounds and would maintain that area as well, she was asked why she was not putting one on the 59 Hwy side and one on the Splitlog side. She explained she had only received permission for one sign. She is here asking the Board to allow her to have an additional sign. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed to allow Linda Gill to have an additional sign.

 

The Board Discussed deeding land to the Neosho R-5 School District. City Attorney Cooper noted that best we can tell is that a piece of land that the school has used for the last 100 years doesn’t seem to belong to them. It was discussed doing a quit claim deed for the piece of property. It was discussed that the piece of property is 60’ wide and runs from School St. to Whitmore. After additional discussion, Ald. Johnson moved approving the Mayor signing the quit claim deed for the land in question to the Neosho R-5 School District. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Unfinished business: Citizen Connie Letourneau stated she had been in here several times regarding the animals at large and wanted to know why the City hasn’t done anything. She noted she sees animals running loose on a daily basis. Connie then stated that City Clerk McNorton told her that she would have one of the guys come to her home and pick up a cat, take it somewhere and dump it and Connie wants the City Clerks resignation. She told the Board it is illegal to dump and animal and the clerk needed to resign. Connie then told the Board it was very inappropriate to have a council member’s wife come to her home. Connie claims it made her daughter very uncomfortable when the councilman’s wife asked her what was she going to do if the person you have a restraining order against enters her home. Connie noted that she told the wife she would kill him if he came to her home. Connie then noted the wife should not have come to her home. Ald. Johnson apologized that his wife had come to her residence without his knowledge. It was his understanding that she was not getting the results she was looking for. He noted he will not interfere with another citizens business in the future. Ms. Letourneau demanded to be put on the next agenda as she wants these issue resolved.

New business: Scott Brown told the Board that at the end of June and during the month of July, he had a leak that is now fixed. His last bill was 188.16 and this bill is 157.46. He has not paid this bill as he was coming to the meeting to ask for an average. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to average Scotts Brown’s water bill at $103.76 for two months. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Citizens business: Linda Gill complained about her neighbor’s tall grass that is now owned by a mortgage company. She has been mowing the grass as it has been an eye sore. Curt will try to find out who the mortgage company is and contact them to clean up the property. Linda also complained about the bushes that are around needing cut.

Department head reports:

Curt Drake: Curt noted that after the special meeting he felt the Board planned on giving Asst. Chief David a raise. Curt was wondering if the Board had thought any more about that. Ald. Wilson made a motion to raise Asst. Chief David from $12.50 to $13.00 an hour. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Curt then noted that he has an Ordinance that City Clerk McNorton got from Carterville and changed it to fit Godman. It is an Ordinance that requires the gas stations to require all gas be pre-paid before pumping.

He explained that Casey’s has a lot of drive-offs that can’t be solved as when they run the tags, they don’t come back to anyone. It was discussed why the City would want to put that ordinance in place as the City shouldn’t have to force them to do that, the corporate office should do that. It was explained by Curt that corporate will not do that. If the person behind the counter doesn’t run outside and try to get a license plate number, they are fired. That can be difficult when you are the only one working in the store at the time. After additional discussion, it was agreed to put it on the next agenda to discuss further.

Denis Kolb: Nothing to report.

David Brodie: David noted that he received a registration form Sigma. Chemical Spill Response Training is required by one of the City workers by the EPA and OSHA. He is asking to go to the training is Springfield on September 11, 2018 and attend the class. The Cost is $150.00 He will drive the truck up there in back the same day. Ald. Kohley moved to send David to the chemical spill class. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

David then noted the electric for the festival at the ballpark is done. He then asked about the insulation in the bandstand. Ald. Johnson noted that he wanted some foam board insulation put in to help with the reverberation.

Meghan Sexson: Meghan noted the Board had their July report.

Karla McNorton: Karla noted that she found out the cost of the sale for 122 N. School St. from Jennifer Weber and it will be $196.67 for the cost of the property, $27.00 to Jennifer Weber for recording of Collector’s deed and $27.00 to Kenny Underwood, the Recorder of Deeds. The total will be 250.67. I have the checks issued and you have probably already signed them. My question is, do you want me to bid more, if for some strange reason someone else bids higher? Jennifer did say she will let everyone know that $6469.18 is due at City before the bid starts. It was discussed that if someone doesn’t hear that $6469.18 is due to the City and bids, it will be three more years to wait. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to authorize City Clerk McNorton to bid up to $500.00 on the property if needed to purchase 122. N School St.

Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Also, The Missouri Courts are having a Court Management Institute January, March any May 2019 and January, March and May 2020. The program is comprised of 6 courses on three day increments. I am asking that you allow Dana to go to the class if she is chosen, as some of the dates are during the City Clerk week long training and I can’t do both. The City’s sole expense is travel and one night’s stay in the hotel. They will pay for the hotel for 2 nights, meals and cost of the courses, which they say it costs thousands of dollars to attend. The Board has to be committed to allowing her to attend all 6 classes. She will need do an essay and supply her resume and The City will need to fill out the application stating the Board is in full support of her attending all 6 classes. It is a scholarship. There are only 25 selected and she can take this anywhere as it is national. Karla noted she feels this is an amazing opportunity if she is selected. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to allow Dana Cornwell to attend all 6 courses of the Court Management Institute. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson and Kohley voted aye, Ald. Kezar and Wilson abstained.

The Board then discussed the bills in the amount of $26,626.10 including transfers. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills in the amount of $26,626.10 including transfers. Ald. Wilson 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.