Tuesday November 15, 2016

Regular Meeting

 

The Board of Alderman held a regular meeting Tuesday night November, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Alice Kezar, Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley and Roger Coe. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, Police Chief Curt Drake, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, City Attorney Duane Cooper and Asst. City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Carol Coe, Lois Kolb, Tammie Davis, Nathen Wagner, Porter Wagner, Wally Jeffers and JR Fisher.

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

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular Board meeting held on November 1, 2016.

Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on November 1, 2016. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the minutes from the Special meeting held on November 8, 2016. Ald. Coe moved to approve the minutes from the special meeting on November 8, 2016. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.       

The Board discussed the minutes from the Special meeting held on November 10, 2016. Kohley moved to approve the minutes from the special meeting on November 10, 2016. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

The Mayor noted Brittney Smith had asked to be on the agenda to discuss being a foster person for Faithful Friends, but was not able to attend. Asst. City Clerk McNorton explained she wanted to foster animals for Faithful Friends and our code states that you can only have three animals and if you have more you will need a kennel license.  The Mayor asked that she be put on the next agenda and hopefully Brittney can attend.

The Mayor noted Shauna Landess was not present to discuss the repairs of her house at 108 W. Williams. It was discussed that she was supposed to attend and have her son inform the Board how long it would take to fix the home. It was agreed to put her on the next agenda and try to contact her to be here.

The Mayor responded to Mr. Fisher’s voter registration question by explaining the voter registration is done by the County Clerk and the City does not deal with that. City Attorney Duane Cooper asked Mr. Fisher what he wanted the City to do? Mr. Fisher stated he had asked for Mr. Coe’s resignation as it is voter fraud. Mr. Cooper explained this is not a City matter and the City is not responsible for who votes and whom they voted for. He told Mr. Fisher that if he wanted to challenge the votes and voters, he needed to file it in Circuit Court. Mr. Cooper did note that if Mr. Coe was to resign, it could cause additional questions.  

The Board discussed donating to the Goodman Betterment Club for the Christmas Parade.

It was noted by Mayor Richmond that the City donates $200.00 to the Goodman Betterment Club every year for the Christmas Parade. Ald. Kezar made a motion to donate $200.00 to the Goodman Betterment Club for the Christmas Parade. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the First Community Bank Debit Card Applications. Asst. City Clerk McNorton explained the debit cards have to be re-issued because if they are not used every 30 days, they are purged so we now need new cards issued.  Ald. Wilson made a motion to apply for new debit cards from 1^st Community Bank. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

Citizens Business: Nathan Wagner asked the Board about the Fireworks Ordinance. The Mayor explained the original Ordinance was done in the late 70’s and at that time there were no fireworks in the City until it was amended in 2004 to allow only the day of the 4^th of July from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Ald. Wilson noted he had looked at other Cities and we are very strict on our Ordinance. He also noted he thought we could look over it more in January or February as the City has a lot going on through the end of the year. It was agreed to discuss it in January or February.      

Old Business: Tammie Davis noted she had asked about getting a street light at her residence and wanted to know if the Board had discussed it any further? The Mayor noted the Board had not made any decisions on the street light at this time. Ms. Davis again expressed that she does not feel safe at her home as it is so dark and would really like a light pole put in. Mr. Brodie noted that at his home it was very dark and he had to have the electric company put a pole in at his home and he pays for the pole light monthly. Ms. Davis again asked that the City consider putting in a light at her residence.

Asst. City Clerk noted it was discussed at the special meeting last Thursday November 10, 2016 needing to get 8 Porta-Potty’s at $60.00 each, for a total of $480.00. She wanted to know if the Board wanted to vote to rent then for the Holiday Express Train?  Ald. Wilson made a motion to rent 8 Porta-Potty’s at $480.00.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

New Business: There was no new business.                              

     Department heads:       

     Chief Drake- Nothing to report.

     Denis Kolb- Nothing to report

     Meghan Sexson- Meghan noted we have received a lot of tax Statements back with the

     incorrect address and we are spending a lot on postage to re-mail them.

 

     David Brodie – Choice Puppies will allow us to use their parking lot for parking for the

     Holiday Express Train and Carrol Bailey will also. He also informed the Board that his

     oven thermostat went out and he uses it to check the suspended solids and a new

     thermostat is around $375.00 and to get a new oven is $100.00 more.  After a brief

    discussion, Ald. Kezar made a motion to purchase a new oven at $475.00. Ald. Wilson

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

 

     Karla McNorton –The first day of Candidate Filing is December 13, 2016

     and the last day is January 17, 2017. I have provided a 2017 Missouri

     Election Calendar for you in your packet.  She also asked the Board to vote to set

     candidate filing dates from December 13, 2016 through January 17, 2016. Ald. Wilson

     made a motion to set the candidate filing from December 13, 2016 through January 17,

     2016.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

 

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $25,216.30 including transfers. Ald. Kezar

made a motion to approve the bills in the amount of $25, 216.30 including transfers.  Ald.

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

      

Ald. Kohley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

November 1, 2016

Regular Meeting

 

The Board of Alderman held a regular meeting Tuesday night November, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Alice Kezar, Calvin Wilson, Roger Coe and Keith Kohley. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, Police Chief Curt Drake, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb and Asst. City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Carol Coe, Lois Kolb, Nathan Wagner, Jim Morgan, Michael Richmond, Kevin Keeney, JR Fisher, Clyde Davidson, Ron Johnson and Charlotte Johnson.

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

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on October 18, 2016. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on October 18, 2016. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

The Mayor noted Deaun Richmond was not present to discuss a hospitality room for the volunteers for Holiday Express Train. Karla McNorton noted Deaun Richmond was not able to be present, but wanted to know if she can have hospitality room for the volunteers working the train and if the school can have a chili feed and craft fair? The Mayor stated we will be discussing all the Holiday Express Train preparations in a little bit and will cover it then.

The Mayor acknowledged Nathan Wagner to discuss the Fireworks Ordinance. Nathan asked what exactly the Fireworks Ordinance is? It was explained that you can only shoot off fireworks the day of Fourth of July from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Nathan explained a lot of other Cities have their Ordinance to where you can set off fireworks the week the Fourth of July and News Years Day until 8:00 P.M. in the evening and feels we should change ours. He also mentioned we might consider in the future adding additional days if a family of a different nationality moves here and celebrates using fireworks. He also felt if there are any special occasions that a person wants to shoot off fireworks, they need ask the Board for permission two weeks prior to get approval and no shooting off fireworks in the park. The person will also be responsible for cleaning up their mess afterwards. Nathan stated he felt that the Ordinance was put into place so the City could make money as the officers can come out and write more than one ticket. Mayor Richmond stated if you saw our budget, you would know that was not the case and he does not feel this or any previous Board approved an Ordinance to make money off the citizens and we will look into the Ordinance.

The Mayor acknowledged Jim Morgan to discuss the obstruction of view at the Fire Dept.

Mr. Morgan noted Mr. Estes was unable to attend. He then gave the Board members photos he had taken. The first one is of Fire Prevention Week and the second is of Halloween night. The bushes are really high on the side and cut real low in the front of the Coe’s, the survey pin is the Fire Department line and is supposed to be an alley and not have a building on it. He also noted on Halloween night while handing out candy, there was an issue with mosquitos and the bushes may or may have not been the issue. The Easement states there are to be no obstructions in the Easement. Mr. Morgan then pointed out the bushes that are obstructing the view and has made it a safety hazard getting the fire trucks out of the Fire Department. Mr. Coe states the Easement Morgan read is improper and does not state anything about the easement being clear. Mr. Morgan then asked to read the Easement. He read a majority of the easement between the City and Roger and Carol Coe dated August 21, 1990 and it does state no obstructions in the easement. Mr. Morgan then asked the Board who is responsible for the easement? The Mayor said he felt it was an issue between the fire department and the Coe’s and the City was no longer involved. The Mayor stated the two parties lawyers may need to get involved and the bushes are obstructing the view and the City does have a vegetation Ordinance.

Holiday Express Train preparations- Mayor Richmond noted the train is scheduled on 12-14-2016 at 4:00 P.M. The train is 366 feet long and the section we show where they are putting the train, David measured is 366 feet. David stated he had emailed Doinele Carlson about the specifics of the train.

David was contacted by the Trainmaster Jeff Orcutt and is meeting him in the morning and will get more specific details about where exactly the train will be located. The Mayor then noted his wife had received information from the Neosho Chamber of Commerce on the Train and people had started showing up an hour or more early. Neosho had a clicker and they had around 3800 people go onto the train. Clyde Davidson noted the school is hoping to let the kids out by 12:20, as they want the school traffic to be out of the City before anyone arrives to start lining up for the train. Clyde also noted he may be able to get a few school busses and we can bus them back and forth from the Ballpark to the train. The Mayor noted KCS will provide steps, lighting, ropes to help keep the line in order and when the kids board the train, they will get a gift bag. KCS will give out 500 gift bags and we can get more items and make more gift bags if the City wanted to. When the Holiday Express Train arrives, KCS will let the volunteers in to change into the elf costumes and they will be expected to stay until all guests have left. He also noted there is a possibility the train could be late, but the train supervisor will let our lead volunteer person know. Curt has plenty of help for that day. Curt noted he has all our officers working except maybe one and some from Pineville and Anderson that should be able to come and assist. The Mayor noted Asst. City Clerk Karla had spoken with the Police Chief in Neosho and asked her what she had found out. Karla stated the chief said the biggest issue they had was parking and especially for disabled and that we should consider at least 200 handicapped parking spaces. He looked at our map of the City and had suggested the school parking lot as it was all paved. It was discussed about the man who had come and asked to be a vendor and the board had decided that no vendors will be allowed. There will be several who would like to give out free hot chocolate and that will be allowed. The Board agreed to have a meeting on November 10 2016 at 7:00 to further discuss the Holiday Express Train.

 

Citizens Business: JR Fisher talked about the voters registered and he stated that he got the voter registration papers for everyone in the City. It showed that Roger Coe’s children’s address are listed as his address and asked Roger if his children lived in his house because if they didn’t, it was voter fraud and that is a Federal offence. He then asked for Roger Coe’s immediate resignation and if he didn’t, he would have an audit done of the City and it wouldn’t be a Nick Myers audit. Roger stated that two years ago his children had listed his address as theirs. The Mayor stated it would be looked into.

City Clerk Paula Brodie then joined the meeting.

Discuss old business-None

Discuss new Business-None

Department head reports:

                        Curt Drake- Curt handed the Board a copy of the Moperm Insurance paperwork about no one being in the police vehicles while the officers are on duty, except the Police Commissioner. It is considered an increase in Hazard and if it continues, our rates could increase. Moperm did recommend a liability waiver, but City Attorney Duane Cooper says it isn’t worth messing with. In the past, it has been asked if it was ok to ride with the officers and Duane considers it high risk liability. According to Moperm, others are allowed to be in the car during special occasions only. He then mentioned his office chair broke and he will be going to Sam’s Club to get a new chair.

                        Denis Kolb- Nothing to report.                    

                        Meghan Sexson- Meghan informed the Board she had picked up the tax statements

                        this morning and will need a check in the next few days for postage. She also

                        mentioned there is a check that the Mayor needs to sign and when we get the

                        exact amount of Postage we will have Alice come in and sign.                       

                        David Brodie- Nothing to report.                        

                   Karla McNorton – A check for $2483.18 deposited into the General fund from      

                    the Ozark Orchard Festival has now been issued to the Festival committee to

                    open their own account. She also informed the Board that this year the school is having a         

                         breakfast instead of a lunch, as Veterans Day is on a Friday and school gets out at    

                         noon The PTO has asked us to purchase doughnuts instead of a cake. The amount

                         for the doughnuts at Wal-Mart will be around $70.00.

                        

Ald. Kohley brought up that since the front of the Police Station had been paved, there is water standing and could possibly go into the Police Station every time it time it rains and asked David what could be done about it? David thought it may have to be removed, since there wasn’t an issue before. David stated her would look into it.

The Board discusses the bills from November 1, 2016 in the amount of $24,338.80 including     

        transfers. Ald. Wilson made a motion to approve the bills including transfers in the amount 

        of $24,338.80.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson,

        Kohley and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.

 Ald. Wilson made a motion to go into closed session pursuant to RSMO. Section 610.021,

Section (3) to discuss hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public

governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded at

              8:10  P.M. Ald. Kohley Seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.

 

The Board of Alderman came out of closed session at 9:20 P.M. and the Mayor noted no votes

were taken. He did note we were in closed session to go over the applications for Water Billing

Clerk and we will have a Special Meeting Tuesday October 8, 2016 to do interviews.

 

Ald. Kohley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Wilson seconded.

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

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday November 8, 2016

Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Alice Kezar and Roger Coe. Also present were Asst. City Clerk Karla McNorton and City Clerk Paula Brodie.

The mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Mayor Richmond noted the Board will go into closed session pursuant to RSMO. Section 610.021, Section (3) to discuss hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded.

Ald. Kohley voted to go into closed session pursuant to RSMO. Section 610.021, Section (3) to discuss hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded.  Ald. Coe Seconded. Ald. Kezar, Coe, Wilson and Kohley voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board came out of closed session at 8:45 P.M.

Ald. Kezar made a motion to hire Mary Curry at $9.50 an hour. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Kezar, Coe and Wilson and voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Wilson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 P.M. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Kezar, Coe and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

October 13, 2016

Special Meeting

The Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Thursday night October 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Roger Coe and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Clerk Paula Brodie and Chief of Police Curt Drake. Visitors were Jennifer Drake, Ron Johnson Patricia Hill and Dorothy Beauchamp  

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

The Mayor noted that the Board had called the meeting to hold a closed session pursuant to RSMO. Section 610.021, Section (3) to discuss the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded.

Ald. Kohley moved to go into closed session pursuant to RSMO. Section 610.021, Section (3) to discuss the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded at 7:00PM. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Wilson, Kezar, Coe and Kohley voted aye with 0 nays.

Mrs. Beauchamp asked to speak to the Board before they went into closed session. She was given permission to quickly state what she wanted to say. She stated that she and Patricia Hill were present to show their support for Chief Drake. She said she did not know what the circumstances were but she wanted the Board to know that Cut had always responded when she or Patricia needed him. She noted that he was always professional and courteous to them. She also wanted the Board to know that she knew they had a difficult job and that she appreciated them for all of the work they did.

The visitors then left the Board room and the Board and Chief Drake went into closed session at 7:05PM.

The Board came out of closed session at 8:55 PM.

Ald. Wilson made the motion to remove the 6 month probationary status from Chief Drake. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Wilson, Kohley, Coe and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00PM. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Wilson and Coe voted aye with 0 nays.                               

October 4, 2016

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Alderman held a regular meeting Tuesday night October 4.2016 at 7:00 P.M.

Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Alice Kezar, Keith Kohley, Calvin Wilson and Roger Coe. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, Senior Chief Curt Drake, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb and Asst. City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Lois Kolb, Carol Coe and Rita Greene from the McDonald County Press and many others. (Please see attached list)

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

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on September 20, 2016. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on September 20, 2016. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye with zero nays.

The Board discussed the special meeting on September 26, 2016 and September 28, 2016. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the minutes from the special meeting on September 26, 2016 and September 28, 2016 Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye with zero nays.

The Mayor noted Helen Woodrum was not present to discuss her water bill. City Supervisor Brodie explained there was a leak from the meter to the house and it has been fixed. Ald. Wilson moved to average Helen Woodrum’s water bill in the amount of $82.65. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye with zero nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Tammie Davis to discuss adding a light at/near her residence of 220 W. Splitlog Ave. Ms. Davis explained she moved here five years ago and takes pride in her community. It is very dark at her house and there have been a lot of thefts in the area. She has passed her own driveway at night and is afraid of 911 is called, they might pass her driveway as well. Ms. Davis also asked for more community information on the website. The Board asked City Supervisor Brodie to look at it at night and to talk with Empire District to see if it is possible since it is a State highway.

The Mayor acknowledged Adam Murphey to discuss having a concession stand for the Holiday Express. Mr. Murphey asked to sell hot chocolate, coffee, funnel cakes and fried pies. He also asked that no other vendors be allowed to sell the same items and he would give 10% of his profit to the City. Mayor Richmond explained he was not sure if vendors were able to be involved and he would have to talk to Kansas City Southern and see if vendors were allowed.

The Mayor noted Chris Brodie was not present to discuss the softball league. The discussion was tabled.

The board discussed the request of John Bunch to remove the sanitation line item from his water bill. Asst. City Clerk McNorton explained that the office workers felt it was like having a phone in your home. Whether you get or make a call or not, your still pay to have the service to be available. She also stated there would be no way to let the sanitation company know not to pick up at this address and to pick up at that one. So, if they did for some reason put trash out, his workers will not be looking at addresses at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning and would pick it up. She also stated if the Board would like the line item removed, we can do it. We (the office workers) feel the Board should decide on a case by case basis as we do not want to be the ones who decide who gets charged and who doesn’t. Citizen Nathan Wagner stated he felt it should not be removed because when he was building his house, he had to pay for services that he was not using. Mr. Wagner doesn’t feel that it would be fair for Mr. Bunch’s trash service to be removed and he felt if it was removed it would be because of who the person is. Citizen Clyde Davidson stated that you can get a meter just for water if you didn’t want to be charged for sanitation. The discussion was tabled.

The Mayor opened the bids for the lighting replacement of the City Hall and the Police Station. The first bid was from L&M construction and Framing. To replace the lights with regular florescent lights, it will be $7825.00 and for LED lights it will be $9850.00. The second bid was from Gilliam Electric. To replace the lights with regular florescent lights, it will be $6700 and for LED lights it will be $9370.00. The third bid was from All Current Electric. To replace the lights with regular florescent lights, it will be $5360.00 and for LED lights; it will be $8054.36. A citizen commented that the lights could be changed out with different ballasts and bulbs and the lights would be four times brighter than they are now and cost thousands less than the bids received. The discussion was tabled.

Citizens Business- There were many citizens present to express their support for Chief Drake and it was asked by several citizens why the Board wanted to terminate him? The Mayor explained the Board held a closed meeting and in the open session of the meeting, the Board voted to ask for Chief Drake’s resignation. He then stated the Board had another meeting two days later and in the open session of that meeting, the Board voted to rescind their request for his resignation. The consensus from the citizens are they feel Chief Drake does a great job and has always helped them when they had an issue, whether they lived inside the City limits or not. There were several citizens who stated their dislike for Senior Officer Wynn and for the council members riding with the officers. It was asked if the Board members were covered by the insurance if something happened while they were riding with an officer. Mayor Richmond stated they were covered. The citizens felt the Board members should not be riding with the officers. Ald. Kezar explained she is only rides with the officers when a female is being transported.  It was asked if Chief Drake was present during any of the meetings. Mayor Richmond stated he was not present. Jennifer Drake asked the Board if they had notified Chief Drake if he was notified 10 days prior to having the first meeting? Mayor Richmond replied: I know the law you’re talking about and the Board voted in the open part of the first meeting to ask for his resignation. The Mayor stated he feels the Board did nothing wrong. The Board has set another meeting that will include Chief Drake, to discuss how to keep this situation from happening again.

Discuss old business: Mayor Richmond noted the Ozark Orchard Festival is this Saturday from 2:00 to 7:00 at the Ballpark. He noted there will be food, music, games, and announcements about events during the festival. He is hoping to get started on next year’s festival shortly after this one ends.

Discuss new business-There was no new business

Department Head Reports:

                                     Curt Drake-Stewart Asphalt was paving the parking lot across the street              

                                     and has some left over. They paved the front of the police station, enough                     

                                     for two vehicles to park on and ended up donating about thousand dollars

                                     in asphalt. He also noted cars have been moved inside the fence as

                                     requested.

                                     Denis Kolb- Nothing to report.                                    

                                    David Brodie- Took the Quit-Claim Deed down to County. We now own

                                    The rest of Pearl Street.

                                 Meghan Sexson- I will be getting the statements to be mailed at the end of

                                  the month and will need a check for that. I won’t know how much the check

                                  will need to be for until I get the statements.

                               Karla McNorton- Note the Insurance Property Valuation put in the packet for

                                                            review. Note top ten myths from MML in your packet.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

The Board discussed the bills from October 4, 2016 in the amount of $33, 363.66 including transfers.  Ald. Kezar made a motion to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $33, 363.66. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted aye, with 0 nays.

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

October 18, 2016

Regular Board Meeting

 

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night October 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Roger Coe and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Police Chief Curt Drake and Asst. City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Lois Kolb, Carol Coe, Raymond Mayfield, Shauna Landess, Joseph Lombardo, Carey O’Brien, Amanda Sowder, Kevin Keeney and Nathan Wagner.

  

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

 

The Board discussed the minutes from the public hearing on October 4, 2016.

Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the public hearing on October 4, 2016.

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

 

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on October 4, 2016.

Asst. City Clerk McNorton noted her computer had crashed and she had not yet printed the minutes

without the draft on it when it had crashed and she had to retype them. The wording is exactly the

same, it’s just not in the same location as the draft copy. She also noted she failed to get the Special

Meeting minutes put on the agenda to discuss and vote on, but I have provided each of you a copy

to be voted on. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the minutes from the meeting on October 4, 2016.

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

 

The Board discussed the open minutes from the Special Meeting October 13, 2016.

Ald. Kohley moved to approve the minutes from the meeting on October 13, 2016.

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

 

The Board discussed the demolition of Shauna Landess’s property at 108 W. Williams.

Shauna Landess explained to the Board she has been in the hospital on multiple occasions this year

and that her son is a licensed contractor and will be out of rehab on November 2^nd and we’re

planning to fix it and asked for more time. Ald. Wilson noted it has been in disrepair for 10 years.

Ald. Coe asked her how long she thought it would take to fix it and she replied: until her son looks at

it she really doesn’t know. She stated her son will come to the Board meeting after he looks at it and

inform the Board. The Board agreed to have her son come to the November 15^th meeting. The

discussion was tabled.

 

The Board discussed the removal of the Sanitation line item from John Bunch’s water bill.

Mayor Richmond noted it’s always been automatic on the bill. We can do it case by case if the

Board wants to. Nathan Wagner asked that the Board not do it on a case by case basis. He stated

He feels everyone should be treated the same way and trash could be put out and there would be no way to know. It was agreed to leave it for now.

 

 

The Mayor noted at the last meeting it was stated by a citizen that we could put in new ballasts and lights ourselves, it would be four times brighter and save thousands. He then noted that the City workers do not have a week or two worth of free time to spend replacing the lighting. It was discussed that City hall was built almost 30 years ago and nothing has really been done to it except painting the inside. If it’s going to be used for the next 20 years, we need to invest in repairs and maintenance. Mayor Richmond then read the bids for the lighting replacement of the City Hall and Police Station.

 

 They were as follows:

 

1. The first bid was from All Current Electric for regular florescent lighting, in the amount of $5360.96 and LED lighting in the amount of $ 8054.36.

 

2. The second bid was from Gilliam Electric for regular florescent lighting, in the amount of $ 6700.00 and LED lighting in the amount of $ 9370.00.

 

3. The third bid was from L&M Construction for regular florescent lighting, in the amount of $ 7825.00 and LED lighting in the amount of $9850.00.

 

The Board discussed if any of the bidders had done work for the City before. City Supervisor Brodie stated L&M Construction and Gilliam had, All Current had not, but seemed very professional when they came to look at what needed replaced. He also mentioned that Gilliam has done work for us before and one time spent a whole day trying to fix an issue and was not able to. Brodie asked them to send us a bill and they refused because they we’re unable to fix the problem. After a brief discussion Ald. Wilson moved to approve the lighting replacement for City Hall and the Police Station for Led lighting from Gilliam in the amount of $9370.00. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

 

The Board discussed the contract with the McDonald County Clerk’s office to print the City’s tax book and statements for 2016, in the amount of $600.00. Tax Collector Sexson noted it’s the same contract and the same amount as last year, so nothing has changed. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the signing of the contract with the McDonald County Clerk’s office to print the City’s tax book and statements for 2016, in the amount of $600.00.  Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Kohley Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

 

The Board discussed purchasing a new computer for City Hall. Mayor Richmond noted the City computer was 6 years old and got hacked. He also noted Keels Consulting had worked on it for several days and suggested a new computer should be considered. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to approve a new computer from Keels Consulting in the amount of $2360.00 Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Coe, Kohley Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

 

 

Citizens Business:

 

Ray Mayfield brought up the piece of property he owns behind the school and he wants to build

several small houses on the property and a courtyard in the middle. He wanted to know what steps

he needed to take as the building requirements he was given only show for a single home new

construction. Mayor Richmond explained that it is zoned residential single family and it would need to be re-zoned to probably an R-2, residential two family and suggested Ray should bring in  his plans for the property and would have to pay the fee to have it rezoned and have a public hearing after 60 days. He also stated Ray might consider building duplexes.

 

Ray also asked about burning the brush and possibly other items on the property. Asst. City Clerk

McNorton stated he can burn the brush on his property, but he is not able to burn any construction

materials.

 

Amanda Sowder who lives at 204 S. Whited stated that she lives beside Tiffany Overturf and Shauna Landess. She noted that their Dogs bark all the time and she has a two year old daughter and it makes it very difficult for her daughter to sleep. She also mentioned the trailer owned by Terry Engle has two dogs that are running loose and one is not being fed.  Chief Drake stated Tiffany has no pet licenses, 4 dogs and she will be getting several tickets.

 

Old business:

 

Mayor Richmond noted the festival was a success, we made more than we spent and we’re hoping to

make it bigger and better next year. He noted he had a meeting set for Thursday about what went

wrong and what went right. The meeting was changed to Tuesday the 25^th at 7:00 as the Goodman

Elementary is having the Bikes, Books and BBQ. He then brought up the Christmas Train and that

we need to start making plans. Curt mentioned having a meeting before the next regular meeting. He

also mentioned all his officers are available for the holiday express and we should get with Mike

Hall and we may need to hire more officers for the event as we want everyone to be safe.

Mayor Richmond suggested talking to other towns who have had the Holiday Express about what

they could’ve done differently.

 

New Business:

 

Kevin Keeney asked about a tornado shelter for the Goodman Elementary School since we had

mentioned it a few months ago. Mayor Richmond noted that they had discussed it while working on the Hazardous Mitigation plan and he needs to go to a School Board meeting and discuss it. Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb and Asst. Emergency Management Officer Keith Kohley stated they would like to go with him to talk to the School Board.

 

The Department heads gave the following reports:

 

                        Curt Drake- Nothing to report

 

                        Denis Kolb- Nothing to report

                         

                        Meghan Sexson-Nothing to report.

 

                        David Brodie- Looking for parts to the pump in the basement of the treatment

                        plant. The packing is leaking. He thinks it can be replaced and will be about $227.53.

                        He noted he will need a tool to replace it and it will cost about $20.00 to $30.00.

                        The Board agreed to have it fixed. He then mentioned that during budget meetings we

                        need to look at getting some streets repaired since the Street tax was passed. He stated

                        we needed  to figure out where to start and suggested B Ave. or School Street.

                        Karla McNorton – forgot to mention the $600.00 check for the Tax Books and

                        Statements you approved, the check is there to sign and will be on the next bill Sheet.                               

 

                        City Clerk Paula Brodie was present to thank the Board for working with her when she had a problem getting her supplemental insurance, she now has it straightened out and is giving her official notice that December 31^st is her last day. She made a recommendation that Karla be present during the interviews as she will be the one working with the new employee. Mayor Richmond asked that it be put back on

                        the website and Facebook and to have the applications back by November 1^st.                                         

 

The Board discussed the bills from October 18, 2016 in the amount of $25,169.07 including transfers.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills and transfers in the amount of $25,169.07.  Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

                                  

 

Ald. Kohley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.