March 17, 2015

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night March 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Bill Hess and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Chief of Police Curt Drake and City Clerk Paula Brodie. Also present were Heath Lewis, Roger and Carol Coe, Leroy Coe, J.R. Fisher, Jesse James and Rita Greene from the McDonald County Dispatch.  

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

The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on March 3, 2015.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the meetings on March 3, 2015. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with Ald. Kohley abstaining because he was absent from the meeting.

The Board discussed the minutes from the special closed meeting on March 3, 2015.  Ald. Hess moved to approve the minutes from the special meeting on March 3, 2015. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with Ald. Kohley abstaining because he was absent from the meeting.

The following Citizen business was addressed:

Heath Lewis was acknowledged by the Mayor. He stated that he had asked other recreation departments how they handle the running of their concession stands. He stated two of the towns do a 50/50 split with the persons running the concession stand, one pays them $8.00 an hour and one pays $10.00 an hour. He said he had made inquiries of some of the churches and no one was willing to operate the concession stand. He said that his daughter and son-in-law had agreed to run it and maintain the bathrooms for the recreation board. He stated that they would be paid out of the concession stand proceeds. He stated that they had agreed to $750.00 for the baseball season. The Board was concerned that they would not make enough from the concession stand and they discussed paying them out of the left over Recreation Board Directors wages. Ald. Kohley moved to pay them out of the Recreation Board budget if they failed to be compensated enough from the proceeds of the concession stand. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the following old business.

Ald. Wilson stated he had noted that the Little Free Library had the door torn off of it. Ald. Hess asked how much it would cost to set up a security camera on the end of the City Hall.  The Mayor stated that he would look into some prices and quality of pictures.                                               

                                    1. The Mayor read by title only the second reading of Bill#2015-461 for Ordinance #2015-471 adopting and enacting a new code of Ordinances (Legislative updates and codes from 2014). Ald. Wilson moved to approve the second reading of Bill# 3015-461 for Ordinance #2015.471. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Hess and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

                                    2. The Board discussed moving Zack Adamson from reserve status to part-time so that he could work a 10 hour shift every other weekend, when there is no other officer on duty.  Chief Drake stated that they could use his capital addition budget to pay Officer Adamson. He noted that the capital additions he was going to purchase would be purchased through grant funds they were applying for. The Board agreed that it would be a good idea so the Citizens would have more police presence in the community.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve moving Zack Adamson from reserve status to part time officer. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Hess and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. The Mayor noted that beginning and part time officers were paid $10.00 an hour.

                                    3. The Board discussed Resolution Number 2015-0001 setting up new procedures for operating the outdoor sirens. Ald. Kohley moved to approve resolution number 2015-0001. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Kohley Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the following new business:

It was noted that the Clerks had received a request to average the water bill at 132 E. Splitlog Ave. The Mayor noted that the bill was in the name of Reality Executives Tri-States. David noted that the house had been empty for several years, that the reality company had hired someone to check the house out and that person had installed a new shut of valve and during the cold weather the shut of valve had frozen and busted. David stated that they had met with the repair man and that he had repaired the broken line. It was noted that the house was empty and there was no water usage history. Karla had averaged a bill using a minimum water bill and using the new formula the Board had decided on for averaging high water bills.  Ald. Wilson moved to average the bill in the amount of $241.56 Ald. Kezar seconded.  Ald. Kohley, Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Department heads gave the following reports:

Curt Drake- none

Denis Kolb-.asked about having Blue Valley look into a timing device to put on the tornado siren so that it would run for 3 minutes, rest for 3 minutes and then run again. The Clerk reported that Bryan the technician from Blue Valley suggested that if a timing device was needed to have it installed at 911.

David Brodie- reported that he had a quote from Pathfinders to repair or replace the blower. The replacement cost is $6,536.00 or repair cost of $2,614.00. He stated that the technician had sad there was some rust in the blower but they felt the blower would be able to be repaired. David stated that this would be a standby blower. His recommendation was to have it rebuilt. Ald. Kohley moved to repair the blower at a cost of $2,614. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

-noted that he and David had patch a large hole in the street on ‘B’ Ave.

 -stated that depending on how much of the ballpark mowing they would be doing they needed to decide on what kind of mower to purchase. He noted that the city’s mower was on its last leg. He said that they had budgeted $3,000.00 for a new one however he felt that they would need to but a better mower to handle the ballpark mowing. The Board asked him to get them prices and suggestions of what mower to purchase.

Dawn Bunch – was not present

Paula Brodie –ask the Board if they wanted to attend a meeting hosted by HSTCC on behalf of Missouri Community Betterment with speakers from several state and federal agencies discussing projects and prospective funding sources. The Board agreed that if they were unable to attend, Paula should attend and bring the information back to them.

The Board discussed the bills including transfers in the amount of $46,082.65.  Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $46,082.65.  Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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

March 3, 2015

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night March 3, 2015 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Bill Hess and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Attorney Duane Cooper, City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Chief of Police Curt Drake, Tax Collector Dawn Bunch and City Clerk Paula Brodie. Guests included Rick Hendricks from Empire District Electric, Roger and Carol Coe, J.R. Fisher, Jesse James and Rita Greene from the McDonald County Dispatch. Ald. Kohley was not present.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00PM and noted that the Board had held a closed session at 6:30PM. He then announced that during the closed session the board had voted unanimously to reimburse people who had property outside the City Limits but were charged City of Goodman franchise and sales tax on their Empire District electric bills. He said that there were 7 people who had been charged the taxes in the amount of $3,119.70. He stated that City Attorney Duane Cooper had been present during the closed session and had agreed with the Board on paying back all of the taxes that were collected incorrectly by Empire District Electric.

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on February 17, 2015. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 17, 2015.  Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Citizens business:

The Board discussed the following old business:                                                                  

The Board discussed the second reading of Bill#2015-459 for Ord. #2015-469 approving the renewing of the Empire District Franchise agreement.

The Mayor read the second reading of Bill#2015-459 for Ord#2015-469 by title only. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the second reading of Bill#2015-459 for Ord#2015-469.  Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Wilson, Hess and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.                                                           

The Board discussed the second reading of Bill#2015-460 for Ord. # 2015-470 approving the Municipal Electric Service Agreement with Empire District Electric.

The Mayor read the second reading of Bill#2015-460 for Ord#2015-470 by title only. Ald. Hess moved to approve the first reading of Bill#2015-460 for Ord#2015-470.  Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed placing $1,000.00 into an account for each employee to reimburse them for any or all of the $1,000.00 deductible on their health insurance. The Clerk noted that she had talked with Patty from Nick Myers office and she had said that Nick did not think there would be a problem setting up an account for that reason, but he wanted her to check with Beimdiek the City’s Health Insurance agent. She noted that she had talked with Lori from Beimdiek and she had not gotten back with her yet. Ald. Hess asked if the City would have to report that as a benefit to the employee. The Clerk stated that was one of the things Beimdiek is looking into. The Board tabled until the next meeting.

The Board discussed the following new business:

The Board discussed  the first reading of Bill#2015-461 for Ordinance #2015-471 Adopting and enacting a new code of Ordinances (Legislative updates and codes from 2014).

The Mayor read the first reading of Bill#2015-461 for Ord#2015-471 by title only. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the first reading of Bill#2015-461 for Ord#2015-471.  Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Wilson, Hess and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.                         

Department head reports:

Curt Drake-.Curt gave the Board his monthly reports from January and February. Curt stated due to health reasons and the weather the department was a little behind but it should pick up in the next few months.

                  – Curt asked the Board if he could fill out an application for a $10,000.00 grant of which the city would have to pay $1,000.00 match. He said that he would like to apply for a grant to purchase Tasers, a repeater and body cameras. He reported that Duane had said there were pro’s and con’s to the use of body camera’s but he was agreeable to the use of Tasers. He said before the Tasers were purchased he would draw up a new procedures policy regarding the use of Tasers. He asked the Board to approve his filing the application and approval for the department to use Tasers. He stated that the Tasers would be around $1,000.00 a piece and the body cameras are about $500.00 each. He stated that they would need some extra batteries and tapes for the cameras. He stated he was one main concern of using the camera was once they were used the recordings could be classified as open records for anyone to view. He noted that he was looking into the pros and cons of using the camera’s and what would be classified a closed record

Ald. Wilson stated that he thought it would be for Curt to apply for the Grant  since the City’s match would only be $1,000.00. Ald. Wilson moved to approve Officer Cagle filling out the application for the Grant for $10,000.00. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. Curt noted that if they were awarded the grant the $1,000.00 would come out of 2016’s budget.

Curt noted that he had $3,000.00 in capital additions that he would like to use to hire Zack Adamson to work one 10 hour shift on the weekends Bill is off. He said Zack was will to work for $8.00 an hour but it was noted that the City had already been paying him $10.00 an hour. The Mayor stated that the Board had agreed to pay him $10.00 an hour in the past.  Curt stated that Zack was doing a good job. Ald. Wilson stated that he didn’t see any problem with it as long as he did not work the same shifts as Curt and Bill. The Board tabled further discussion for the next meeting.

Curt noted that the Ford Expedition and the Dodge Ram had both been worked on.  He noted that he had done some damage to the truck during the snow and ice, ripping off the step. He said while having it replaced he had the oil changed on it.

Mayor Richmond thanked the Police department for their help at Andrew Hunte’s Funeral Saturday.

Denis Kolb-. Stated that he and the Mayor had agreed to accept a new standard operating procedure for the activation of warning sirens that was prepared by an Integrated Warning Team, which members consists of Meteorologists, Emergency Management Directors and Fire Chiefs from Springfield, Joplin and Branson. He noted that it was to standardize across the Ozarks the procedures for activating warning sirens. The Mayor stated that he understood it was so where ever someone travels in the Ozark area the sirens would be activated the same way in all towns and counties.  It was noted that most of the Counties were on board with the new procedures and several of the Cities in the area were implementing them.

David Brodie-noted that he had taken a blower to Kansas City to see what is wrong with it and he had called the City of Anderson to bring there router up to help clean out a 6” line on Garner Street. He stated that the line handles the sewage from Terry Street. He said that when the weather gets better they needed to strip out the sewer line and repair it. He noted that the sewer line was very old and probably shouldn’t have been installed the way it was.

Dawn Bunch –report was in the Board Packets.

Paula Brodie –Noted that Region M Solid Waste Management District is having an annual meeting. She noted that the City was a member of region M and that Region M is part of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council. The Mayor stated that he would try to attend.

                      -noted that she has been attending the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council meetings representing the City. She stated that recently she had been asked to be a Board Member of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council.

The Board discussed the bills including transfers in the amount of $24,266.42.  Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $24,266.42.  Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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

February 3, 2015

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night February 3 2015 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Bill Hess, Keith Kohley and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Chief of Police Curt Drake Dawn Bunch, Tax Collector and City Clerk Paula Brodie. Guests included Rita Green, Lois Kolb and Clyde Davidson.

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

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on January 20, 2015.  Ald. Wilson noted that there was an error in the minutes. He noted that the last paragraph stated that “he (Calvin) and shown him” and it should have read “Calvin had shown him”. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes with the noted correction from the regular meeting on January 20, 2015.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Wilson and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.

Citizens business:

Clyde Davidson was present to discuss the Recreation Board Director’s position. He said that he had talked with past Recreation Board Directors and that they had stated that running the ball program from March to July is not a big problem. He stated that from July to the end of the year they do not want to be responsible for renting out the park or the mowing. He said they discussed the possibility of getting someone to volunteer to run the ball program and use the money designated for the Recreation Board Director to pay someone to mow the ball park. Clyde stated that it takes about 9 ½ hours to mow the whole park if you stay at it. He said he felt that a Recreation Board Director could be found if the City would be responsible for approving the ball park use after the regular ball season and just require the Recreation Board Director to organize and run the Ball Program. He noted that they had also discussed hiring someone to run the concession stand being paid. He noted that other City’s hire someone to run the concession stand, using half of the income to pay the concession stand people and the other half going to the Recreation Department to help pay expenses. He noted that he thought that the City of Anderson had in their budget to buy equipment at the beginning of the season. Clyde asked the Board if they wanted him to see if he could get the people he had been talking with to come to the next Board meeting for a discussion regarding the duties of the Recreation Board Director and possible changes to who would be responsible for the mowing and concession stand.  The Mayor agreed that Clyde invite the people he had been talking with to the next meeting. The Board agreed to table further discussion until the next meeting.

Under old business the Board was told that the new City Hall and Municipal Court direction signs are in and David is in the processes of putting them up.

Under new business the Board discussed:

                                    1.  It was noted by the Mayor that the Board had failed to increase the Commercial minimum water rates when they had increased the residential rates. He noted that the Board needed to vote on the first reading of Bill# 2015-458 for Ord. #2015-468 increasing the Commercial minimum water rate by $1.00.

The Mayor read Bill#2015-458 for Ord#2015-468 for the first reading by title only. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the first reading of Bill#2015-458 for Ord#2015-468.  Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Wilson and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

Department head reports were as follows:

Curt Drake -.noted that he had purchased new color printer that the Board had approved and that he had checked on the list of people that had received letters to clean up their properties. He noted that he would be issuing tickets to those who had not complied.

Denis Kolb- had nothing to report but Keith Kohley stated that when you sign into the Emergency Management Wi-Fi it does not ask for a password anymore. It was noted that the router may have gone out. He stated that they could get on the internet but it was not secure anymore because it did not ask for a password. Curt said he would look at it and if they could not figure out what was wrong with it the Clerk was asked to call Michael Keels to see if he could look into what is wrong with it.

David Brodie- noted that he had ordered pulleys to increase the rpm’s of the blowers. He stated that it would cost about $300.00 to increase the rpm’s of the motor which might help the blowers work better.

                       – stated that the manhole by the pallet mill is repaired. He noted that the cost was $254.00 for lid and ring.

                       – stated that after the last Board meeting he had called Lyerla to see if they could find out what was wrong with the furnace in the garage.  He said the repairman said that the regulator was stopped up. He said that the guy recommended not using copper tubing anymore, but he had repaired it.

Ald. Wilson asked how the plant was doing.  David stated that they were able to get it to run efficiently with one blower. He stated that he would feel better after getting the ammonia test results back new week.  He said the report would tell him whether or not the ammonia is being controlled with one blower. He also noted that David Sarratt had hauled sludge all week and that they were caught back up on hauling it.

Dawn Bunch – stated that she had nothing to add to her report that the Board had received in their packets.

Paula Brodie -noted that copies of the ordinances from Empire District Company to renew the Franchise Agreement and the Municipal Electric Service Agreement where in the packets. She stated that Rick Hendricks from Empire District will be in the meeting on Feb. 17, 2015 to answer any questions.

It was also noted that the inspector from the Department of Agriculture was there today to inspect the dog pound and paper work. It was noted that the Pound passed inspection.

The Board discussed the bills including transfers in the amount of $19,539.26.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $19539.26. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Kezar, Kohley, Wilson and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

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

January 20, 2015

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night January 20 2015 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Bill Hess, Keith Kohley and Alice Kezar. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Officer Bill Cagle and City Clerk Paula Brodie. Guests included Rita Green from the McDonald County Press and Lois Kolb.

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

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6, 2015. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6, 2015.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kezar, Wilson, Hess and Kohley voted aye with 0 nays.

Citizen Business: none

The Board discussed the following old business.

1.  The Board discussed the Recreation Board Directors Position. (Note that McDonald County Press will be running a special feature story about the City looking for someone to take on the position) in this week’s paper. Ald. Wilson asked what would happen if there were no people to sign up for Recreation Board Directors position. Ald. Hess said he guessed the kids who were interested in playing would have to sign on with another town. The Board agreed to table further discussion until the next meeting to let the article run in the paper, to see if someone would show interest in the position.

2.  The Board discussed purchasing an extra back up “Book”, at th ecost $120.00. The Clerk stated that if they purchased one the could take one to the deposit box at the bank weekly. Ald. Hess moved to purchase the backup “Book” for $120.00. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

3.  The clerk noted that the signs are completed but not picked up yet.

The Board discussed the following new business:                      

                               1.  Noted that the cost to run the City’s 6 month Financial Statement in the McDonald County Press is $522.75.  This is a requirement from State Statutes.

The Department heads gave the following reports:

Curt Drake-.not present, Officer Bill Cagle had nothing.

Denis Kolb-. Keith Kohley stated that a scheduled storm spotter class will be held on Monday Feb 23^rd at 6:30PM at the Pineville Community building.  

David Brodie- noted both clarifiers are on line, and only one blower is running at a time, which will help on the electric bill. Discussed purchasing a larger motor to help the blowers put out more air into the clarifiers. He noted that the diffusers are helping.

                     -reported that the manhole north of the Sawmill on `B’ Ave had been busted and would need a new ring and lid. He stated the he wanted to look into a stronger grade of material.  He also reported that Calvin and shown him that there was a problem with the furnace in the garage. Ald. Wilson moved to allow David to order the manhole ring and lid for up to $1,000.00 Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Hess and Ald. Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. The Board discussed whether or not to talk with someone at the Sawmill to see if their trucks could turn in off of C Highway. David said he would see about the manhole first.

Ald. Wilson stated that he wanted to thank David and David regarding their diligence on keeping the City’s treatment plant up. He stated that they kept it maintained in good working order which relieves the Board from having to worry about whether the treatment plant is in compliance with the permit. He noted that he had been reading about another city in the area that had not kept their plant in compliance and was now in a lot of trouble. The Mayor stated that he agreed with Ald. Wilson on his remarks.

Dawn Bunch –Not present.

Paula Brodie-noted that it is time for her to register for her annual City Clerk Conference scheduled March 8^th-March 12^th.  She noted that once she has finished this conference she will be able to apply for her Missouri Professional City Clerk designation from the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Association. She stated that this was the highest designation that the organization awards.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve her attendance at the Conference from March 8^th to March 12t5h. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Hess, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

                        -noted that at Curt’s request letters were written for those in violation of the City Junk and Trash Code. She noted that the Board had received copies of the letters in their packets. She noted that Curt hasn’t checked yet as the people had until the 18^th to clean up and he has been out because of medical reason. He will be back to work on Thursday and will be able to check then.

The Board discussed the bills including transfers in the amount of $24,364.39.  Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $24,364.39. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Hess, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Wilson seconded.  Ald. Wilson, Hess, Kezar and Kohley voted aye with 0 nays .                                                                                                                                                           __________________________

Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest: _____________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk                                                 Approved: ____________________

    Date: ________________________