Regular Meeting
Monday, October 21, 2024 7:00 PM
Council Room
895 Frisco Street
Steelville, Missouri 65565
Mayor Terry Beckham brought meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jason Ward gave a word of Prayer.
Those Present: Mayor Terry Beckham, Aldermen Jason Ward, Bill Bennett, Curtis Crouch, Lula Patterson, Comptroller Roben Griggs, City Superintendent Jason Evans, Police Chief Michael Sherman, City Clerk Sandra Richter, Jeremiah Ward, Harry Martin, Virginia Frick, Ike Lovan, James Hayes, and Amy England with the press.
Bill Bennett makes motion to approve agenda, Jason Ward seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Curtis Crouch makes motion to accept regular meeting minutes for September 16, 2024, Jason Ward seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Mayor Beckham informed that the date was incorrect on agenda for minutes, they were from October 7, 2024. Jason Ward makes motion to approve minutes for October 7, 2024, Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business: Virgina Frick with Steelville Tourism Committee in attendance asking Council to waive fees for vendors participating in their Witches Night Out scheduled for October 25, 2024. She shared that Heartland Arts will offer hayrides for the event. Jason Ward makes motion to waive fees for their event, Lula Patterson seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Chief Sherman suggested having a vehicle drive behind the hayride for safety.
Jason Ward shared that his understanding on previous pay scale was that anyone above the 8.8% COLA would stay where they were, and those that were not at the 8.8% would be brought up. He crunched some numbers and is still seeing some discrepancies. Curtis Crouch suggested to table it for the next meeting so it can be looked over. Chief Sherman questioned how long this responsibility had been sitting on everyone’s plate. Mayor Beckham responded that it can be made effective whenever they want. Jason Ward questioned if it will be retroactive, which Curtis Crouch stated they will rework and come up with something that works for everyone. Jason Ward questioned the treasurer pay going from $1,200.00 to $4,000.00, that when personnel committee met with mayor it was discussed that the collector position was kicked from $4,000.00 to $1,200.00 with the understanding that it would go back at some point. He does not have a problem with both positions being brought up to $4,000.00 if Council agrees those 2 positions are comparable.
Planning and Zoning: None.
Roben Griggs shared payables of $303,363.97. Jason Ward makes motion to pay payables of $303,363.97, Curtis Crouch seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Chief Sherman informed Council that he spoke with Mr. Young regarding trailer and car on lot at 401 West Main Street, and he said they will be removed by October 31. He reported that Pumpkin Village is canceled this year due to lack of vendors, however he spoke with a representative with the school and they will hold event together next year at the park. Chief Sherman invited everyone to their benefit basketball on November 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Steelville Middle School gym. All proceeds go to their shop with a cop program. He advised that his department served the letter for camper located on Church Street, which is being remedied.
Jason Evans shared the person from camper on Church Street plans to move into the house that sits behind it, which is falling in, so he suggested condemning the house. He stated that condemning is a costly and lengthy process, and there are probably a dozen houses around town that could be condemned. He questioned if this house is a starting point. Curtis Crouch suggested adding the house to the paperwork that the city attorney has for the camper. Evans stated that he mentioned to Council about a month ago about a diversion valve that went out at the treatment plant. The bid they received to replace was $28,000.00 so they are going to replace it themselves. He will keep Council updated on project. Evans advised there is $30,000.00 budgeted for a load of poles, and $15,000.00 for transformers so Ryan Curtis would like to get items ordered before the first of the year. Curtis Crouch makes motion to go ahead with the purchases, Jason Ward seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Parks: Ike Lovan in attendance on behalf of the Parks Panel to share notes from their meeting on October 8. He spoke with Bill Bennett and Bob Bell in regards to extending Greenway Trail and they are in agreement for trail to go on their property, then join on the north side of Main Street going up to cross street, then behind First Baptist following the Yadkin Creek, to Hoppe Spring Park. Park Panel will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Steelville Fire House.
Streets: None.
Sandra Richter shared user report for September as electric sold 91%, water sold 43%, and the city water usage 5%.
Public Comment: Harry Martin questioned Chief Sherman about who is living in a tent on the property across from him on First Street. Chief Sherman advised it is the owner of the property. Martin would like something done about it, which Chief explained that if we do not want people living in tents then Council needs to make an ordinance stating that.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room.
With nothing more to discuss Lula Patterson makes motion to adjourn at 8:02 p.m., Jason Ward seconds, all in favor, motion carries.