Regular Meeting
Monday, March 18, 2019 7:00 PM
Council Room
895 Frisco Street
Steelville, Missouri 65565
Mayor Michael Keen brought meeting to order and led us with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Bennett gave a word of Prayer.
Those present; Mayor Michael Keen, Aldermen Terry Beckham, Bill Bennett, Alderwomen Sharon Hubbard, Amanda Sherrill (absent), City Superintendent Jason Evans, Office Supervisor Roben Griggs, Police Chief Michael Sherman, City Clerk Sandra Richter, Tamra Cape, Rosella Roberts, Harry Martin Jr, and Amy England with the press.
Sharon Hubbard makes motion to approve agenda, Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Terry Beckham makes motion to approve regular meeting minutes for March 4, 2019, Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Terry Beckham explained need for raising water rates to allow upgrades to our system, and to reach minimum requirements of state to be eligible for grants. He and Roben Griggs will go over packet information to refine numbers and try to have ready for next meeting.
Michael Sherman presented suggested increases of fees for dog pound. Rates are well under adjoining towns. After some discussion of fees, Bill Bennett makes motion to send information to Brooks Kenagy to update, Sharon Hubbard seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Rosella Roberts of Steelville Arts Council appeared asking for a new business license for Heartland Arts Gallery & Gift Shop, located at 303 W Main Street. Sharon Hubbard makes motion to allow new business license, Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Roben Griggs presented payables of $183,099.37. Terry Beckham makes motion to pay payables, Sharon Hubbard seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Griggs advised that auditor gave permission to close DRA account since project is complete and there is no money in account. Sharon Hubbard makes motion to close DRA account, Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carries.
Chief Michael Sherman gave update for his department currently 122 reports this year, compared to 111 last year. His department closed down some state offices this past week due to a threat against local law enforcement. Subject apprehended in Sullivan and brought back here for questioning, and currently incarcerated for charges.
City Superintendent Jason Evans advised power factor for electric is 100%. Jason applied for $50,000 wastewater grant that would be helpful in getting mechanical bar screen placed in treatment plant. He hopes to replace some streets soon that do not require replacement of water lines. Jim Chambers and Marc Mabe will complete water certification in two weeks and that will put City with four certified operators. The AA standpipe production is down 30%, which may be in the wiring, but pump will need pulled to determine. Jason explained that Robert Hicks questioned while the pump’s pulled if City should replace, since 12 years old, which cost would be $20,000 to $30,000. He plans to start Gridley project replacing 1200 feet of galvanized line when finished reading meters. Jason would like to move all his departments, except the electric department that would use current shed, to the back of building. Jason advised that he and his crew would do the construction. He will get information together to present to Council.
Sharon Hubbard advised that she and Terry Beckham met to go over pool applications and ready to schedule closed session to go over with Council. Discussion of March 22, 2019 for closed meeting. Mayor Keen will check calendar and send out time. Jason Evans and crew replaced rotten wood, and sealed roof on schoolhouse at Hoppe Spring to be ready for Laura Ingalls Wilder in April. Terry Beckham advised wind tore down sign at Jonas Museum and needs replaced. There is money labeled for Jonas to use for repairs that would not require going out for bid so he will contact Miles to repair sign. Mayor Keen questioned if Darlene Setzer plans to take care of Jonas this year. Terry Beckham had spoken with her and she would like to run it this summer. Terry Beckham makes motion to hire Darlene Setzer to take care of museum for summer at same rate and hours, Sharon Hubbard seconds, all in favor, motion carries. Jason advised that Jim Haffer would be painting at Jonas soon.
Bill Bennett would like to ride around with Jason Evans to get his opinion regarding some tree limbs and ditch line that he questioned a couple of years ago. Jason Evans reported some areas on West High Street and Hawthorne have sunk in and they are getting ready to do some repairs. Mayor Keen suggest taking down stop sign at South First and Main to help with people coming out of one-way street. He asked Chief Sherman to check into and come up with suggestion to stop individuals coming out wrong way.
Sandra Richter shared February User report was incomplete due to Sherri needing City readings.
Next meeting scheduled for April 1, at 7:00 pm.
With nothing more to discuss, Terry Beckham makes motion to adjourn at 7:48 p.m., Bill Bennett seconds, all in favor, motion carried.