The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Tuesday night May 1, 2012 at 7:00 PM. Those present included Alderpersons Keith Kohley, Calvin Wilson, Kristen Lett and Bill Hess. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, City Clerk Paula Brodie, Chief of Police Tom West, Officer Curt Drake, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson, Tax Collector Dawn Bunch and Dens Kolb Emergency Management Director. Guests included Lois Kolb, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Hill from Kurm Radio, Crystal Vaughan and JR Fisher. Mayor Richmond was not present.
The Acting President Lett called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on April 17, 2012. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Hess, Wilson and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on April 23, 2012. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Kohley, Hess, Wilson and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on April 26, 2012. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Wilson and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board discussed Bill # 2012-430 for Ordinance # 2012-440, the revised Budget for 2012
Acting President Lett read by title only for the first reading of Bill # 2012-430 for Ordinance #2012-440.
Ald. Kohley moved to approve the first reading of Bill # 2012-430 for Ordinance #2012-440. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Wilson, Kohley, Hess and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
Acting President Lett read by title only for the second reading of Bill # 2012-430 for Ordinance #2012-440.
Ald. Wilson moved to approve the second reading of Bill # 2012-430 for Ordinance #2012-440. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Lett, Wilson and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.
The Clerk noted that the only changes to the budget were the employee’s raises and moving the Capital Addition from the Recreation Department back to General Fund. It was also noted that the bill was read two times during this meeting as the raises went into effect on April 16th, 2012.
The Board discussed starting condemnation proceedings of 122 N. School Street. David noted that he and city building inspector William Mosby had inspected the house and Mr. Mosby had told him to tell the board that the house needed to be condemned. Ald. Wilson made the motion to start the condemnation proceedings. Ald Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Wilson, Hess and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
Department heads gave the following reports:
Tom West- Chief of Police Tom West gave the Board a list of prices for a replacement patrol car to replace the white Crown Victoria. Prices were from Joe Watts, Vinita Ok.. He also gave the Board a list of prices from Capitol Chrysler Jeep, who has the Missouri State Contract. He said that the Chrysler contract was for a new 2012 4WD ½ ton Crew Cab, 4 door Dodge Ram Pickup for $20,377.00. He noted that the new vehicles would include a warranty were the vehicles from Joe Watts are rebuilt wreck cars. Tom recommended purchasing the new versus the used because of the warranty. Ald. Lett asked why they would want a pickup. Tom said that the Highway Patrol is going to pickups because the Crown Victoria’s are not being made anymore. Crystal Vaughan asked where the money was going to come from in the budget. It was noted that there was nothing set aside for capital additions in the 2012 budget, but the Board could use General Fund CD’s or left over funds in the General Fund from 2011 as they did for the ballpark lights. Ald. Wilson stated that the cars that Joe Watts has are all rebuilt wrecked vehicles. Tom said he would like to see the Board purchase the pickup. Ald. Lett stated that she felt the Board should think about it until the next meeting. It was suggested that the insurance should be looked into before purchasing a different vehicle. Clyde Davidson said it might be good for one Board Member and the Mayor look at the proposals and suggest which would be best to purchase. The Board agreed to table until the next meeting.
Tom said that the officers would need to qualify at the gun range this year. He asked the Board to allow him to purchase ammunition for them to practice and to qualify. Curt said that he had looked up prices on the internet and he thought $300.00 would cover the costs. Ald. Wilson moved to allow Tom to purchase ammunition for $300.00. Ald Kohley seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Lett and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
David Brodie –asked the Board to allow him to purchase mosquitoes spray to spray around the town. He said he is had enough to spray the next time but would need more after that. He said it took 2 and ½ gallons per spraying and that the cost was $256.00 per case which is a 5 gallon container. Ald. Wilson moved to allow the purchase of 5 gallons of mosquitoes spray. Ald. Hess second. Ald. Hess, Kohley, Lett and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
David noted that to cut the tree down on Ozark Trail near Mrs. Wilson’s house is going to cost the City $300.00. He said Scott Mitchell is scheduling to get it cut down.
Denis Kolb- had no report
Dawn Bunch – nothing other than her monthly report.
Paula Brodie – Noted the notices for Junk/Salvage/Inoperable Cars Etc. in the Boards packet. She asked them if it was OK to use the notices. She said Tom or the City Employees would be placing them at residences around town. She was asked to keep a list of any addresses that the notices are placed.
- Noted report from Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council Meeting. She read the paragraph from Bruce Hively from USDA Rural Development.
- Asked the Board how they wanted to handle mowing of properties that have gone into foreclosure. She noted that the charge to mow could be added as a tax lien on each property. Crystal Vaughan stated she hated to see the cost added to the tax lien because whoever buys the residence would have to pay the expense. The clerk noted that she had been receiving complaints from other citizens and that she did not think it would be fair for all of the other tax payers to pay for the mowing of properties that have been abandoned. It was noted that most of the properties have taxes owed on them, so anyone purchasing the properties would know what they were paying before doing so.
- David noted that the city of Joplin is charging $150.00 for each mowing. The city would not be mowing properties that have people living in the houses. Those owners will still be responsible and tickets will be given to those who do not keep their properties mowed.
- Clyde Davidson said that the Board should set a range to charge varying on the size of the lots. David was asked to contact the City of Joplin to see how they charge. There was discussion on whether the City will hire someone to do the mowing or have the city employees mow the properties. The Board tabled for further discussion at the next meeting
The Board discussed the following old business:
1. Note that the Board is holding interviews of applicants on May 4, 2012 at 6:00PM, under RSMO. 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.
Tom asked if the Board was going to have speed bumps placed on Janice Street near the park. David said that he did not think it was a good idea. He said it would make snow plowing difficult; the streets are already in bad shape, and adding speed bumps would not help. Ald. Lett stated that the police needed to patrol more.
Mr. Hensly from 118 Garner Street asked if the Board could supply dirt to help him divert water runoff that is eroding his driveway. He said it started from when the water project was done. Acting President Lett said the Board might want to look at it first before committing to fixing the problem. The Board agreed to look at the situation before making any decision.
Clyde reported that the Recreation Board had purchased the digger, which works well. He noted that nine of the lights that were installed have bad ballasts in them. He said he believed they probably went bad during storage but that they were going to cost $200.00 each to repair. He said Mr. Helm has given the Recreation Board a price on repairing the lights for around $1,000.00. He stated that the Recreation Board might need help with the Sam’s Club bill until they start making money from the concession stand. He said once they start making money they can pay their bills. Ald. Wilson moved to help the Recreation Board with any shortages. Ald Kohley seconded. Ald. Wilson, Lett, Kohley and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board discussed the following new business:
Ald. Wilson stated that he had received a phone call from a citizen regarding the tearing down of the chicken houses owned by the Christerson’s. He said that the citizen told him that the trash and insulation is flying around and getting on other peoples properties. The Clerk noted that the city hall had received a complaint in the past and that she had contacted Mrs. Christerson about the complaint and that she immediately took care of the problem. The Board asked Paula to contact Mrs. Christerson telling her of the problem and asking her to talk with her contractors about keeping picked up as they tear down the chicken houses.
Acting President Lett acknowledged JR. Fisher who stated that he is concerned about the break-ins around town. He said that he has been broken into three times, and one of the items stolen was a gun. Chief West told him about a new law that he believed was recently passed by the state legislature. Chief West stated that he believed it read that if someone was breaking into your home or business you are allowed to protect your properties. Chief West also stated that every town and county in the area have had break-ins. He said that all of the law enforcement agencies are working on finding out who is breaking into the houses and businesses. He said they are working on following up leads and trying to find out who it is. It was asked if the Police Department change up shifts. Chief West stated that they have tried to do that but that it has not helped. Acting President Lett asked Chief West to go ahead and try changing shifts. Chief West stated that Mr. Fisher’s gun is in the computer nation wide as being stolen.
Clyde Davidson suggested that by word of mouth neighbors could watch out for neighbor’s properties within a neighborhood.
Acting President Lett acknowledged Kyle Hill from Kurm Radio who stated that he had looked up the Missouri State Statute that Chief West was commenting on. He said it was RSMO 563.041, use of physical force in defense of property. He proceeded to read the statute to the Board.
David suggested the Board not give out legal advice, suggesting citizens should inquire of an attorney as to what is legal or not in regard to the protection of their properties.
David told the Board that the Community Building had been broken into too and needed a new door. The Board suggested him contact Drew Sarratt for an estimate to install an iron door like he had at the ballpark.
Acting President Lett acknowledged Dawn Bunch who informed the Board that a Bright Futures group was being organized in Goodman. She stated that the group worked to help with the needs of school children, helping to motivate them to stay in school and to help their families. She said that they were hosting a movie night at the Goodman School on Saturday evening at 6:00 PM. She said the movie, hotdogs, popcorn and pop were all free. She said they were hosting the meeting to get information out to the public on the Bright Futures group. She noted that there is a group in Neosho.
The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $9,339.66 including transfers. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the bills in the amount of $9,339.66. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Wilson, Lett, Kohley and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.
Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Wilson, Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.
__________________________
Greg Richmond, Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk
Approved: ____________________
Date: ________________