July 7, 2015, 2015
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday night July 7, 2015 at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Alice Kezar, Keith Kohley and Roger Coe. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Chief Curt Drake, Officet Adam Miller, Recreation Board Director Heith Lewis and City Clerk Paula Brodie. Also present were Rita Gortney, Jim McCullum, Meghan Sexson, Susan Sexson, Clay Sexson, Lois Kolb, Carol Coe, Carlton Lewis, Clyde Black, Colleen Tarpy, Marlet and Phyllis Howard and Rita Greene from the McDonald County Press.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
The Board discussed the minutes from the regular meeting on June 16, 2015. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the minutes from the meetings on June 16, 2015. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Wilson and Coe voted aye with 0 nays.
The Mayor acknowledged Rena Gortney and Heith Lewis. Ms. Gortney stated that there was no shade at the ballpark and she thought it would be nice to have some trees planted for shade. She said that she could get the trees donated and that some of the parents would volunteer to plant them. Heith stated that she had asked him and he suggested talking with the Board first. He said that he would recommend 4 to 6 trees be planted along the lane to the West of the fields. The Board discussed what kind of trees and Rena said she would see what kind she could get donated, David Brodie asked if it was possible not to plant maples. He noted that the roots grow above ground and are hard to mow under. He suggested pin oaks since their roots stayed underground and grew fast.
Heith reminded the Board that they had agreed to help pay for someone to run the concession stand if there were not enough proceeds to pay them. He stated that he had been able to pay them however it had depleted the Recreation Departments checking account. He asked if the Board would be willing to reimburse the Recreation Board $375.00 Ald. Wilson moved to approve giving the Recreation Department $375.00. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Wilson and Coe voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board discussed the open Tax Collectors position. The Mayor noted that the Board had received a letter of interest from Meghan Sexson. Megan Sexson was present to discuss the position. She noted that she had met with Dawn Bunch and that she and Dawn had gone over what the job entailed. She stated that she knew the computer programs that the City used and felt she could do the job. The Mayor informed her that if she got the position it would be an appointed position until April of 2016, when it would be up for a one year term during the municipal elections in April. He also stated that it would then revert back to a two year term. Ald. Kezar moved to appoint Meghan Sexson as tax Collector. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Coe, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
The Board discussed the following new business:
1. The Mayor noted that there had been damage done at the City Park next to City Hall. The Clerk noted that it was being handled by the Goodman Municipal Court and that the case had been continued to August 4, 2015. She noted that estimates for repairs where estimated at $2500.00. The Mayor asked if the Board would like to place a discussion in regards to the repairs needed on the next agenda. The Board agreed that they would discuss the situation, look at estimates and see if they wanted to go ahead and schedule the repairs, with reimbursements being paid later.
2. The Mayor noted that the Board had received the Energy Assessment reports completed by the Missouri Rural Water Association. Ald. Wilson stated that the report was very interesting.
3. The Mayor noted that the base radio in the front office had quit working. It was noted that Jim Morgan had lent the City a replacement radio. The Board agreed that they would look at estimates for a new one at the next Board Meeting.
4. The Mayor stated that the agenda reflected that the Goodman Full Gospel Church is going to use the ballpark Park on Wed. night July 14th. The Clerk stated that their plans where to hold Wednesday Night service at the park and do signups for vacation bible school.
It was noted that Harvey Reed‘s house at 128 E. Splitlog had a leak that was discovered during the reading of the meters. Mr. Reed has been in Mississippi and did not know it had leaked. He asked for his water/sewer bill to be averaged and had stated that he had hired a plumber to fix the leak. Ald. Wilson moved to average his water and sewer bill.Coe voted aye with 0 nays.
The Mayor acknowledged Jim McCollum. Mr. McCollum stated that he was concerned about the riff/raff that hang out at the ballpark. He also stated he was very concerned about the park being rented out. He noted that over the 4th of July weekend that park had been rented out for a baseball tournament. He stated that the games went on until after 3:00AM and that the ball field lights were on all night. He also stated that there were a lot of fireworks, bottle rockets and such shot off on Friday and Saturday. The Mayor stated that the Board had approved the ball tournament. He said that the Board had understood that the games where only to be on Saturday and would be the playoff games only. He stated that he understood that they had gotten rained out in Joplin and so they came down to Goodman earlier than expected. The Mayor stated that no one approved or disapproved the fireworks to be shot off in the park. Chief Curt Drake stated that the organization itself had tried to get them to stop but could not get the participants to quit. He noted that the organizers of the games had stated that the fireworks had caused problems with the games and the surrounding area. The Mayor stated he would not be adverse to keep people from shooting off fireworks in the ball park, but it would have to be put on the agenda and also the City Code would have to be changed.
The Mayor stated that there had been a larger group then the Board had expected and that it was held on the 4th of July had added to the bad situation.
The Mayor acknowledged Ms. Phyllis Howard. She asked if there was a curfew for the use of the ballpark lights. She stated that the lights had been on all night. She also said that there was a lot of debris and balls in her yard. She stated that there had been people in her yard several times. She said it had been very unsettling.
David stated he felt that this past weekend was a learning experience. He stated that he felt that the Organization that sponsored the ball tournament should have provided their own security and rented port-a-johns. He noted that the people who organized the event were unable to control the situation.
Mr. Clyde Black suggested purchasing a motion camera with cover for around $200.00. He said that way the Board would have proof of what went on.
Heith asked if there was a curfew for the lights. He understood that the lights were supposed to be off at 11:00 PM. The Board agreed that they should be off no later than 11:00 PM.
Mrs. Howard asked if it was true that the ballpark was going to rented out by the same people in August. The Mayor stated that it was going to be rented out by the Rehobson family for an Annual event they hold in memory of Kernel Rehobson. He stated that it was usually more family and people from this area. He asked the Clerk to contact a representative from the Rehobson family and request them to be at the next Board meeting. He said that the Board would pass on the conversation from tonight’s meeting and get more specific information prior to selling the permit to rent the ballpark for the August weekend. The Board agreed that they would like to visit with them prior to approving the rental of the park.
Heith stated that he wanted to complement David Brodie and David Sarratt for their work around the ballpark this year. He said that their help was very much appreciated.
Ald. Kohley asked about cleaning up brush around town especially on the corner of Douglas and Whited. David said they would try to get to it as soon as they can.
The Department heads gave the following reports:
Curt Drake-Stated that Adam Miller had completed his 90 day probation. He asked the Board to approve his completing his probationary period and move him to Officer and give him his promised raise of $.50 cents an hour. Ald. Wilson moved to remove him from probation to full time, with a $.50 cent an hour raise. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Kezar, Wilson and Coe voted aye with 0 nays.
Curt asked the Board to allow him to order two Stream Light flashlights at the cost of $165.00 apiece. He stated that the lights are like what they had had in the past however this are halogen bulbs and guaranteed to work longer. He noted that he would like to aske for three so that one could stay at the police department and traded out with the ones from the cars when they need charged. Ald. Kohley asked for some printed information and prices to be presented to the Board at the next meeting. The Board agreed to place the request on the next agenda.
Denis Kolb- had nothing to report.
David Brodie- reported that the toilets in the restrooms at the ball park need to be repaired or replaced. He stated that it was not because of the past weekend event. He noted that they had been repaired and reworked over and over and needed to be reworked from the floor up. He suggested hiring someone to do the job. David noted that there were several contractors who had City License’s and he asked the Boards permission to contact some of them to give the Board a quote on the repairs. The Board agreed to have David ask for bills for the repairs. David noted that he has been using both blowers at the treatment plant since it had gotten hot. He stated he was still trying to figure out why the change from needing one blower to two. He also noted that he was still researching prices for a replacement pump and would try to get that information to the Board by the next meeting.
Ald. Kohley asked David to spray for mosquitoes again. David said as soon as it quit raining and David Sarratt gets back from vacation they would spray.
Paula Brodie – Note that the City Wide Sale is August 1 and signups are being taken now.
The Board discussed the bills including transfers in the amount of $18,239.12. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills including transfers in the amount of $18239.12. Ald. Coe seconded. Ald. Coe, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.
Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Wilson, Kohley, Coe and Kezar voted aye with 0 nays.