Month: August 2018

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday August 21, 2018

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday August 21, 2018 at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Alice Kezar and Ron Johnson. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. Chief Joe David, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, City Attorney Duane Copper and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Kevin Keeney, Lois Kolb, Jared Mackall, Brandon Poindexter with Branco, Jim Cummings and Samantha Hamilton with the Neosho R-5 School District, Connie Letourneau, Misty Farmer, Roger and Carol Coe, John McNall, Greg Beckner, Linda Gill and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M,

The Board discussed the minutes from the Planning and Zoning meeting August 7, 2018. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the Planning and Zoning meeting minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye and Ald. Kohley abstained.

The Board discussed the minutes from the Public Hearing meeting August 7, 2018. Ald. Johnson moved to approve the Public Hearing minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from August 7, 2018. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the special meeting minutes August 13, 2018. Ald. Johnson moved to approve the special meeting minutes from August 13, 2018. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board acknowledged John and Misty Farmer to discuss variance for a 26×29 house with an area of 754 square feet and update the Board on the 108 W. Williams property. Misty asked the Board to consider granting a variance for a house that is 26’ by 29’ with square footage of 754 feet.

Misty informed the Board that Marcus had been there this afternoon and we are close. We have most everything exposed for him to look at and he doesn’t think that part is un-savable. It does have some areas where there are termites. It was asked if she and John would be able to save the back half of the house. Misty said Marcus seems to believe they can save the back. It was noted by Misty that they should have it completely gone through by the next meeting.

Misty then noted she had pretty much explained at the last meeting that she would be asking for a variance for putting in a smaller house at either 119 S. First Street or 112 W. Splitlog Ave. Misty will be renovating the home and adding a front porch to the house. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to approve the variance for John and Misty Farmer to put the smaller house on one of the two properties. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board acknowledged Linda Gill to discuss a second sign for her business. Linda informed the Board that she has spoken with the owner of the property Ross Bobbett and was given permission to put a sign 20”x24” on his property. After a discussion with the manager of the property about her maintain the area around where her sign would be and being told he maintains the grounds and would maintain that area as well, she was asked why she was not putting one on the 59 Hwy side and one on the Splitlog side. She explained she had only received permission for one sign. She is here asking the Board to allow her to have an additional sign. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed to allow Linda Gill to have an additional sign.

The Board Discussed deeding land to the Neosho R-5 School District. City Attorney Cooper noted that best we can tell is that a piece of land that the school has used for the last 100 years doesn’t seem to belong to them. It was discussed doing a quit claim deed for the piece of property. It was discussed that the piece of property is 60’ wide and runs from School St. to Whitmore. After additional discussion, Ald. Johnson moved approving the Mayor signing the quit claim deed for the land in question to the Neosho R-5 School District. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Unfinished business: Citizen Connie Letourneau stated she had been in here several times regarding the animals at large and wanted to know why the City hasn’t done anything. She noted she sees animals running loose on a daily basis. Connie then stated that City Clerk McNorton told her that she would have one of the guys come to her home and pick up a cat, take it somewhere and dump it and Connie wants the City Clerks resignation. She told the Board it is illegal to dump and animal and the clerk needed to resign. Connie then told the Board it was very inappropriate to have a council member’s wife come to her home. Connie claims it made her daughter very uncomfortable when the councilman’s wife asked her what was she going to do if the person you have a restraining order against enters her home. Connie noted that she told the wife she would kill him if he came to her home. Connie then noted the wife should not have come to her home. Ald. Johnson apologized that his wife had come to her residence without his knowledge. It was his understanding that she was not getting the results she was looking for. He noted he will not interfere with another citizens business in the future. Ms. Letourneau demanded to be put on the next agenda as she wants these issue resolved.

New business: Scott Brown told the Board that at the end of June and during the month of July, he had a leak that is now fixed. His last bill was 188.16 and this bill is 157.46. He has not paid this bill as he was coming to the meeting to ask for an average. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to average Scotts Brown’s water bill at $103.76 for two months. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Citizens business: Linda Gill complained about her neighbor’s tall grass that is now owned by a mortgage company. She has been mowing the grass as it has been an eye sore. Curt will try to find out who the mortgage company is and contact them to clean up the property. Linda also complained about the bushes that are around needing cut.

Department head reports:

Curt Drake: Curt noted that after the special meeting he felt the Board planned on giving Asst. Chief David a raise. Curt was wondering if the Board had thought any more about that. Ald. Wilson made a motion to raise Asst. Chief David from $12.50 to $13.00 an hour. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Curt then noted that he has an Ordinance that City Clerk McNorton got from Carterville and changed it to fit Godman. It is an Ordinance that requires the gas stations to require all gas be pre-paid before pumping.

He explained that Casey’s has a lot of drive-offs that can’t be solved as when they run the tags, they don’t come back to anyone. It was discussed why the City would want to put that ordinance in place as the City shouldn’t have to force them to do that, the corporate office should do that. It was explained by Curt that corporate will not do that. If the person behind the counter doesn’t run outside and try to get a license plate number, they are fired. That can be difficult when you are the only one working in the store at the time. After additional discussion, it was agreed to put it on the next agenda to discuss further.

Denis Kolb: Nothing to report.

David Brodie: David noted that he received a registration form Sigma. Chemical Spill Response Training is required by one of the City workers by the EPA and OSHA. He is asking to go to the training is Springfield on September 11, 2018 and attend the class. The Cost is $150.00 He will drive the truck up there in back the same day. Ald. Kohley moved to send David to the chemical spill class. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

David then noted the electric for the festival at the ballpark is done. He then asked about the insulation in the bandstand. Ald. Johnson noted that he wanted some foam board insulation put in to help with the reverberation.

Meghan Sexson: Meghan noted the Board had their July report.

Karla McNorton: Karla noted that she found out the cost of the sale for 122 N. School St. from Jennifer Weber and it will be $196.67 for the cost of the property, $27.00 to Jennifer Weber for recording of Collector’s deed and $27.00 to Kenny Underwood, the Recorder of Deeds. The total will be 250.67. I have the checks issued and you have probably already signed them. My question is, do you want me to bid more, if for some strange reason someone else bids higher? Jennifer did say she will let everyone know that $6469.18 is due at City before the bid starts. It was discussed that if someone doesn’t hear that $6469.18 is due to the City and bids, it will be three more years to wait. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to authorize City Clerk McNorton to bid up to $500.00 on the property if needed to purchase 122. N School St.

Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Also, The Missouri Courts are having a Court Management Institute January, March any May 2019 and January, March and May 2020. The program is comprised of 6 courses on three day increments. I am asking that you allow Dana to go to the class if she is chosen, as some of the dates are during the City Clerk week long training and I can’t do both. The City’s sole expense is travel and one night’s stay in the hotel. They will pay for the hotel for 2 nights, meals and cost of the courses, which they say it costs thousands of dollars to attend. The Board has to be committed to allowing her to attend all 6 classes. She will need do an essay and supply her resume and The City will need to fill out the application stating the Board is in full support of her attending all 6 classes. It is a scholarship. There are only 25 selected and she can take this anywhere as it is national. Karla noted she feels this is an amazing opportunity if she is selected. After a brief discussion, Ald. Kohley moved to allow Dana Cornwell to attend all 6 courses of the Court Management Institute. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson and Kohley voted aye, Ald. Kezar and Wilson abstained.

The Board then discussed the bills in the amount of $26,626.10 including transfers. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills in the amount of $26,626.10 including transfers. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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

Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting

August 7, 2018

Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Ron Johnson, Alice Kezar and Calvin Wilson. Also present were City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Greg Beckner, Keith Estes, Jared Mackall, Jerry Pierce, Ed Tuomala, Michael Richmond, Brandon Poindexter with Branco, Samantha Hamilton and Natalie McInturff with Goodman Elementary School.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and noted Ald. Kohley was not present

City Clerk McNorton handed out a folder with information to membership, terms, vacancy and removal and the map the citizens had went over at the last meeting with Nikki Hill. Mayor Richmond then noted it was time to establish the committee members for the Planning and Zoning Committee. Ald. Kezar moved to approve Greg Beckner, Keith Estes, Jared Mackall, Jerry Pierce, Ed Tuomala, Ron Johnson and Calvin Wilson as the members of the Planning and Zoning Committee. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Kezar, Johnson and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

It was noted the members will need to establish a board and it was suggested to do that at the next meeting. It was agreed to do that at the next meeting scheduled for September 12, 2018.

City Clerk McNorton noted the members were given a map they had completed at the last meeting. If you would, take it home and look over it and let know if everything is correct asap so we can have (if needed), have the corrected map by the next meeting.

Ald. Wilson moved to adjourn meeting at 6:40 P.M. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Kezar, Johnson and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday August 7, 2018

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday August 7, 2018 at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, Alice Kezar and Ron Johnson. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Police Chief Curt Drake, Asst. Chief Joe David, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Kevin Keeney, Lois Kolb, Jared Mackall, Sue Hamilton and Natalie McInturff With the Goodman Elementary, Brandon Poindexter with Branco, Paula Brodie, Michael Richmond, Connie Letourneau, Beulah and Michael Letts, John and Misty Farmer, Nick Myers, Keith Estes, Jerry Pierce, Ed Tuomala, Greg Beckner and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Board discussed the minutes from July 17, 2018. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the regular meeting minutes held on July 17, 2018. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged Beulah Letts to discuss averaging her water bill. Beulah explained she had a water leak and it is now fixed. (She brought proof of the bill showing where she had paid to have it fixed by Mace Maintenance.) She is asking that the Board average her bill to 176.84 with the 20%. Ald. Johnson moved to approve averaging Beulah Letts water bill to $176.84 with the 20%. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. Mayor Richmond noted that if she needed to pay that amount in several payments that would be ok.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged John and Misty Farmer to discuss a variance for 119 S. First St.

Misty noted that her and John have decided to hold off on the variance for 119 S. First St. John and Misty were looking at putting a house about 760 square feet on 119 S. First Street, if the Board approved the variance for the size of the house, however; they have now looked at the Kramburg property located at 112 W. Splitlog Ave. and are thinking about putting that house there if the Board approves the variance and they decide to purchase the property. They would move the trailer closest to Splitlog out and put in the house on that property. She should have all the paperwork in to the City by the next meeting and would like to talk about it more then and include a photo of the home.

Misty then noted that she had gotten with City Building Inspector Marcus Pratt on the property at 108 W. Williams and the front of the structure has to be removed and the back is probably salvageable, but Marcus can’t tell for sure because of the debris still in that area. John and Misty would like to be able to clean the back half up and have Marcus look at it. If it is salvageable, they would like to purchase the property and rebuild the front half of the home and repair the back. Misty and John are asking the Board to give them time to get the back half of the house cleaned and have Marcus come back over and let them know if it is salvageable. If it is, they intend to purchase the property, but are concerned because the condemnation is on hold and the Board could decide to go ahead with demolition and John and Misty have wasted their money. John and Misty are asking the Board, if Marcus says the back half is salvageable, The Board agree to stop the condemnation upon transfer of deed from Shauna Landess to Misty and John Farmer or their business Diamond Diggz.

Ald. Johnson moved to stop the condemnation of 108 W. Williams if Marcus approves the back half of the property is salvageable and proof of the transfer of deed is provided that it is in John and Misty Farmer or Diamond Diggz name. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged Eddie Figueroa from Kelly Miller Circus to discuss having two shows in Goodman October 15, 2018. Mr. Figueroa explained that he will need an area that can hold the event and it will be for the one evening of Monday October 15, 2018. There would be two shows. He explained they would need an area of 300’x300, accessible by large vehicles as they have three semis and one produces its own power. They will need one Potable running water source as some performers like to shower between shows and containers for trash. He explained that the Circus use to have animals, but they no longer have them due to animal rights activists. The Circus personal will bag the trash and load it into the dumpsters after the shows are over, as they want to be asked back the next year. He also explained he would need any permits or licenses required by local ordinance. He also noted that the circus has a one million dollar insurance policy and can add the organization to the policy for the day of the shows. Size of the crowd will depend on the amount of the tickets that are sold. They can hold up to 800 people, but usually get half to a quarter of that. Mayor Richmond noted that they would discuss it with the betterment club and the fire department and look at some numbers and get back to him.

Mayor Richmond acknowledged Nick Myers to report of the 2017 Audit: Nick noted that on pg. 1 and 2 are the report of the financial statements, auditor’s responsibility and opinion of the audit and there were no anomalies. City Clerk McNorton’s statements of the City’s financial numbers align with the numbers presented. Nick went over the general and business activities, the depreciation, long term liabilities and the positions of the current assets, which the City is in a good position on current items. Nick went over the bonds that were purchased and due to the water project and what is scheduled on them in the future. He went over capital assets. He showed the Board where the City started, sales and retirement and where it ended and went over internal controls. Nick went over the recommendations to the Board, which are segregation of duties. He noted he always mentions that. Fixed assets, removing the assets previously disposed of on the worksheet, setting up a depreciation schedule, which can be done in easy accounting along with setting up training on the entry of assets to the EasyAcct software depreciation module. Outstanding checks on bank reconciliations. He is suggesting they be removed or taken off after a year and voided or file them with the unclaimed property if the Missouri unclaimed property law apply. Backing up interfund reimbursements or transfers transaction entries and updating annually the EasyAcct software with the MO. Division of Employment rate for the next year. He thanked the Board and noted this is when the Board usually votes to approve the audit. Ald. Kohley moved to accept the 2017 Audit report. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Unfinished business: City Clerk McNorton noted that Trenton Thomas’s water bill did need to be averaged for the month of August and that amount is $112.02 with the 20% and that the Board had already agreed to average the bill at last month’s meeting when they voted to approve the first average.

New business: Brandon Poindexter from Branco brought the building plans for the Goodman Elementary and noted they plan to break ground on Monday August 13, 2018. Brandon then asked if the City would waive the building Permit fee. City Supervisor David Brodie noted that was done and voted on in a previous meeting.

It was discussed that the playground equipment at the school was going to be moved and used with the new facility, but after a second inspection from the insurance company, it will be destroyed and the equipment purchased by the school that is being used now at the temporary location will be moved to the Goodman Elementary school location. It was also noted that the busses will go in and out on Whitmore and the parent pickup and drop-off would be on School St. It was asked if a cross bar for the railroad track would be put in place. Brandon noted the busses will come in and exit to the North and will not be going over the track. It was also noted there will be an ICC 500 rated safe room in the facility that would be a community shelter. It will be approximately 5000 square feet and will be separate from the one used by the students if needed during school hours.

Citizens business: Connie Letourneau asked the Board to consider looking at the ordinance from the City if Carthage where animals are concerned as she does not feel our ordinance is effective. She feels the ordinance doesn’t work and people do not have animal licenses. She says there are animals running around and nothing gets done about it. She feels if the Board can’t do something about the ordinance, it needs to be removed. Mayor Richmond noted the Board would look at the ordinance and look at making improvements.

Department head reports:

Curt Drake- Curt noted that the mic kit, toggle switch and the cage have been installed in Dodge Charger and it was less than quoted of $500.00.

Curt then explained to the Board that Goodman is the third largest City and starts their officers at one of the lowest wages. He feels Joe does a good job, they work well together and he doesn’t want to lose him. Curt is asking the Board for a $2.00 an hour raise, bringing Joe up to $14.50 an hour, so that we are comparable to other cities. He noted that after doing the budget that we were in the black $63,000.00 if he remembers correctly and Joe’s raise would cost $4160.00 more a year. Mayor Richmond noted that $63,000.00 sounds like a lot, but in reality, it’s not. It’s not budgeted and we would need to do some financial studying. Mayor Richmond feels we should look at the City as a whole and align everyone, not just the police department. Joe noted he felt it was reasonable to look at the City as a whole.

Denis Kolb: Nothing to report.

David Brodie: Nothing to report.

Meghan Sexson: Informed the Board about the property at 122 N School St. and the ad for the tax sale ran last week and it will run this week and next.

Karla McNorton: You have your June financial Statement and the budget comparison and if the Board has any questions, let me know and I am happy answer them.

Mayor Richmond then noted he would like to have a closed meeting on August 14, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. and wanted to make sure all board members could attend. All Board members noted they could attend.

The Board then discussed the bills in the amount of $32,632.23 including transfers. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $32,632.23 including transfers. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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

Public hearing

August 7, 2018

Mayor Richmond called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM and noted the meeting was to set the 2018 TAX LEVY at 0.6861 per $100.00 valuation on Real Estate and Personal Property.

Mayor Richmond then opened the meeting for the Public Hearing. There were no comments.

Mayor Richmond then noted it was time to vote on the first reading of Bill # 2018-481 for Ordinance #2018-491. Mayor Richmond read the Ordinance in its entirety. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the first reading of Bill # 2018-481 for Ordinance #2018-491. Setting the 2018 Tax Levy. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar, Kohley and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Wilson moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:52. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kezar, Kohley, Johnson and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.