Author: wpadmin

The Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Tuesday night February 28, 2012 at 6:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Keith Kohley, Kristin Lett and Bill Hess. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, City Clerk Paula Brodie, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson and Recreation Board Director Stewart Pace. Guests included Crystal Vaughan and J.R. Fisher.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

The Board discussed with Stewart Pace and Clyde Davidson the funding for the installation of the new lights at the ballpark. The bid that the Recreation Board had received was from Master Electric Inc. in the amount of $15,070.00.The Mayor stated that he was concerned because the city has a competitive bidding requirement for projects over $1500.00. Clyde stated that they had talked to other electricians but no one else seemed interested in the job. The Mayor stated that it could have been because the installing of the ballpark lights was done by very selective electricians, so there might not be anyone else interested. Stewart noted that the bid they did receive was from a company that had installed ballpark lights around the county.

Clyde noted that there was a time constraint as ball season begins the first of May. Stewart said he would like to see the project finished by the 1^st of April. He noted that there was a work day scheduled for Saturday March 3, 2012.

After discussion the Recreation Board agreed to call some other electricians for quotes. Clyde asked if the Board would go ahead and approve the amount for the bid so that if they did not receive any other bids they would know that they had a certain dollar amount to work with. Clyde stated that they had received other bids but they were considerably higher. The Mayor stated that it would be good if they could get more bids, even if they just received verbal quotes. He stated that he fully believed that the bid was probably the best bid but he needed to make sure that the Board was aware that there was a code in the Code Book about the requirement for competitive bidding.

The Board discussed where the funds should come from to pay for the installation. It was noted that the Board had budgeted $10,000.00 for capital improvements for the Recreation Department for the installation of the lights. The Board discussed using another $5,000.00 from the General Fund 2012 budget or using carry over funds from 2011 in the General Fund checking account. The Clerk noted that Patty from Nick Myers office said that it would be OK to use the carry over funds, as long as they had minutes reflecting that they were using the left over funds from 2011. She also stated that the audit for 2012 will reflect that 2012 General Fund Budget was in the red but with a copy of the minutes reflecting the use of the 2011 funds the Audit would show the General Fund ended the year in the black.

Ald. Lett moved to approve the $15,070.00 expenditure for ball park lights and installation with the funds being taken out of the carry over funds in the General Fund Account from 2011. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Lett and Hess voted aye with 0 nay votes.

Stewart noted that the ballpark concession stand had been broken into again. He told the board that he would like to look into a security camera system for the ballpark. The Board agreed to place the item on the next agenda for the March 6, 2012 Board Meeting.

The Mayor noted that the next item on the agenda was to discuss employee raises.

Ald. Lett stated that David Sarratt had only received a $1.00 raise over the last 5 years. She stated that she would like to see him get a raise.

The Board discussed the employee’s benefits which includes the health insurance. It was noted that the employees do not pay anything for their health insurance but they do pay a deductible and they pay for their life insurance. The Clerk noted that if the Board is thinking about requiring the employees to pay part of their insurance premium would that not cancel out what raise the employee would receive.

Clyde stated that the city does have good quality employees and they should receive compensation. He said that the board should realize that the expense would be an ongoing expense, not a onetime budget item. He stated that he did appreciate the employees and would like to see the Board give them a raise if possible.

Crystal Vaughan asked if the Board did employee evaluations. She suggested that the Board should do an evaluation of the city employees.

Clyde said that it would be hard for the Board to do an evaluation, as they do not actually know what jobs the employees do. Ald. Lett stated it would still be the Boards responsibility to do the evaluations.

The Clerk noted that two of the city’s funds had an ending balance on the 2012 budget of less than $200.00.

The Board decided to have the Clerk call other 4^th class cities to see what their pay scales are and what benefits they pay their employees.

Greg stated that the Board’s job was to do what is right for the city and part of their responsibility was to take care of the City’s employees.

The Board decided to table any decisions until the next regular meeting

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn the meeting. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Kohley, Lett and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

                                                                                                  __________________________

                                                                                                 Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

 

                                                                              Approved: ____________________

                                                                                               Date: ________________

 

 

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Tuesday night February 21, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Keith Kohley, Kristin Lett and Bill Hess. Also present were City Clerk Paula Brodie, Chief of Police Tom West, Tax Collector Dawn Bunch, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson, Recreation Board Director Stewart Pace and Denis Kolb Emergency Management Director. Guests included Fred Sexson, Crystal Vaughan, Calvin Wilson, Lois Kolb, J.R. Fisher and Joyce Haynes.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

The Mayor acknowledged Calvin Wilson who asked if the position of acting president was the correct title for Ald. Lett when Mayor Richmond was absent. The Clerk noted that the term is from the City’s Code Book.

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on February 7, 2012. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Fred Sexson who asked the Board to average the sewer part of his utility bill at his rental property at 104 S. Ozark Trail because there had been a leak. He also asked if he could wait to pay the averaged bill after the 3^rd of March. Ald. Lett moved to approve averaging Mr. Sexson’s utility bill at $70.36 and give him until the 3^rd of March to pay it. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Lett, and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Crystal Vaughan who stated that there are a number of people driving around town with improper vehicle registrations. She stated that she understood that once a person moved into Missouri they had 30 days to change their registration. It was noted that if a person owns property in another state they can register their vehicles in that state even though they live in Missouri. The Mayor stated that he would talk with Chief West and Officer Drake about her complaint. She noted that she had asked the Board over a month ago to look into the situation. The Mayor apologized and stated that he had failed to talk with them about it but would do so this time.

Judge Davidson stated that he understood that if someone maintains land or a home in another state they can register their vehicles in that state while living in Missouri. 

 The Mayor acknowledged Stewart Pace and Clyde Davidson to discuss the installation of the new lights at the ballpark. Stewart gave the Board a quote from Master Electric Inc. It was in the amount of $10,470.00 to mount, and wire 28 owner provided fixtures on existing poles, using the existing service. An additional $4,600.00 would be required to relocate, and replace the existing services with new equipment. Stewart stated that the lights on that are on the poles now will be removed by volunteers at a work day on March 3^rd. Ald. Lett stated she was concerned whether or not the City’s insurance would cover the volunteers. Clyde Davidson said that the recreation department carries insurance through the ball association which might cover the volunteers.  

It was noted that the Board had budgeted the Recreation Department $10,000.00 for capital additions. The Board discussed cashing in the General Fund CD to pay the difference on the costs of installing the lights. Stewart stated that ball season was going to begin on May 1^st so a decision would need to be made as quickly as possible to get the work completed in time for ball season. The Board decided to hold a budget meeting on February 28, 2012 at 6:00pm to discuss the request and to discuss employee raises.

Stewart noted that he had talked with the bank regarding taking off the past signers on the Recreation Departments checking account and adding new ones. He said that the bank said that the Board should approve the minutes from the recreation board meeting that reflected the removal of the old signers and the addition of the new signers. The Clerk noted that Stewart had talked with her about the change and the banks concerns that the Recreation Department is running under the city’s number but that the signers would be different than the ones on the City’s corporate resolution filed with the bank.  She stated that she had talked with Mindy from the bank and she had said that the Board should go ahead and vote to approve the Recreation Board’s minutes and if there was any problems Mindy was to let her know. The Clerk noted that she was also concerned about the Board allowing other Recreation Departments to use the City’s sales tax number. Clyde stated that the Board had agreed last year to allow Rocky Comfort to use the City’s sales tax number for a grant that they had applied for from Wal-Mart, with the understanding that the Goodman Recreation Department would receive half of the grant. He noted that the grant funds were used for the ball program.

 Ald. Lett moved to approve the minutes from the Recreation Board meeting on February 8, 2012 that removed old checks signers and approved Michael Wasson, Darren Carpenter, Stewart Pace, Michael Hobbs and Clyde Davidson as the new check signers on the Recreation Department’s checking account. Ald. Kohley seconded the motion. Ald. Hess, Kohley, and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

Stewart also informed the board that he is looking into the cost of a surveillance camera to be installed at the ball park because of the vandalism that occurs there.

The Board discussed Bill # 2012-428 for Ordinance# 2012-438 repealing Section L from Section 230.03 in the City Code. 

The Mayor read Bill# 2012-428 for Ordinance #2012-438 for the first reading. Ald. Lett moved to approve the first reading of Bill # 2012-428 for Ordinance #2012-438. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Lett and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

 The Department heads gave the following reports:

Tom West- Ald Lett moved to approve Chief Wests attending his Missouri Federation of Police Chiefs Spring Conference. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays

David Brodie was not present.

Denis Kolb-   Noted that the McDonald County Emergency Management Department was holding a Storm Spotter Training at McDonald County High School on March 9, 2012 at 6:30pm. 

Dawn Bunch – no report.

Paula Brodie – noted that the Board received copies of the January Financial Statements in their packets.  The Board noted that they had received them.

                                              – noted that the Board had received a letter from Rural  Development regarding the year-end financial report. She noted that the letter from Bruce Hively once again had suggested the Board to consider a water rate increase  to keep up with inflationary or replacement costs.

The Board discussed the following new business:

Clyde Davidson asked if the Board was putting anything aside on future replacement and repairs of the treatment plant. He suggested that the Board discuss setting some long term goals.       

The Board discussed the bills for February 21, 2012 for $14,021.90 including transfers. Ald. Lett moved to approve the bills in the amount of $14,021.90. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Lett, Hess and Kohley voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

                                                                                                  __________________________

                                                                                                 Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

                                                                                 Approved: ____________________

                                                                                               Date: ________________

 

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Tuesday night February 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Aldermen Kristin Lett, Keith Kohley and Bill Hess. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, City Clerk Paula Brodie, Chief of Police Tom West, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson and Denis Kolb Emergency Management Director. Guests included Crystal Vaughan, Brook Henson, Steve Wimpey, Lois Kolb, J.R. Fisher, Calvin Wilson, Jesse Ruby, Daniel Davidson and Greg Hammon.

Mayor Richmond was not present. It was noted that the Board did have a quorum as three aldermen were present.

Acting President Lett called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on January 17, 2012. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Lett stated that the minutes reflected the name Kay Dinolfo and that she did not know who that was. The Clerk stated that Kay Dinolfo was the lady who had sent the email to the Tax Collector that was mentioned in the minutes. Ald. Kohley, Hess and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed filling the open Northward Alderman position. Ald Kohley stated that he would like to just leave the position open since the election was at the beginning of April. He stated that as Ald. Hess said in the last meeting he would not like for the citizens to think that the Board was partial to one candidate over any of the others.  

There was discussion from the audience regarding how the Board could fill the position. Some agreed that the Board should appoint someone who had already been on the Board; some thought that the Board should have interested people sign up at the city hall before the next Board meeting; others thought that the Board should not pick any of the official candidates, and some felt that wasn’t fair either. Other points made were does the Board have to appoint someone; can the Board function with only Three Aldermen; was there a problem leaving the position open and what were the qualifications to be an Alderman.

After the discussion the Board first agreed to let interested people sign up before the next meeting and then after further discussion they agreed to leave the position open until the April election.

The Board discussed the need to appoint an additional check signer. Ald. Kohley moved to approve Ald. Hess as check signer. Acting President Lett seconded. Ald. Kohley and Acting President Lett voted aye with Ald. Hess abstaining.

Acting President Lett acknowledged Brook Henson regarding his contract which is up on March 3, 2012. Mr. Henson stated that his three (3) year contract would be up the first of March. He said that there would be no price increase and that he would like the Board to renew his contract. Steve Wimpey and several of the other citizens present thanked Mr. Henson for doing a wonderful job.  Ald. Hess moved to approve renewing the 3 year contract. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald Hess, Kohley, and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

Acting President Lett stated that the Board needed to discuss Chapter 230: Solid Waste Section 230.030 Section L. The Clerk noted that the board had received a complaint about the trash truck running during the middle of the night. She noted that while researching the complaint she had discovered that the ordinance does states that the trash in town cannot be picked up between 9:00pm and 7:00am.

Brook Henson stated that back when they started hauling trash in the 80’s they would start picking up around 4:00AM. He said the problem with starting that late put the trash truck on the street during the time that the kids are going to school, the busses are running and there is a lot more traffic. He said that he had been scared one time because a child had ran out to his trash truck one morning and that he was afraid the child could have been injured. He said that he decided to start hauling earlier to keep anyone from being hurt. He asked the Board to remove the hours that he is allowed to haul from the city ordinance.

Acting President asked the Board if they would like to remove section L. Ald. Hess moved to eliminate Section L from the City Code. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Clerk noted that the City’s 6 month financial statement needs to be published in the paper per Missouri State Statutes. She noted that she had received a bid from the McDonald County Press in the amount of $438.60 and from the Neosho Daily News in the amount of $866.25.

Ald. Kohley moved to accept the bid from McDonald County Press in the amount of $438.60. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed renewing the city’s health insurance from Anthem effective March 15, 2012. The Clerk noted that the health insurance had increased by 2.9% this year. She noted that the increase last year had been 24.3% and that the Board had changed the city’s policy to one were the employees pay a higher deductible and co-pays. She stated that the cost to each fund would be General Fund $681.24, Water $201.62, Sewer $201.62 and Street $201.62. All increases would be the complete amount for the rest of the 10 months of 2012.

Ald. Hess moved to renew the City’s health insurance with Anthem.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley,   Hess, and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed whether or not to join Harry S Truman Coordinating Council.

Ald. Hess moved to approve renewing the membership with Harry S Truman Coordinating Council in the amount of $374.40.  Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Kohley, Ald. Lett and Ald. Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed a request from Raymond Grassold to average his water bill. David reported that Mr. Grassold did have a broken water line, but that it had been fixed. His bill was $161.97 but would be $49.21 if the Board averaged it. Ald. Hess moved to average Mr. Grassold’s bill. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

      The Department heads gave the following reports:

Tom West- reported that he had completed the racial profiling report.

David Brodie- Empire is replacing poles.

Denis Kolb- .  No reports.

Dawn Bunch –  report in packet.

Paula Brodie –  noted that the Board received copies of the yearly reports to the Missouri State Auditor, and Rural Development in their packets. Any questions?                

There was no old business discussed.                                                         

The Board discussed the following new business:

JR Fisher stated that he understood that an Alderman had been telling people that he is running illegally for the Alderman position on the Southward. Ald Kohley stated that per the Missouri State Statutes an Aldermen must reside in the ward he is running for and that he did not think that Mr. Fisher resided on the Southward. Mr. Fisher asked him if he had checked with the MML. Ald Kohley said he did not care what the MML said; he was stating the Missouri State Statute.

Acting President Lett asked if Crystal Nix had been evaluated and received her promised pay raise. It was noted that Crystal did receive her increase after her 90 day probation was approved. Acting President Lett stated that the Board had discussed pay raises for the other employees but that they had never made any decisions during budget discussions. She said she would like for the Board to consider going over the budget to see if they could give raises. The Board agreed to place on the agenda for next meeting to decide on a date for a special meeting to go over the 2012 Budget.

Crystal Vaughan asked if there was a law that said something to the effect that if a board member misses more than three meetings they could be removed. The Clerk noted that in the past there was a Statute that was if a member missed three meetings they could be removed, but that she thought that law had been changed. She noted that the Board with or without the Mayor could remove an alderperson or the Mayor for cause. She noted that the person that was being removed had to be given the opportunity to address the Board and give reasons why they should not be removed.     

The Board discussed the bills for February 7, 2012 for $38,706.65 including transfers. Ald. Kohley moved to approve the bills in the amount of $38,706.65.  Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Kohley, Hess and Lett voted aye 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Kohley and Lett voted aye with 0 nays. 

                                                                                                 __________________________

                                                                                                Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

 

                                                                                  Approved: ____________________

                                                                                               Date: ________________

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Tuesday night January 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons JR Fisher, Keith Kohley, Kristin Lett and Bill Hess. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, City Clerk Paula Brodie, Asst. City Clerk Crystal Nix, Chief of Police Tom West, Tax Collector Dawn Bunch and Denis Kolb Emergency Management Director. Guests included Harry Rogers, from the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council of Governments, Jimmie Morgan and Marshal Long from the Goodman Fire Department, Crystal Vaughan, Adam Wimpey, Amanda Wimpey, Jesse Ruby, Lois Kolb and Joyce Haynes.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on January 3, 2012. Ald. Fisher moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Lett seconded. Ald. Fisher, Lett, Kohley and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Harry Rogers from Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council. Mr. Rogers informed the Board of how and why the Council was formed. He gave the Board information regarding how they help the surrounding communities with grant applications and economic planning. He noted that they had recently helped the City complete their Hazardous Mitigation Plan required by FEMA and SEMA. He invited the Board to attend their meetings, the next one being held at 11:30am on January 25, 2012 in their office in Carl Junction.

The Mayor stated that Timberly Condreay had come to the meeting before it started to tell him that she had other plans and could not stay for the meeting. The Mayor noted that he did ask her if she would be able to get the city a correct mailing address for the owner of the property at 117 First Street. The Mayor stated that Ms. Condreay would have it within the next week or two.

The Mayor opened the bids in response to the advertisement for a Certified Public Accountant to compile the 2011 City Audit. It was noted that the board had only received one bid which was from Nick Myers, CPA. The Mayor read his bid which was $8,000.00 to $8,300.00, half to be paid on acceptance of his bid and then the rest to be paid after Mr. Myers presents the 2011 Audit to the Board.Ald. Kohley moved to accept the bid from Nick Myers. Ald. Lett seconded.  Ald. Kohley, Fisher, Lett and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

Dawn Bunch asked how much Mr. Myers original bid was. The clerk reported that his original bid was $7,925.00 to $8150.00.

     The following reports were made by the department heads:

Tom West- reported that he had completed his UCR report. The Mayor noted that he had talked to Curt about the white car. He said the car needed to be maintenance. Tom stated that he had an appointment with Dan for the next day for the white car.

Denis Kolb- had nothing to report.

David Brodie-had nothing to report.

Dawn Bunch – told the Board that she had cut back her hours as she has in the past years as the taxes will come in slowly from now on.  She asked the Mayor if she could address the board. She stated that she knew that the board refers back to past minutes when they receive questions about the ordinances or procedures. She said that there was a statement reported on in the last minutes of which she would like to report her findings regarding the statement. She stated that she had contacted the Secretary of State office by email and received a reply from Kay Dinolfo from the election division regarding whether or not an individual that owns an LLC within the city is required to pay the city real and personal property taxes on the LLC in order to run for an elected position. Dawn noted that Ms. Dinolfo’s reply referred her to RSMO 71.005 and Section 115.346. Dawn then read from the email that “there is no other tax related qualification that I (Dinolfo) know of but that you (Dawn) may want to check with the city’s attorney for additional advice”. Dawn also mentioned that she had talked with Stuart Haynes from MML and he said basically the same thing, and suggested to her if there were any more questions to contact the city’s attorney. She stated that neither agency told her that the owner of an LLC didn’t have to pay their city taxes.

Paula Brodie-    Asked the Board if there were any questions on the December Financial Statements. Ald. Lett stated that she thought that the board would start voting on accepting the financial statements at the beginning of the New Year when all of the accounts would be reverted back to a zero balance. The Clerk stated that she was not asking the board to vote on whether or not they agree with the figures, but note in a meeting that they had received the financial statements and had looked them over. The Board decided to wait to vote on the financial statement starting with January’s business.

Announced that Clyde Davidson had signed up for the Municipal Judges position, Calvin Wilson, Crystal Vaughan and Jesse Ruby had signed up for the Northward Alderman’s position and Keith Kohley and JR Fisher had signed up for the Southward Alderman’s position. She stated that she had questioned Mr. Fisher about signing up for the Southward as he lives in the Northward. She said that Mr. Fisher had told her that he was in the process of moving to the Southward and that he had talked with Richard Sheets from MML who told him it was OK for him to sign up for the Southward. She stated that she and Ald. Fisher called MML and talked with Stuart Haynes who said that if Ald. Fisher declared that his residence was now on the Southward he could sign up for the Southward Alderman position but he would need to resign as Northward Aldermen as he was admitting to moving to the Southward. Ald. Fisher stated that he had said that he was in transition and that the Clerk, not Mr. Haynes had brought up whether or not he could remain as Northward Alderman. The Clerk read RSMO 79.070, “No person shall be an alderman unless he or she is at least twenty-one years of age, a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant and resident of the city for one year next preceding his or her election, and a resident, at the time he or she files and during the time he or she serves, of the ward from which he or she is elected”. The Clerk stated that Stuart Haynes had said that Mr. Fisher could not hold the Northward Position and sign up for the Southward at the same time. Ald. Fisher stated that he had planned to resign at the end of the meeting. The Clerk stated that she was concerned about any of the motions Ald. Fisher had made during the meeting as he had admitted that he was now on the Southward.

Mayor Richmond stated that Ald. Fisher should have resigned at the beginning of the meeting so that there would be no questions on the motions and votes made by Ald. Fisher.

There was much discussion back and forth between the citizens and the Board regarding filling Ald. Fisher’s position until the election in April. Some of the Citizens and Board members felt it would be OK to appoint one of the two candidates that were present in the meeting, some of the Citizens felt that it would not be fair as one of the people who signed up was not present and would therefore not be considered. Ald. Hess was concerned that it would give the appearance that the Board had a preference for one of the candidates over the others. Mayor Richmond stated that it would not hurt the Board to run the city with only three Board members for the next three weeks until the next meeting. The Mayor stated he felt that to be above board and open they should wait to appoint someone until the next meeting. After listening to other comments from the Citizens present the Mayor stated that he did not think they should give the seat to any one of the candidates during the present meeting, but would be willing to consider appointing one of them at the next meeting.

The Mayor asked for a motion to accept the resignation from Ald. Fisher. Ald. Kohley made the motion to accept JR Fishers resignation. Ald Hess seconded. Ald Hess, Kohley and Letts voted aye, with 0 nay votes.

The following old business was discussed:

David stated that the compressor has been fixed and he had purchased the new one too.                                                   

The following new business was discussed:      

Crystal Vaughan asked how come there were some people driving around with expired tags did not receive tickets. She stated she paid her taxes but she was concerned about why they got away with it and others don’t. The Mayor stated he did not know but would have Tom look into it.

Adam Wimpey asked why the black car was not being used since the white car is having mechanical trouble. It was noted that the police department does have another car which is used occasionally, but it is not outfitted with the necessary equipment needed to use as a patrol car.  Mr. Wimpey also suggested that both officers use the Black Expedition patrol car. Chief West stated there are times when both officers are on at the same time.               

The Mayor told the board about a letter he had received from Mid-America District Manager stating that the postal service is thinking of moving their processing center from Springfield to Kansas City. He said that Mid-America wanted the Mayor to send the Postal Service a letter with the community’s objections to the moving on the processing center. The Mayor said that he signed the example letter and was going to send it to the Postal Service. 

The Board discussed the bills for January 17, 2012 for $26,185.39 including transfers. Ald. Lett   moved to approve the bills in the amount of 26,185.39. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Lett, Kohley and Hess voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Kohley, Hess and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

                                                                                                 __________________________

                                                                                                 Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

 

                                                                            Approved: ____________________

                                                                             Date: ________________

The Board of Aldermen held a meeting on Tuesday night January 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons JR Fisher, Kristin Lett and Bill Hess. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, City Clerk Paula Brodie, Chief of Police Tom West, Tax Collector Dawn Bunch, Municipal Judge Clyde Davidson and Denis Kolb Emergency Management Director. Guests included Crystal Vaughan, Steve Wimpey, Adam Wimpey, Lois Kolb and Joyce Haynes.

Ald. Keith Kohley was not present.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Aldermen discussed the minutes from the meeting on December 20 2011. Ald. Fisher moved to approve the minutes. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Fisher, and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed what newspapers to put the advertisements in for an Accountant to prepare the City’s 2011 Audit.  The Clerk noted that the Joplin Globe  would charge $137.12 for two days,  the Neosho Daily News  would charge $59.00 for one day and the McDonald Country Press would charge for 1 day $69.00. Ald Fisher stated that he felt that the city would get the money back for the advertisements by receiving competitive bids to do the Audit. The Board members agreed to place the ads in all three papers.

The Clerk noted that Harry Rogers from Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council would be present on January 17^th, to inform the Board about what services the organization supplies.

It was noted that there would be an Emergency Management meeting at the City Hall at 6:00PM on January 17^th.

     The department heads gave the following reports:

 

Tom West- no report.

David Brodie- stated that the air Compressor at the treatment plant sounded like it was about to break down. He said for a new one the cost would be $499.00 from Carthage Farm and Home or the compressor head could be repaired for $275.00. He informed the board that the complete plant would shut down if the compressor goes out. He stated that the one that was being used now was about 2 ½ years old and was purchased at Lowes. He said that he would recommend purchasing the one from Carthage Farm and Home this time. The Board discussed the need to purchase a commercial brand. David stated that the expense for a bigger commercial one was not necessary. He said the plant runs on 40lb pressure, so a bigger one is not needed.

Ald. Lett moved to have David repair the current compressor and purchase the other one from Carthage Farm and Home for $499.00. Ald Fisher seconded. Ald. Hess, Lett and Fisher voted aye with 0 nay votes.

David reported that the Department of Natural Resources requires the city to have a backup treatment plant operator available. He said he asked Bob Richards, the operator from Pineville to be the City’s back up operator. He said that Bob had agreed but that he believed that DNR requires him to be paid to be considered the backup operator. David said that Bob had agreed to the token amount of $50.00 for a year. Ald Lett moved to hire

Bob Richards to be the backup operator at $50.00 per year. Ald Fisher seconded. Ald. Hess, Fisher and Letts voted aye with 0 nays votes.

Denis Kolb  – no report.

Dawn Bunch –report, no questions.

Paula Brodie  – noted that the Candidate Filing dates are from December 13, 2011 thru   January 17^th from 7:30am to 4:00pm. On January 17^th signups will be until 5:00pm per State Statute. Positions open are Municipal Judge and 1 Aldermen from each ward for 2 year terms.

The Clerk noted that she had given the Board a copy of the Attorney General’s response to Missy Fruend’s complaint.

The Board discussed the following old business.

Ald. Lett asked if Clyde had any information regarding installing the ballpark lights. Clyde said he did not have any information yet.

David reported that they had serviced and winterized the ballpark.

Clyde is going to look into getting a shadow box for the City Hall to post notices in.

The Board discussed the following new Business:

Steve Wimpy asked for the Board to look into the house that is east of his property. He said it was in disrepair, overgrown and that there was an old storm cellar that is full of water and was not safe. He said he had tried to find out how to contact the owner but understood that no one knows the owners address. Dawn stated that the owner was Jesse Brewington, however since before she was tax collector the tax statements had been mailed in care of Timberly Condreay and that she had always paid them. Clyde Davidson recommended asking her to attend a Board meeting so they could get answers to theirs and Steve’s questions. The Board decided to write her and ask her to attend a Board meeting so they could find out the address of the actual owner of the house.       

Ald. Fisher informed Dawn, the tax collector that as far as the state is concerned only personnel taxes are required to be paid before someone signs up to run for office. He noted that he was told that if someone owns a corporation they did not have to pay those taxes prior to signing up. Dawn stated that she had told him she was unsure about whether the taxes on a LLC or Corporation had to be paid prior to signing up. Ald. Fisher stated his business was incorporated so he did not have to pay those taxes prior to signing up to run for office. It was noted that he had gone ahead and paid both taxes so there should be no questions by other candidates.

The Board discussed the bills for January 3, 2012 for $33,016.64 including transfers. Ald. Fisher asked about the payment to Missouri Southern for $880.00. The Clerk stated that the bill is for a yearly contract for the Police Officers to attend class to keep up their certification and that the Board had always included the cost in the training budget. Ald. Lett moved to approve the bills in the amount of $33,016.64. Ald. Hess seconded. Ald. Hess, Lett, and Fisher voted aye with 0 nays.

Ald. Hess moved to adjourn. Ald. Fisher seconded. Ald. Hess, Fisher, and Lett voted aye with 0 nays.  

                                                                                                __________________________                                                                                                 Greg Richmond, Mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Paula W Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

                                                                                               Approved: ____________________

                                                                                               Date: ________________