COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday July 18, 2017

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 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, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Police Chief Curt Drake, and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Lois Kolb, Roger and Carol Coe, Clyde Black, Jim Morgan, Tabitha Villa, Francisco Villa, Ray Villa, Kevin Keeney and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

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

The Board discussed the regular meeting held on July 3, 2017. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 3, 2017. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye, Ald. Kohley abstained.

Old Business: The Mayor acknowledged City Attorney Duane Cooper, to discuss changing Roger and Carol Coe’s property to R-1. Duane explained that if the City changed his property to R-1, there would be a lot of issues with businesses in the area. Also, the Fire Department could challenge that ruling and the judge would more than likely side with the Fire Department. It was also discussed that the Coe property was never zoned R-, there was no zoning prior to when they did the zoning. The Coe house was there and the buildings around him were businesses, so he was grandfathered into the Commercial District. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Roger and Carol’s property will remain C-1.

New Business: Francisco Villa and Tabitha Villa asked the Board about putting in a double wide at either a property on Terry St. or Garner St. and wanted to have permission prior to purchasing the property. The Double wide is 26.8×76 feet and it would be on a permanent foundation. They also asked about hooking up water and sewer. It was explained they would need to request a variance and the cost is $75.00, that City Supervisor David Brodie would get with them about the water and sewer and to come to the next meeting and the Board will make a decision. The discussion was tabled.

Citizens Business: Kevin Keeney complained that his neighbors still have very high grass and would like something done. Mayor Richmond asked Curt to issue a ticket as this has been going on for quite some time. Clyde Davidson asked that Curt be consistent when issuing tickets as he has had citizens come into court and want to know why they were issued a citation and the neighbor down the street has grass just as high and no citation was written. It was agreed that everyone not complying with the ordinance should be issued a ticket.

Clyde Black commented on the progress of the chicken houses. He also asked about the elementary school and wanted to know what grades would be there. Mayor Richmond noted it could be grades 1-4 or 1-5 and that we would not know for sure until it was built. Mr. Black also asked if there would be a tornado shelter in the school and it was mentioned that schools are required to put them in when being built.

Mr. Black also mentioned when the City replaces the lights at the ballpark, we should consider putting in L.E.D. lights. They are more expensive, but will save in the long run. Mayor Richmond noted that the ballpark lights are on an hour and a half a day for 6 weeks and it’s not really worth it to spend that kind of money. Mayor Richmond also noted that the ball season is over and we have some time to really look into the best option.

Department head reports:
Curt Drake- Curt noted that Officer Haswell (David) has completed his 90 day probation and is doing a fantastic job and would like to move him up to senior officer. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to revisit Joe being moved up after he has been with the City for 6 months. Ald. Wilson made a motion to give Joe David his 90 day probation raise. Ald. Kohley seconded Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Denis Kolb-nothing to report.

David Brodie- David noted that a vale at the treatment plant needs replaced. The
valve is obsolete and will need a new one. He asked to be able to bring in Mellen and Associates to look at it and see what they can do. It was agreed to have Mellen and Associates assist in any way as the valve needs replaced.

Meghan Sexson- Meghan noted the Board has its June report and it was a decent month. Also the 3 year delinquent property taxes will go in the paper next week and be in the paper through the 2nd week of August. The tax sale is the last Monday in August. She also noted 35 personal properties that are delinquent and Duane Cooper will be sending them a letter about it.

Karla McNorton- Karla Noted that Jill Cornett from the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC) does not think there will be enough survey’s turned in for the July 25, 2017 meeting and wanted to know if we could change the Comprehensive Plan meeting date to August 22, 2017. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to have the next Comprehensive Plan meeting August 22, 2017.

Karla then noted Dana Cornwell’s 90 day probation is up and feels Dana has done a great job, she is catching on quickly and would like the Board to approve her 90 day probation raise Ald. Johnson moved to approve Dana Cornwell’s 90 day probation raise. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson and Kohley voted aye and Ald. Kezar and Wilson abstained.

Karla also noted that she would like to have Dana become a Notary for the City as she cannot due to not living in the county. It would be $30.00 for the 4-year notary bond and $25.00 for the State filing fee to be a Notary. Dana will have to take the training course first. After a brief discussion, it was agreed we need a Notary in the office.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $52,795.76 including transfers. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $52,795.76, 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.

COUNCIL MEETING
Monday July 3, 2017

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Monday July 3, 2017, at 7:00 PM. Those present included Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Alice Kezar and Ron Johnson. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Police Chief Curt Drake and City Clerk Karla McNorton. Also present were Lois Kolb, Roger and Carol Coe, Josh Wagner, Aaron Patterson, Edward Tuomala, Jim Morgan and Nick Myers

Mayor Pro-Tem Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

The Board discussed the regular meeting minutes from June 20, 2017. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the regular meeting minutes held on June 20, 2017. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. Mayor Pro-Tem Calvin Wilson noted Ald. Keith Kohley and Mayor Greg Richmond were absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Wilson noted we were going to move the agenda a bit to allow Nick Myers, CPA to give the Audit Report so he can get back to Joplin. Mr. Myers noted that the current assets and the balance sheet look good. He also noted that with the depreciation, the city needs more revenue for the water and sewer and noted the bonds will be paid off in 2039. He then recommended segregation of duties and noted it is hard to do with the small amount of employees the City has. He also recommended paying employment taxes online and using the depreciation schedule in Easy Accounting for the fixed assets.

Ald. Johnson moved to approve the Audit Report from Nick Myers, CPA. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Pro-Tem Wilson acknowledged Josh Wagner and Aaron Patterson to discuss building a home. Josh noted they have moved the home to a 90 degree angle to take care of the spacing of the railroad and the property lines. This helped to get the spacing as correct as possible. It was discussed needing a lift station and the sewer line will be about 210 feet running from the foundation to the manhole using a 2 inch pipe and David suggested a check valve be installed. After a brief discussion, Ald. Johnson moved to waive the variance fee with the plans presented and the sewer conditions discussed. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mayor Pro-Tem Wilson acknowledged Jim Morgan to discuss setbacks for Fire Department.
Jim gave the Board a plan that the Goodman Area Fire Protection District (GAFPD) is considering building back on the existing foundation on Main St. He explained that the GAFPD has purchased the Bright Futures building and are going to build the fire station back and incorporate that into the building and make offices out of that space or tear down the building and rebuild. He also discussed possibly tearing down the old Bank and Clinic and using that space. He explained the GAFPD will be putting it out for bid and will have to see how much it will cost, as that will need to be torn down also. He noted that the GAFPD should know in about a month.

Old Business: Mayor Pro-Tem Wilson noted the house on 108 W. Williams has not really had any work done to it and the Board was told that the shingling would be done around the 4th of June. He has asked that Building inspector Marcus Pratt come in and inspect it to see if the progress up to now is at proper building standards and feels we should start the condemnation process at the August 1, 2017 meeting.

New Business: None

Citizens Business: Roger Coe asked what the City had found out about zoning his property to Residential. It was explained that when the zoning was done, everything around him was commercial and there sat his house and that he was grandfathered in to the commercial district. Coe noted that according to his lawyers, it should not be an issue to have his property zoned residential. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to do more research and discuss again at a later date. The discussion was tabled.

Department head reports.
Curt Drake- Curt noted that he had backed into a light pole and the rear bumper of Dodge Ram needs repaired. He noted he got a bid from Charles Whitehill to replace it at $280.00. Ald. Johnson moved to have the truck fixed by Charles Whitehill for $280.00. Ald. Kezar seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. Curt then asked if the City would again consider replacing the boots that were damaged after the tornado. After a brief discussion, it was agreed the City will not be replacing the boots.

Denis Kolb- Dennis introduced Jennifer Nelson and noted she will be the new Emergency Management Communications Officer and will be helping during storms. The Board noted they were glad to have her with the City.

David Brodie- David noted that the City of Neosho was here and they are going to donate time and help with the cleanup from the tornado. David also noted the dump is ready for them to haul the debris to. Demo is to begin at the school on Wednesday and the water can’t be turned off to the school, so he has to go to the main and shut it off. He is going to take out the meter and line so that it’s not an issue during demo.

Meghan Sexson- Not present

Karla McNorton- Karla asked that the Board approve her going to the Floodplain Management class to stay in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Ald. Kezar moved to approve paying the mileage for Karla going to the Floodplain Management Class July 27 and 28, 2017. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $22,026.00 including transfers. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills in the amount of $22,026.00, including transfers. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday June 20, 2017

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 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, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Police Chief Curt Drake, City Clerk Karla McNorton and City Water Clerk Dana Cornwell. Also present were Lois Kolb, Roger and Carol Coe, Stanley Coe, Josh Wagner, Aaron Patterson, Edward Tuomala and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

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

The Board discussed the regular meeting held on June 6, 2017. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from June 6, 2017. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays. Ald. Kezar abstained from the vote.

The Board discussed the public meeting minutes from June 13, 2017. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the Public meeting minutes from June 13, 2017. Ald. Johnson seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Mayor acknowledged Josh Wagner and Aaron Patterson to discuss building a home. Josh discussed they want to build a home for a fellow citizen (Edward Tuomala) that lost his house in the April Tornado. The house is to be built at 200 Stites St. and will be 832 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The house is smaller than required. The foundation that is already there is to be used with the north and south to stay the same and wants to extend the foundation 10 extra feet to the east. The railroad has a 50 foot right of way on either side of the track.

According to David B. the sewer is going to be a problem. It leaves them shy on land to put in a septic and it is too far away from the sewer line. When asked what plans were for the sewer they were not sure yet. David B. recommended an individual lift station if they would have the funds available for that. The Mayor recommended that they try to figure the sewer out and that they would like to revisit this matter in 2 weeks at the July 3^rd.meeting. The mayor also informed Aaron & Josh that if approved they would have to apply for a variance costing $75.00.

The Board discussed the insurance claim from the April tornado. City Clerk McNorton noted that we have all the insurance claims amounts and the total is on the paper I gave you. The amount received for the community center was $67,808.56. That was with the whole claim being a total deductible of $2500.00 taken out. The total deductible if the community center was the only thing damaged would’ve been $1000.00, giving the amount for the community center claim being $69,308.56. I have spoken with Brian West from Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC) and he is looking into possible grants to rebuild.

The city had plans drawn up at one time for a post disaster community building costing $250,000.00. The Mayor suggested if we could get a grant for 60 or 70 thousand and then just add another $30,000 to we could have a pretty nice community building.

McNorton stated we got 66,132.00 for the ballpark lights and fencing and after a brief discussion, it was decided to put out bids until July 18^th at 4p.m. David B. said he would get ahold of Neosho and Joplin to see who they used for their lighting systems.

Old Business: NONE

New Business: NONE

Citizens Business: Roger Coe understands his property is zoned commercial and would like it to be rezoned as residential. Mayor Richmond explained he would have to request for a zoning change, pay the fee and have a public hearing. After a brief discussion it was decided we would need to find out the fee for rezoning and talk to Duane about the legalities of the situation so all parties involved are in the right.

Department head reports:

Curt Drake- Both units are fixed. The charger was picked up Monday June 19, 2017. The charger still needs new decals put on it. Curt would like to use some of the insurance that we didn’t use on fixing the vehicles to get matching decals done for the truck also.

Discussed in previous meeting noted would like to look at a refurbished handheld scanner for the suv. After some research they no longer sell refurbed scanners. A new one, one directional is $1550.00 or a new duel directional one is $2016.50. He stated would like to get a new dual directional scanner and put it in the charger and put the one in the charger in the suv so we have 3 fully functional vehicles. The discussion was tabled on the radar.

Also, made a note of would still like to get the SUV in the shop to find out why it is blowing fuses.

Curt also said he would like to get with the Mayor in the next couple days about hiring a couple of reserves that have applied to replace the ones we lost.

Denis Kolb- Mr. Kolb had nothing to report, however; Mr. Kohley wanted to report that there is a tropical storm in the gulf and that he wanted people to know that they would be keeping an eye on it to see which way it turns and if we will be getting any weather from it.

David Brodie- The community building that was being taken apart has been left. There are boards, screws and nails just left laying everywhere. David B. would like letters sent to J.R. Fisher and Marshall Long asking them to finish cleaning up what they started.

Meghan Sexson- NOT PRESENT

Karla McNorton- Had nothing to report. Ald. Kezar stated she would be going in Karla’s place to the HSTCC meeting on June 21, 2017. Mayor Richmond stated he will be out of town on the July 3^rd meeting.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $41,364.87, including transfers. Ald. Kezar moved to approve the bills in the amount of $41,364.87, including transfers. Ald. Kohley 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.

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday June 6, 2017

The Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 7:00 PM. Those present included Mayor Greg Richmond, Alderpersons Calvin Wilson, Keith Kohley, and Ron Johnson. Also present were City Supervisor David Brodie, Emergency Management Director Denis Kolb, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson, Police Chief Curt Drake, City Clerk Karla McNorton and City Water Clerk Dana Cornwell. Also present were Lois Kolb, Roger and Carol Coe, Kevin Keeney, Paula Brodie, Joseph Lombardo, Jared Mackall and Sally Carroll from the McDonald County Press.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.   Mayor Richmond noted that Ald. Kezar was not present.

The Board discussed the public meeting held on May 16, 2017 Ald. Johnson asked that the May 16, 2017 minutes be amended to reflect that the public meeting started at 6 P.M. not 7 P.M.

Ald. Johnson moved to approve the public meeting minutes from May 16, 2017 with the amendment. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board discussed the regular meeting minutes from May 16, 2017. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 16, 2017. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

The Board acknowledged Jim Morgan to discuss the Zoning Ordinance for a possible new Fire Station on Main Street. Mr. Morgan noted that they would like to put the fire station back in the previous location on Main St. Mr. Morgan also stated that the surveyor would be coming back out to get an accurate reading of where the property lines are at so they know how wide & deep they can go. Mr. Morgan said they are in the planning stages and nothing has been decided yet. He just wants to get everything lined out, so when he comes back to the board he will have a definite plan. Ald. Wilson noted it may be better to get the Cities attorney together with the Fire Dept. attorney to make sure there will be no issues with the zoning. Mr. Morgan also stated that we need a station on the North and South side of the tracks in order to help protect our citizens in case of a fire. After a brief discussion, the Mayor asked the City Clerk to contact the City Attorney about the zoning. The discussion was tabled until a later board meeting.

The Board discussed changing the date for the first Council Meeting July 4, 2017. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to have the First Council Meeting on Monday July 3, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.

Old Business: Mr. Lombardo from 108 W. Williams St. said the roofer would be at the house by no later than June 19, 2017. Lots of joists need to be replaced and noted he took out another tree. Mr. Lombardo then noted that it is hard to get a lot done while working a full time job & lack of funds to proceed. Ald. Wilson agreed it is hard to work a full time job and find time to do outside projects, but improvements need to be seen as this has been going on for around 2 yrs. or so. After a brief discussion the board decided to give Mr. Lombardo 60 days to see more improvements done to the property and asked that he come back to the Council meeting on August 1, 2017 to give an update on the progress.

New Business: Mr. Keeney wanted to know why it takes so long to get notices of waist high grass sent out to citizens, why don’t we just write them a ticket. Chief Drake stated that per Judge Davidson’s orders, we are to send out notices to citizens giving them a chance to clean up before issuing them a ticket. Ald. Wilson said all we can do is hope they clean up their yards and if not, then we can issue them a ticket in hopes that they will then clean up their yard. However, we as city employees and citizens cannot go on anyone’s property and clean it for them without their permission. Mr. Keeney also wanted to know if the city could get “slow children at play” signs for streets in Goodman. The board acknowledged and stated that the signs were kind of a double edge sword, as we don’t want kids playing in the streets, but by putting up a sign its saying the kids can.

Citizens Business: NONE

Department head reports:

Curt Drake- Drake noted the Charger will be out of the repair shop with any luck, in few more days. He noted the repair shop found more dents then initially thought. Drake is hoping to get the Truck in the shop this Friday (June 9, 2017); and said it should only take a couple of days to fix at most. Drake then noted the Expedition needs a new radar and the handheld no longer works. Drake is hoping once Charger is back that he can check out prices of refurbished radars for the expedition as well as get the expedition in the shop to have all the power points checked out. He also noted that he should be getting the new decals done in the next week or so. Hutches needs a solid glass door to finish the decals. Mayor Richmond said he thought he had 2 that they could have.

Denis Kolb- Stated he would like to take the 5mbps internet speed up to 15 or 20mbps. With the weather and storms we have had as of late, he thinks the emergency management team needs the upgrade in order to keep up with the radar and to give the citizens more warning of impending weather conditions. The board members asked how much this would cost. Mr. Kolb said $30.00 for 15-20 mbps. After a brief discussion, Ald. Johnson moved to approve this increase in of 15-20 mbps at $30.00 more a month. Alderperson Wilson seconded this motion. Ald. Kohley, Ald. Johnson, and Ald. Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

Mr. Kolb also asked for permission to put up a 30ft. tower behind the police station at his own expense. After a brief discussion the board decided to revisit it in a couple of weeks giving time to decide where and how to put it behind the police station, if there was even room for it.

David Brodie- David informed the Board there was a leak over by Choice Puppies. He is not sure if it is their leak or the cities, however Choice Puppies and D. Brodie will be checking it out on June 7, 2017.

He then noted he went to police dept. and the toilet needs to be replaced from the concrete floor and up.

David then mentioned that Monday June 5, 2017 the tower ran down after getting rain in the control box. The city has magnetic contact in all towers and he would like to switch to soft contact. The soft contact will run an approx. $100.00 apiece.

The old white Ford truck is making a popping noise. David has an appt. with Goodman Tire & Auto on June 8, 2017 to look at and fix it if possible.

David also noted he needs 2 front tires for backhoe with tubes, approx. $200.00 a side.

Ald. Kohley moved to have the tires for the backhoe purchased at a total of $400.00. Ald. Wilson seconded. Ald. Kohley, Ald. Wilson and Ald. Johnson voted aye with 0 nays.

David them noted the 2016 CCR report is ready and available for public viewing and the city had no violations.

He then mentioned the remaining stumps and debris at the ballpark. He talked to Jim Morgan from Morgan’s Backhoe & Excavating about clearing off 3 acres from the closed City dump and removing the brush from the ballpark. Morgan said it would cost $500.00. Ald. Wilson motioned to approve Morgan’s Backhoe & Excavating to clear off 3 acres from the closed City dump and remove the brush from the ballpark at a total of $500.00 Ald. Johnson seconded. On June 6, 2017 Ald. Kohley, Ald. Wilson and Ald. Johnson voted aye with 0 nays.

Meghan Sexson- Meghan noted the May delinquents were sent out and she is waiting for the bill from Ulrich Software. She placed a call to Ulrich Software, waiting for a call back.

Karla McNorton- Karla reminded everyone that the Comprehensive Plan Public Meeting is June 13, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.

The Board discussed the bills in the amount of $28,083.75, including transfers. Ald. Wilson moved to approve the bills in the amount of $28,083.75, including transfers. Ald. Kohley seconded. Ald. Johnson, Kohley, and Wilson voted aye with 0 nays.

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