City of Tarkio Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 6 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted. Mayor Morehouse called the regular meeting to order. City Clerk Becky Jones gave the roll: aldermen Mike Klosek, Scott Poppa, Andy Riley, and Ed Hunkins were all present.
The Mayor asked for approval of the minutes of the February 14 regular meeting as distributed. The board voted to approve the minutes. Visitors present were: Mike Klosek Sr., Sherry Clement and Karen Clark. City employees present were Chief Tyson Gibbons.
Visitors’ reports
Clark asked if the snow removal could push out the cul-de-sac a little better on N. 5th Street.
Mayor Morehouse read Bill 218.18, Ordinance 204.18: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TARKIO’S FISCAL YEAR APRIL 1, 2018, TO MARCH 31, 2019. Hunkins made a motion to approve BILL NO. 218.18, ORDINANCE 204.18 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TARKIO’S FISCAL YEAR APRIL 1, 2018, TO MARCH 31, 2019.
Mayor Morehouse gave the second reading of Bill 218.18, Ordinance 204.18, AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TARKIO’S FISCAL YEAR APRIL 1, 2018, TO MARCH 31, 2019. Poppa made a motion to approve BILL NO. 218.18, ORDINANCE 204.18 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF TARKIO’S FISCAL YEAR APRIL 1, 2018, TO MARCH 31, 2019. Riley seconded the motion and all voted aye. Bill 218.18 Ordinance 204.18 passed.
Mayor Morehouse requested a motion to approve the street sweeper bid from the February meeting. One bid was received from Atchison Recycling for $500. Riley made a motion to accept the bid on the street sweeper from Atchison Recycling. Poppa seconded the motion. Three ayes voted to approve the motion and one abstained. The motion and the second were approved.
The board spoke on the request for wi-fi at the Community Building at a cost of $44.95 per month plus cost of a router. A total of $140.00 through Midwest Data Center was the quote given. The wi-fi would reach to the pool area too. The request died for lack of a motion.
The Use Tax information question that will be on the ballot to vote on April 3 was discussed and the power point was looked over. The board agreed that a town meeting should be held to educate the residents on the Use Tax and how it works. Many different versions of how the Use Tax works have been told in the past, some incorrect, and may have confused people. The Board agreed to have a town meeting on March 27, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the Tarkio Community Building at 603 S. 3rd.
Department Reports
Ed Hunkins – Fire Department: Hunkins had no report, but suggested to have a meeting with the Rural Board to see if they would look into joining together with the City Fire Department. He also mentioned that Westboro and Rock Port have both joined together and hoped that Tarkio could, too.
Michael Klosek – City buildings: Klosek reported that he would like to look into fixing the windows on City Hall again. Some of the siding is still off of the Community Building and he will check with another contractor about putting it back on.
Andy Riley – Street Department: The week of February 19 to 25 there was a lot of ice and snow and approximately 20 to 25 tons of chat and salt mix were used. CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP: The dates for this are going to be the first full week in May once again, May 7th to May 11th. GRAVEL: With a few days of warmer spring like weather we have had orders for gravel already. REPAIRS: The gold dump truck has had to go to Quality Auto for repairs, it was missing and not running well at all. The salt spreader, on the gold dump truck, is going to have to be worked on after this season as it is in poor shape, salt is very hard on things.
Scott Poppa – Parks and Pool: Poppa recommended the city look at revamping the charges for picking up animals and the cost of the overtime being paid out to pick up after hours with the Animal Control Officer.
Chief Gibbons – Tarkio Police Department: The Board looked over Chief Gibbons’ numbers on his report.
Mayor Timothy Morehouse: Mayor Morehouse had nothing more to report.
Adam Stanton – Building Inspector: Stanton was not present for the meeting. The Barker house on N. 7th Street has been contracted to be knocked down.
Becky Jones – Financials: Jones asked if anyone had questions on the February 2018 financials. Jones had been requested to ask about changing the hand drying method at the Community Building. Prices are to be researched on changing the towel dispensers.
The board voted to pay the outstanding bills. The meeting moved into executive session, as authorized by subsection Section 610.021 RSMo: Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting a particular employee, etc., Riley seconded the motion. Hunkins yea, Riley yea, Poppa yea, and Klosek yea. Closed session is held. The meeting moved out of executive session and was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
The next meeting (town hall) will be March 27, 2018, at the Tarkio Community Building, 602 S. 3rd Street, at 7:00 p.m. for an informational meeting on the Use Tax. The next regular meeting will be April 11, 2018, at 5 p.m.