The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at Rock Port City Hall Mayor Chris Chamberlain presiding. Board members present were Ron Deatz, Lavon Paukert, Todd Stevens, and Tim Taylor. Also present were Superintendent Trevor Hale, Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitors were Jody VanSickle, Mike Pierce, and Larry Wilson (Liberty Utilities).

Mayor Chamberlain called the meeting to order then led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting agenda was approved.

The aldermen also voted to approve the September 18, 2019, meeting minutes.

The aldermen also voted to approve the city financial statements, accounts payables, tax report, delinquent tax list, and all board and departmental reports, and the utility financial statements, accounts payables, purchased power and water statements, take or pay water use report, water loss reports, Utility Clerk report and City Superintendent report.

Jody VanSickle was present to discuss rental of the ground next to the old water plant. Superintendent Hale reported that the well capping should be completed later this week. Agreement details were discussed. Clerk Schulte will draw up an agreement for our attorney to look over and have it for review at the next council meeting.

Mike Pierce was present to discuss the possibility of getting gravel put in the ditch the city recently dug at his request. While the ditch that runs between his two driveways is assisting with the previous water issues, Pierce would appreciate having it graveled as he utilizes that area to access his house on foot. He’s worried it’s a fall liability in its current state. After discussion, the board decided to check with MIRMA for a recommendation on the city’s liability in this matter.

Larry Wilson with Liberty Utilities was in attendance regarding the expiration of the previous 20 year agreement they had with the city. An ordinance was presented for review which would renew the agreement for an additional 20 years. The ordinance will be reviewed and put on the agenda for the next meeting.

The 2020 Board of Aldermen meeting dates was approved.

Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood reviewed September’s Police Department report. Chief Sherwood also reported that he would be attending the upcoming MIRMA Police Conference. The mutual aid agreement between Rock Port and Tarkio police departments was discussed. Support of the agreement was given as well as interest shown in reporting back the number of times each department is able to assist the other in a given month.

City Clerk Emily Schulte reported Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments contacted City Hall to inquire about filling the empty seat for Rock Port. Chief Sherwood volunteered to fill the seat. The appointment was approved.

Jeff Arp will be attending an upcoming meeting to present Chief Sherwood and Superintendent Hale with grant funding.

The process for requesting proclamations will need to take place at meetings moving forward.

Show-Me Courts contacted City Hall and Rock Port is now eligible to be put on the system. An implementation checklist was provided which will need to be completed before becoming fully eligible.

Superintendent Trevor Hale reported repairs on the white dump truck. Westrum Leak Detection recently visited and detected five significant leaks. Renewal permits for the I-29 lagoons have been submitted. Power outages have been an issue lately. Most are due to fuses, however an issue was uncovered on one relay setting that should now be fixed and hopefully eliminate some future outages. Wage scales for enrolling linemen need to be determined for employees that will go through the training, as it’s part of the enrollment paperwork.

Alderman Tim Taylor inquired if the city still utilizes the white pick-up, as someone was interested in purchasing it. Superintendent Hale informed him it was used during the winter as the salt brine truck.

Alderwoman Paukert passed on an inquiry from the Tourism Board regarding what it might cost to have the city mow the Turbine Site. It was preferred that the Tourism Board go out for bids.

Alderman Stevens mentioned beginning the process for an abbreviated list for next year’s anticipated street work. Snow ordinance should also be discussed at the next meeting.

Mayor Chamberlain talked with Justin Duncan of the Boy Scouts of America regarding Troop 59 trying to start back up in Rock Port. Work is still being done to obtain another 1½ donations for Main Street trash bins. Once all donations have been received the plaques will be ordered.

The meeting was then adjourned.