The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met December 18, 2019, at Rock Port City Hall with Mayor Chris Chamberlain presiding. Board members present were Ron Deatz, Lavon Paukert, and Tim Taylor. Alderman Todd Stevens was absent. Also present were Utility Clerk Terri McGuire, Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitors were Mike Pierce, Doug and Brenda McCoy

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

The meeting agenda was approved.

Aldermen also approved the November 20, 2019, meeting minutes.

Doug and Brenda McCoy were in attendance to inquire about the possibility of purchasing city-owned property located between 4th Street and Highland Avenue. The topic will be discussed further at the January meeting.

Mike Pierce was present and informed the room he would be recording the meeting for his legal representation. He inquired what the board had decided to do with the request to fill in his ditch with rock, as he had now fallen a couple of times. It was stated that Pierce requested the ditch be dug by the city earlier this year and had later commented after completion that it assisted in the original drainage issues he was having.

Board members voiced concerns of drainage issues returning if the ditch were to be filled in and inquired if Pierce could use one of his two driveways as a point of walking access to his residence instead of the ditch area. Pierce stated the ditch was his best point of access and disagreed with the drainage issues returning with the rock request being met. Mayor Chamberlain and the board then mentioned that they spoke with MIRMA at the last meeting on this issue, and they agreed that filling the ditch back in might recreate a liability with drainage issues. Pierce informed the board he had a legal case against the city according to his lawyer, then he excused himself from the meeting.

The aldermen approved the city financial statements, accounts payables, tax report, delinquent tax list, and all board and departmental reports.

They also approved 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.

Bill #1201 – Adopting 2020 City budget – was read by Deatz. The first reading was approved. The second reading was read by Taylor. It was also approved. Mayor Chamberlain declared Bill #1201, Ordinance #1201.

Bill #1202 – Adopting 2020 Utility budget – was read by Taylor. The first reading was approved. The second reading was read by Paukert. It was also approved. Mayor Chamberlain declared Bill #1202, Ordinance #1202.

Bill #1203 – Adopting 2020 Park Board budget – was read by Deatz. The aldermen approved the first reading. The second reading was read by Taylor. The second reading was also approved. Mayor Chamberlain declared Bill #1203, Ordinance #1203.

The aldermen approved the 2020 liquor licenses.

The aldermen also voted unanimously to approve a proclamation request for Luther Thompson.

Diana Liess’ resignation from the Tourism Board was accepted.

Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood reported that Shop with a Cop would be taking place at Nebraska City Wal-Mart. This year 26 kids were invited on the trip. Sherwood wanted to thank everyone who has supported this cause with their time, support, and monetary donations.

City Clerk Emily Schulte reminded those in attendance that election filing is now open at City Hall. North Ward Alderman Todd Stevens and South Ward Alderman Tim Taylor are up for re-election. These are two-year terms ending April 2022. Anyone interested in filing has until January 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

Utility Clerk Terri McGuire reported on funds being received for both a well capping grant as well as from FEMA for the Burke Circle lift station.

Mayor Chris Chamberlain mentioned a resident informing him of a 99-year lease a previous owner of their property made with the city many years ago. This lease contains a clause with sidewalk repairs and snow removal for this property being a responsibility of the city. Mayor Chamberlain asked that they provide this lease for the city’s records.

The meeting was then adjourned.