The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met in regular session Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Chris Chamberlain presiding. Board members present were Ron Deatz and Lisa Farmer. Lavon Paukert and Todd Stevens were present via Zoom. Also present were Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, Superintendent Trevor Hale, Office Manager Terri McGuire, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitors were Fire Chief Scott Jones and Park Board President Katey Kroeger.

The meeting agenda was approved, as well as the minutes of the December 16, 2020, meeting.

Mayor Chamberlain tabled the executive session until next meeting due to Zoom conversational delays.

Fire Chief Scott Jones  presented the 2020 Rock Port Fire Department report. He asked if there were any questions regarding the report. The department purchased new jaws and is looking to upgrade the thermal imaging camera and air packs. The department currently has 22 members. Extra COVID precautions have been implemented within the fire house, trucks, and on scenes. Jones was thanked for all they do.

Katey Kroeger was in attendance to ask if there was anything to be relayed between the Board of Aldermen and Park Board. Superintendent Hale was informed he can choose where to purchase the park’s fertilizer this year and proceed when ready.

In regard to the pool, Kroeger inquired if ACCO should be contracted to maintain the pool again this upcoming season. Since the opinion of the pool gutters condition has changed, it would be preferred that ACCO maintain the pool and carry out their recommendations. ACCO also recommended an option of purchasing a pool liner for $80,000-$100,000 which could extend the life of the pool up to 10 more years.

The Park Board will not be selling the merry-go-round as previously decided. It was recapped that the merry-go-round was pulled from the playground earlier last year per MIRMA’s recommendation. It was determined that the openings on the surface platform do not meet current play equipment performance specifications. MIRMA’s findings were that the holes are too large and pose risk of injury to children’s fingers or worse, especially when the equipment is in motion.

Adding a plexiglass element to the merry-go-round was discussed to remedy this issue. Kroeger discussed this option with MIRMA Loss Control Specialist Jeff Arp. Kroeger stated that Arp thought the plexiglass would be a suitable solution. When asked if the school could perform the alterations, Kroeger said Arp was fine with that arrangement, but the school would simply need to be informed they could also be on the hook if the alteration were to be a liability in the future. Clerk Schulte inquired if Arp had mentioned having the school sign something acknowledging that detail and Kroeger relayed that Arp told her a verbal communication would suffice.

Kroeger then asked Superintendent Hale if the city laborers could perform the work in place of the school. Hale stated he did not feel comfortable performing the work if MIRMA has deemed it a liability, however it was ultimately the council’s decision. It was then decided that the board could discuss the inquiry further if the school were to decline assisting with the project.

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

Liquor License Request

The aldermen voted unanimously to approve a City of Rock Port 2021 liquor license for Just In Time Promo, LLC.

Skyline Drive –

MoDOT Agreements

The bollards are set to be installed later this week. MoDOT agreements sent for the city’s review were then discussed. Alderman Stevens stated he would be interested in letting MoDOT know we would like to explore the cost share option further to determine more concrete figures, without any official commitment at this time.

“No Parking” signs on Bluff Street was tabled.

Kallie Sherwood has resigned from the Tourism Board due to work scheduling issues. Mayor Chamberlain thanked Sherwood and recognized her service to the community.

Boy Scouts Proclamation

Mayor Chamberlain spoke briefly about Boy Scouts of America and their request for the City of Rock Port to recognize their upcoming anniversary.

The aldermen voted to approve a proclamation proclaiming February 7-13, 2021 as Scouts-BSA Anniversary Week.

Chief of Police

Shannon Sherwood

Chief Sherwood noted having a meeting with Alderman Stevens and setting some 2021 goals. Officers interested in the COVID-19 vaccinations are scheduled to receive them at the end of the month.

City Clerk Emily Schulte

Candidate filing has closed and the following candidates are set to be certified with the County Clerk on January 25 for the April 6 municipal election: Mayor – Amy D. Thomas; North Ward Alderman – Erika Daugherty and Ron Deatz; and South Ward Alderman – Kelly James Herron.

The court ordinance has not yet been finalized between Schulte and City Attorney Bauman. Once the ordinance is finalized, Schulte might request a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen for approval.

Superintendent

Trevor Hale

The planned outages to finalize the electrical upgrade went well. The 2020 street cost worksheet was presented. The curb roller purchased mid-year decreased average square footage costs by reducing the curb pouring times around 75%. Calhoun Street, which was completed prior to the purchase, cost $5.48/square foot. Cass Street, completed after the purchase, cost $4.97/square foot. The 2021 street replacement and repair list will be available in March. Potential on-call adjustments might be suggested soon.

Mayor Chamberlain passed along compliments he received for how quickly the snow removal took place.

Alderman Ron Deatz

Alderman Deatz mentioned Clerk Schulte pulling old meeting minute books for him to research and the vulnerability of those records as they are now. Schulte explained that the city does not have the capability in-house to safely transfer those records to a digital format in their fragile state. Deatz recommended allowing Schulte to get quotes to have those records digitized.

Mayor

Chris Chamberlain

Department heads are to come up with 2021 goals and lists for their department to present at the next board meeting. Supervisor and protocol changes from the Mayor’s December email will be extended to remain in effect until the February meeting.

The meeting was then adourned.