The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Ron Deatz, Lisa Farmer, Kelley Herron, and Kory Paris. Also present were Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire, Chief of Police Derek Morriss, City Clerk Emily Schulte, and Superintendent Brentlee Thomas. Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order.

The meeting agenda was approved. The minutes of the December 13, 2022, meeting were also approved.

Consent Agendas

The aldermen voted to approve the city financial statements, accounts payable, tax report, delinquent tax list, the City Clerk, Chief of Police, and all board reports. They also approved the utility financial statements, accounts payable, purchased power and water statements, take or pay water use report, water loss reports, Utility Office Manager report and City Superintendent report.

Substance & Alcohol Abuse Policy

Alderman Paris stated the substance and alcohol abuse policy in the city’s employee handbook should be evaluated given all of the changes within legislation. MIRMA has made recent updates to their sample policy that should be considered.

Alderwoman Farmer asked if their policy allowed the use of medical marijuana, to which Paris replied it did not. Discussion of whether medicinal use should be allowed by employees followed.

It was suggested all board members and department heads review the city’s current policy along with MIRMA’s sample policy prior to the next board meeting. It was also suggested staff consult with the city’s attorney.

Digger Derrick Repairs

A quote for repairs to the utility’s digger derrick truck were submitted for review. The $14,447.67 quote was an unbudgeted expenditure; however, Superintendent Thomas relayed that even with these repairs the city will still have considerably less money in the truck than its estimated value, and the truck is an essential piece of utility equipment. The aldermen voted to approve the repairs.

Bill #1228 – Imposing a Sales Tax of 3% on Marijuana

Schulte presented the board with an option to place a question regarding imposing a sales tax of 3% on the sale of marijuana on the April ballot. No opposition was voiced.

The first and second readings of Bill #1228 – Imposing a Sales Tax of 3% on Marijuana – were approved unanimously. Mayor Thomas declared Bill #1228, Ordinance #1228.

Delinquent Utility Accounts

Alderman Herron wanted to discuss the potential for making property owners responsible for the delinquent utility bills of their current and previous tenants. Utility Office Manager McGuire stated this was considered by a previous board many years ago and they ultimately decided against implementing that policy.More research will be done regarding the pros and cons of a potential policy and readdressed at a later time.

NWMO Regional Council of Governments Representatives

Clerk Schulte relayed that Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments representatives for the Solid Waste Management District as well as the city’s Board of Directors need to be updated. Superintendent Thomas volunteered for the Solid Waste Management District Council and Alderman Kory Paris for the Rock Port representative on the Board of Directors. The nominations were approved.

Action Agenda Item 2023-01 – Uniform Allowance

The city’s current uniform allowance policy has several inconsistencies needing board review along with suggested changes. Because of employees having different clothing preferences and needs, it was expressed that employees should likely be responsible for ordering their own clothing on a city account or credit card or turning in charges for reimbursement. Also, a standard amount for employees’ allowances was suggested to assist in bridging the gaps. The Uniform Allowance, Option 1 revising the policy according to staff recommendations, was approved.

Park Maintenance Agreement

The revised and signed park maintenance agreement was presented and approved.

Chief of Police Derek Morriss

Chief Morriss relayed that Officer Seiter is on paternity leave. Reserves will be covering when available.

City Clerk Emily Schulte

Clerk Schulte presented a request received for an FBLA Week proclamation. The aldermen voted to issue a proclamation declaring February 5-11, 2023, FBLA Week.

Superintendent Brentlee Thomas

Superintendent Thomas reported that the city’s water usage came in under its contract for 2022. Thomas and Paris recently attended an Atchison County commission meeting to discuss potentially reviving the gravel road maintenance agreement. Thomas will keep the board updated regarding the terms being discussed.

The dump truck is in the shop again and selling it is being considered. A raised bed could be put on the Dodge truck. Since the city has been contracting out rock hauling, there hasn’t been much need for it. The valves for the I-29 lift station arrived today, however the pump is now burnt up. Thomas is getting quotes for replacements.

Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire

Utility Office Manager McGuire informed the board that the pump replacement for the I-29 lift station was already budgeted for this year. McGuire is continuing to compare the city’s current policy manual to MIRMA’s to determine if there are any updates to consider. She will take them to the department head meetings first and that group will make recommendations for changes to the board.

Alderwoman Lisa Farmer

Alderwoman Farmer requested ordinances regarding dangerous dog breeds be sent out to the board for review following complaints she has received.

Executive Session

The board of aldermen adjourned into executive session for legal matters pursuant to Section 610.021 (1). The executive session was adjourned and the regular session resumed.

Other Business

The aldermen voted to approve requesting the written recommendations from Attorney Rottgers regarding special counsel questions.

The aldermen also voted to approve the new city attorney, Joe Gagnon, speaking with Attorney Rottgers regarding counsel he’s given the city to date.

The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.