The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Lisa Farmer, Kelley Herron, Kory Paris, and Raechel Schoonover. Also present were City Clerk Emily Schulte, Chief of Police Derek Morriss, and Superintendent Brentlee Thomas. Orry Paris was a visitor.

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

The meeting agenda was approved.

The minutes of the April 19, 2023, meeting were also approved.

Orry Paris was present to inquire if the city would consider leasing out a portion of property owned by the city near the compost site. This would be at the same location recently leased out for hay rights, but would utilize a portion of land not used in that agreement. The aldermen unanimously voted to approve putting the property out for bid. Orry Paris exited the meeting at 6:12 p.m.

City Consent Agenda

The aldermen approved the city financial statements, accounts payables, tax report, delinquent tax list, the City Clerk, Chief of Police, and all board 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 Office Manager report and City Superintendent report.

MIRMA Firefighter

Cancer Pool

Clerk Schulte has been discussing the firefighter cancer pool with Chief Jones and also had a long discussion with Matthew Brodersen of MIRMA regarding questions our department has.

The answers were passed along to the fire department. They will discuss the pool at their next meeting and then let the city know what they’ve decided.

The city will hold off on paying its MIRMA premium until following that discussion. If the city enters the cancer pool, the penalty assessed will be waived.

Olsson Engineering Services

Olsson Engineering Services recently returned the engineering study quote for three city streets, which came in at $108,046. Superintendent Thomas would like to table this discussion until the next meeting to allow time for city staff to meet and discuss the matter then formulate a recommendation. The Olsson quote was tabled until next month.

Board Conduct /

Meeting Procedures

Alderman Herron requested some information regarding Robert’s Rules of Order be added to the meeting packet for review. Herron thought it might be a good refresher to help keep the meetings on track. Mayor Thomas stated Rules for Missouri 4th Class Cities should be utilized.

RenoSys Pool Liner Contract

Schulte asked how the board wanted to proceed with the RenoSys contract. She contacted the city attorney once she received confirmation that RenoSys planned to keep the city’s 25% down payment in the event the city cancelled the liner contract. Alderwoman Farmer suggested utilizing the money contracted with the company on another service. It was relayed that it can only be used towards the liner or the contract alteration offered by RenoSys to instead repair or replace the gutters, options that will require additional funds. The aldermen approved having Schulte move forward with the city attorney.

Update Bank Signature Cards

The bank account signature card updates were approved. Signatures are as follows: Amy Thomas, Kelley Herron, Emily Schulte, Brentlee Thomas, Derek Morriss, Terri McGuire, and Brenda Clemens, city accounts; Jennifer Geib, Jill Lager, Sheena Roup, Amy Thomas, Emily Schulte, Brentlee Thomas, Terri McGuire, and Brenda Clemens, park accounts.

Old Business

Mayor Thomas stated the following would be the department head liaison designations for the next year: Superintendent Thomas  (Alderman Herron), Utility Office Manager (Alderwoman Schoonover), Police Chief Morriss (Alderman Paris), Clerk Schulte (Alderwoman Farmer). Restore Rock Port has also requested a liaison and Mayor Thomas believes the city should have one. Alderwoman Farmer agreed to be the Restore Rock Port liaison and will contact Regan Griffin regarding attending meetings.

Chief of Police Derek Morriss

Chief Morriss reported that the grant application for radios has been submitted. Mayor Thomas informed the board that she ran a report and the Police Department has even more cases than what they include within their monthly report.

Alderman Herron believes the city-wide nuisance letters were effective in bringing attention to our ordinances. Alderman Paris stated wanting to look over our current junk vehicle ordinances to see if changes are needed. Herron and Paris still believe semi-truck ordinances, including parking, need to be reviewed and additions made.

City Clerk Emily Schulte

Clerk Schulte wanted the board to be aware that MML’s elected officials training is coming up and stated there is also a virtual option. If any board members are interested in the training, she could assist in the registration process. The meeting room could also be made available for the virtual session.

Summer Palooza is next week and the Tourism Board could use all the help they can get.

Alderwoman Schoonover encouraged her fellow board members to sign up to help.

Superintendent

Brentlee Thomas

Superintendent Thomas reported that the agreement with M-Con is signed and is now waiting for them to arrive to install hydrants and the 2” water line replacement. Thomas completed MoDOT’s LPA training. A meeting will be set up soon with Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments regarding assistance in writing grants. He has received the 100 water meters that were on back order. The lead and copper forms are still circulating.

Questions regarding the loader located at the city barn were asked. Alderwoman Farmer stated the owner should be given until June 1 to have it removed, or the next course of action would be discussed at the June meeting.

Alderman Paris inquired about recent Water Commission business and asked if Superintendent Thomas could bring information regarding upcoming votes to the board prior to them being voted on. Thomas stated he was given the designation to vote on behalf of the city then gave an update on recent commission meetings and plans for expansion.

Alderman Kelley Herron

Alderman Herron inquired about the large trailer that has been parked on Main Street for several weeks. Alderman Paris stated having spoken with Restore Rock Port on the subject and the demolition company is returning in two weeks to begin work.

Herron was impressed with the company that came out and spoke with the Park Board yesterday morning. They had good insight into future options for our pool.

Alderwoman Lisa Farmer

Alderwoman Farmer relayed that a citizen believes we should be looking in to annexing in the new Dollar General store just outside of city limits.

The aldermen voted to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Section 610.021(3) RSMo at 7:31 p.m. Alderwoman Schoonover, Superintendent Thomas, and Chief Morriss exited the meeting during executive session.

The regular session resumed at 9:19 p.m. and was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.