The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, November 15, 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 Chief of Police Derek Morriss, Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire, and Superintendent Brentlee Thomas. Visitors present were John Mueller, Mike Farmer, Zailynn Cook, and Jennifer Geib.
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order then led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
The aldermen voted to approve the meeting agenda, and the October 24, 2023, and November 11, 2023, meeting minutes.
John Mueller gave a presentation on Greenlight Dispensaries.
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.
Bill #1239 – 2024 General Budget
The general budget was tabled until the reserve lines within the budget could be further clarified.
Linemen Compensation
The aldermen voted unanimously to approve Employee Handbook Section 5-3 Increases in Compensation revision.
Original Excerpt: An increase in compensation of 50¢ per hour will be issued to employees upon completion of their second year of MPUA Linemen Training. An increase in compensation of 50¢ per hour will be issued to employees upon completion of their fourth year of MPUA Linemen Training.
Revised Excerpt: An increase in compensation of 50¢ per hour will be issued to employees upon completion of each year of MPUA Linemen Training.
Bill #1240 – 2024 Utility Budget
Due to the policy revision regarding MPUA Lineman Training compensation, the aldermen voted unanimously to give Brentlee Thomas, Jarod Hudson, and Dennis Sherlock an additional 50¢ per hour raise. This would compensate for Brentlee’s third and Dennis’ and Jarod’s first year training completion.
The utility budget was tabled until revisions reflecting the additional lineman training compensation are made.
Bill #1241 – 2024 Park Budget
The park budget was reviewed and tabled.
Telephone Bill Review
The board questioned why the city and utility telephone bills were so high and a breakdown of each was reviewed.
RenoSys Pool Liner Contract
Clerk McGuire did not have an update on the request for refund of the $20,000 pool liner down payment to RenoSys. She did inform the board that $643.50 has been paid to date in attorney fees out of the general fund in an effort to obtain a refund.
Park Maintenance Agreement
Jennifer Geib asked the status of the park maintenance agreement. The board informed her the terms would be revised before the January meeting.
Chief of Police Derek Morriss
Chief Morriss reported he would be obtaining quotes for two SUVs.
Alderman Lisa Farmer
Alderman Farmer relayed compliments she had received recently on staff’s customer service.
Mayor Amy Thomas
Mayor Thomas thanked Schoonover for acting as a liaison between the board and office staff relaying questions from the Board of Aldermen budget meeting.
Alderman Raechel Schoonover
Alderman Schoonover asked Superintendent Thomas if a utility maintenance plan existed. Thomas stated, usually yes, but they have been so busy this year they have not had time to follow it.
Business License
Schoonover moved to approve the business license application for THF Partners, LLC. Herron seconded. Schoonover, Herron, and Paris voted aye. Farmer abstained.
The meeting was then adjourned.
