City Clerk Emily Schulte administered the oath of office to newly-elected officials, North Ward Alderman Michael Graves, left, and South Ward Alderman Jeff Geib, right.

The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Lisa Farmer, Kelley Herron, Raechel Schoonover, and newly-elected board members Jeff Geib and Michael Graves. Also present were Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire, City Clerk Emily Schulte, Superintendent Dennis Sherlock, and Police Chief Derek Morriss. Visitors were Jennifer Geib, Sheena Roup, Andrea Cook, Clint Dougherty, Jax Lutz, Amber Graham, and Tawni Ellis, all members of the Park Board; Jody VanSickle, Breanna VanSickle, Topher Paris, Jayden Paris, Stephanie Parsons, Betty McCall, Cheryl McCall, Melanie Sherlock, Debbie Makings, Gary McGuire, Mike Klosek Jr., Mike Klosek III, Justin Fowler, W.C. Farmer, Jacque Gayle Gebhards, Tisha Jackson, Jennifer Vogler, Karen Miller, Regan Griffin, and Michelle Bollinger.

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

Newly-elected officials, North Ward Alderman Michael Graves and South Ward Alderman Jeff Geib, were sworn in by City Clerk Emily Schulte.

The meeting agenda was approved.

Geib moved to approve the March 20, 2024, meeting minutes. Graves seconded. Geib, Graves, and Schoonover voted aye. Herron voted nay.

Board Procedures

Alderman Herron stated the city council has not been conducting meetings properly and he believes it is time to work on restoring order. When a council person has the floor, respect should be shown by allowing opinions to be stated without interruption. Emails should be informative only, as discussions constitutes a quorum which requires the posting of a meeting. Finally, special meetings of any city board are not to be called without Board of Aldermen approval, per MIRMA.

Park Board – Park & Pool Status

Park Board members Geib and Roup spoke on behalf of their board wanting to move forward cohesively with the city, but are still seeking answers. They are happy to provide any information the Board of Aldermen is looking for. However, they believe information to have been misconstrued at the last city council meeting. Items they wished to address were stated:

• It was stated the Park Board took the highest mowing bid. This was false, as they took the middle bid of the three. There were multiple reasons for their decision, including the addition of emptying park trash bins.

• As for the mention of unpaid invoices, there are only four and they are all from the city. It is believed by the Park Board that the 2024 $2,000.00 contribution to the Pool Repair Fund shouldn’t be made until the end of the year. The $40.00 for labor wages was disputed as a city council person called that meeting so they don’t feel as if that cost should be passed to them. The $520.00 for 2024 admin hours wasn’t approved as they would prefer being billed monthly, as they already disagree with being charged for services performed within the office. The final invoice was a $60.17 reimbursement to the city for the cost of filing the lifeguard W-2s for 2023. Park Board members researched the process and city staff could have filed in an alternative, free way.

• Comments were made regarding statements within past Park Board minutes. They wanted to remind everyone that these are subject to human error.

• When the Board of Aldermen addressed outsourcing payroll at their last meeting, the motion originally failed only to pass following the executive session. Per the ordinances, the Park Board doesn’t believe the Board of Aldermen can dictate how they spend their funds, as they have exclusive control.

• Several months ago the City Clerk took it upon herself to write financial procedures between the city and Park Board. They understood and have made edits to what was originally submitted.

Additional items the Park Board wanted to address were then mentioned. On page 5 of the park maintenance agreement they pointed out that mowing is listed, however they were asked to contract out this year, and did. A history regarding the Pool Repair Fund was given and it was stated that the agreement does note spending has to be voted on by the Park Board, which is why they believe those are their financials and want it added to their meeting packets. Large projects were accomplished in 2023, including the baby pool project. Finally, it was requested that the park maintenance agreement and financial procedures be locked down. Mayor Thomas thanked them for their time.

Alderman Graves inquired why the opening of the pool was originally outsourced, given the high cost. It was relayed that at one time the city had an employee who went to pool school and performed those tasks. Graves inquired if any Park Board members would be interested in attending the training. The Park Board believes it should be an employee, not a volunteer board member. Graves disagreed, as an employee could quit at any time and that training would have been for nothing. Graves then inquired if the Park Board had a system for ensuring payroll was turned in correctly and on time. The Park Board admitted that last year was an issue, but it would be addressed this year.

Alderman Herron stated believing the pool repair fund contribution needed to be made, per the agreement, yet it was denied. It was stated that was due in part to the payroll issues and request of admin fees up front. Herron reiterated that the park continues to make additional requests, but don’t want to pay for the costs incurred with fulfilling those requests. He inquired what department is supposed to be charged with providing their services, if not them.

Park Board President Geib then read portions of the essential duties and responsibilities from the City Clerk’s job description.

Klosek’s – Solid Waste Management

Fowler with Klosek’s wanted to speak on the city going out to bid for trash service with no bid spec. They are confused why city offices couldn’t produce those upon request. They would also like to know why trash services for the city couldn’t be added to the utility bill and just add a $2.50 administration fee like other cities do for their time.

Regan Griffin – City-Wide Cleanup Request & Park/Pool Feature

Griffin wanted to revisit Restore Rock Port’s request last year to do a city-wide cleanup. He was instructed to come back this year, and he believes it’s worth doing.

As for the city pool, he wanted to state that having a park and pool is an asset, not a liability. He believes the Park Board is working to do good and wonders why the city would be charging the park for items which are provided to others for free, as they don’t charge other entities to utilize the park.

Consent Agendas

The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the city financial statements, including the amended statements from December 2023, accounts payable, tax report, delinquent tax list, the City Clerk, Chief of Police, all board reports.

They also voted unanimously to approve 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.

Tourism Board Resignations

Tourism Board members Tami Lansdown and Angela Mace submitted their resignations from the Tourism Board. Their resignations were approved.

Approve Mayor Thomas’ Board Appointments and Board Liaison Appointments

Board members voted unanimously to approve Alderman Herron as Mayor Pro Tem.

The following board appointments, board liaison appointments, and board vacancies were then discussed and unanimously approved:

Board of Adjustment (5 year term) – There are vacancies for the terms ending 2027, 2028, and 2029. Alderman Geib is the board liaison.

Health Board (2 year term) – Melissa Masonbrink, Health Officer, term ending 2026. Board members are Steve Proctor, term ending 2026, and Sarah Watkins, term ending 2026. Mayor Thomas is the board liaison.

Park Board (3 year term) – Sheena Roup, term ending 2027. There are two vacancies for the term ending 2027. Alderman Graves is the board liaison.

Planning Commission (4 year term) – There is one vacancy for the term ending 2026. Board liaisons are Alderman Herron and Mayor Thomas.

Tourism Board (3 year term) – Board members are Ashtyn Beatty, term ending 2026, and Katelynn Curry, term ending 2026. There is one vacancy for the term ending 2026 and two vacancies for the term ending 2024. Alderman Schoonover  is the board liaison.

Mayor Thomas also recommended a liaison to Restore Rock Port. Graves volunteered.

Bid Opening: Solid Waste Disposal

Mayor Thomas opened the one bid received:

Klosek’s LLC Trash Service submitted a bid for residential trash service from a period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, the first year at $17.81 a month, with a $1.00 increase each of the next two years.

The aldermen voted unanimously to accept the solid waste disposal bid from Klosek’s LLC Trash Service.

Graves then inquired what the cost for a city-wide clean-up dumpster would be. Klosek stated they would get back with the city about possibly donating it.

Resolution # 2024-01 – Intergovernmental Agreement: Secondary Road Maintenance

An updated intergovernmental agreement was presented by the county. The only changes were for rock prices. It was explained to new council members that the agreement allows for the exchanging of services between the two entities. Atchison County provides the city with secondary roads grading services while the city provides snow plowing services for certain locations to them. Graves inquired if the city likes this agreement. Sherlock confirmed that they do.

The aldermen voted unanimously to approve Resolution #2024-01 – Intergovernmental Agreement: Secondary Road Maintenance.

Police Chief Derek Morriss

Chief Morriss stated not having a written report but that he had received some bids for new patrol units. Quotes for Dodge Durangos were passed out from different dealerships. Board members asked questions regarding resale values, warranties, and budgeting.

Morriss then gave an update on the Homeland Security grant which was submitted for both car and portable radios.

City Clerk Emily Schulte

Clerk Schulte stated everything was within her written report if the board had questions.

Superintendent Dennis Sherlock

Superintendent Sherlock reported that Hale Contracting will be doing the concrete work outside Burlap & Bows.

The city will soon need to have the water tower cleaned and inspected.

The recent leak detection services the city had done found three additional potential leaks that will be investigated further. Three more hydrants are being scheduled for replacement this year. The city had a presence at the recent feasibility meeting for a multi-community wastewater facility.

Streetlights are still in the process of being changed out. Once cold patch is being produced, a stockpile will be ordered.

Lead Laborer Hudson is currently attending a MIRMA seminar on the city’s behalf.

Sherlock acknowledged that a list for larger projects needs to be made and that they’re working on that. They also still need to put the blue truck out for bids.

Alderman Graves inquired if any other city equipment needed to be sold. Sherlock relayed that staff is working to get things cleaned up up around city properties. Several loads of scrap have been taken off and there is still more to go. He then mentioned that some of those proceeds will be going towards the bucket truck currently on order.

Alderman Kelley Herron

Alderman Herron thanked Aldermen Paris and Farmer for their years of service and welcomed Graves and Geib.

Herron wanted to remind citizens that the compost pile is for compost only, not branches. They have been receiving complaints.

Lastly, Herron wanted the Park Board to know that they aren’t against them, they just need to figure out how to streamline everything. The city wants only good things for the park and pool and they are here to help, all parties just need to come to an agreement.

Alderman Raechel Schoonover

Alderman Schoonover stated that she did offer last year to volunteer and manage the pool for free. However, she cannot fill out an application, as she cannot be an employee. She is unsure where this other communication came from, but the offer is still on the table. Park Board President Geib stated they were told aldermen could not do what Schoonover was presenting, but asked if she would get lifeguard certified, as they’re making that mandatory this year.

Schoonover stated she would if it were mandated. Geib expressed hesitation given the state of things.

Mayor Amy Thomas

Mayor Thomas acknowledged the Park Board’s concern a violation had occurred with moving up their request from a regular meeting to an earlier special meeting. Their request was approved, however that wasn’t fair to them. She hopes the new aldermen come in with an open mind and appreciates Farmer and Paris’ service.

Alderman Michael Graves

Alderman Graves stated the city should establish a grant writing committee. He has residents who would be prime candidates and interested in helping.

Executive Session

At 7:47 p.m. Herron moved to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Section 610.021(2) RSMo. Graves seconded.

The meeting adjourned into regular session at 8:16 p.m.

Pool payroll was readdressed. Mayor Thomas reiterated that no city staff faced repercussions over payroll issues last pool season.

Utility Office Manager McGuire asked if the main issue remaining between the Park Board and city was the payroll. She stated that if it was, she would do it. All she requested was that the Park Board and pool staff be respectful of her time and requirements. The only reason she originally resigned was because she is a utility employee, paid by the rate payers, not the taxpayers. All city payroll is initially paid through the utility bank accounts and city reimburses.

Issues within park payroll were causing banking issues within utility financials, including their ability to reconcile accounts. According to the city and utility auditors, the city utility customers shouldn’t be paying for expenses incurred through the city’s pool payroll.

Herron moved to rescind the motion from March 20, 2024: “Herron moved to approve the Park Board payroll for 2024 being contracted to Roger Livengood & Associates and the Board of Aldermen will pay half of the expense, up to $500.00 from their budget. Paris seconded. Herron, Paris, and Schoonover votes aye. Farmer votes nay.” Geib seconded. All voted aye.

Graves moved to approve the city resuming processing of pool payroll, given they follow the city’s payroll procedures. Herron seconded. All voted aye.

Park Board members stated there are still items they’d like addressed at another meeting. They requested the Board of Aldermen attend their regular meeting on May 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the city park.

A city-wide cleanup was readdressed. Sherlock advised against leaving dumpsters overnight. Graves was going to talk with Klosek’s regarding the potential dumpster donation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.