The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Kelley Herron, Michael Graves, and Jeff Geib. Also present were Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire, City Clerk Emily Schulte, Superintendent Dennis Sherlock, and Police Chief Derek Morriss. Visitors present were Park Board President Jennifer Geib, 4th of July Committee members Thea Lewis, Paige Sloop, and Kim Daugherty, as well as Raechel Schoonover, Lisa Farmer, Georgia Houghton, Stephanie Parsons, and Jody and Breanna VanSickle.
Mayor Amy Thomas called the meeting to order then led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting agenda was approved.
Board members approved the minutes of April 17, April 25, May 3, and May 8, 2024, meetings.
Raechel Schoonover – City Maintenance & Ordinances
Schoonover was present to report the grass at Rock Port Cabins becoming a nuisance again this year. Neighboring property owners have mowed it in years past, but they are requesting the city make some inquiries regarding alternate options between scheduled MoDOT maintenance.
Board members stated that most property owners maintain their right-of-ways in an effort to improve the appearance of their adjoining properties; however, it isn’t believed we can force the property owners to do so. Schoonover also asked that the property north of River Rock Lanes be looked at. Graves would like all nuisances that can be enforced by the city addressed.
Schoonover then stated wishing the city would focus more efforts on maintenance to our utility infrastructures. The city has recently experienced sewer backups, outages, and water leaks, however, the outside plant workers have been putting in a great deal of time on park projects.
Schoonover then requested the city consider live streaming council meetings.
Park Board – Pool Repair Fund
Park Board President Geib inquired if around 75% of the Pool Repair Fund could be put into a CD so the balance of the account can grow quicker than what it currently is with interest alone. She visited with the bank regarding rates on a 10 month CD. Graves asked that she also request rates for CDs in the range of two and three years so they have options to consider. Alderman Geib had concerns locking funds up for too long a period of time.
Geib then inquired if funds could be transferred from the Swimming Pool Donation account into the Pool Repair Fund, and the donation account be renamed Transfer Account. The Transfer Account could be set up to take online park and pool payments which the Park Board members would then sort through to have transferred accordingly into the correct income accounts within the primary Park Board checking account.
The Board of Aldermen has no issue with the Park Board’s Swimming Pool account at Citizens Bank & Trust being renamed Transfer Account.
4th of July Committee – Event Coordination
Lewis, Sloop, and Daugherty requested some guidance planning and paying for items associated with the city’s 4th of July celebration. It was discussed that this is a city committee, not a board. A bank account was created for the group following last year’s celebration, which consists of money raised through sponsorships. It was relayed to bring items that need to be purchased to the city clerk for payment.
The group then requested to be on next month’s agenda to request a special event permit.
Consent Agendas
The aldermen voted to approve the city financial statements, including the amended statements from April 2024, accounts payable, tax report, delinquent tax list, the City Clerk, Chief of Police, and all board reports.
They also voted to approve 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.
Board of Alderman Resignation – Schoonover
Graves moved to approve the resignation of North Ward Alderman Rachel Schoonover. Herron seconded. All voted aye.
Board of Alderman Appointment
Herron stated speaking with McCoy, who ran against Graves this past election, and he would consider being appointed. Thomas relayed speaking with two other individuals she would be interested in speaking with further to consider appointment.
Mayor Thomas tabled discussion for another month.
Tourism Board Resignations
Tourism Board members Katelynn Curry, Holly Huntley, and Thea Lewis submitted their resignations from the Tourism Board.
Graves moved to approve the resignations from Curry, Huntley, and Lewis. Geib seconded. All voted aye.
Tourism Board Appointments
Mayor Thomas stated wanting to appoint Karen Brown, Elizabeth Dillman, Jim Clodfelter, and Chris Shimmel to the Tourism Board.
The aldermen voted unanimously to approve Mayor Thomas’ Tourism Board appointments.
Park Board Appointments
The aldermen also unanimously approved Mayor Thomas’ appointment of Crystal Goins to the Park Board.
RES #2024-02: RS Electric Utility Services Contract Execution
The aldermen approved Resolution #2024-02: RS Electric Utility Services Contract Execution.
Crosswalk Lights
Graves discussed speaking with MoDOT regarding flashing crosswalk signs for Main Street in the primary locations children cross for school. MoDOT stated that if the city purchased and installed the signs, they would maintain them. They also agreed to repaint the crosswalks. Graves was asked to reach out and inquire if a similar deal could be done at the four-way stop – the city purchasing more visible stop signs. He asked that staff get him some quotes on what the city would like to install and he will ask.
Sidewalk Improvement Application – Carpenter
Graves moved to approve the payment for Carpenter’s sidewalk improvement cost-share application. Herron seconded. All voted aye. It was suggested the city look over the application process and see if timelines need to be implemented.
Nuisance Complaints – Grass
Graves noted areas where grass is being let go and being blown into the streets, then inquired if this is an issue every year. Sherlock replied that the grass in the streets is an issue for both the Street Department having to clean up clippings and well as causing drainage issues when clippings clog grates. Morriss stated preferring to knock on doors as opposed to writing tickets, as that typically gets resolutions in a more timely manner. More often than not, the citations are dropped by the prosecutor. It was suggested that they let the city prosecutor know they would prefer fewer dismissals of citations and potentially a raise in fine amounts.
Potholes
Graves requested an update on filling potholes. Sherlock relayed that the stockpile was just delivered and they would be starting soon. The city has a list with locations needing attention.
Road Closure Request
A request was submitted to once again close a section of Clay Street south of the Memorial Building for the annual 80s Reunion on August 31. The request was approved.
Pool Repair Fund Contribution
Schulte relayed this information being requested by a couple of different aldermen in the past few weeks. The transactions presented included everything that had been paid to date from the General Fund for the project proposed in late 2022 by the Park Board and approved early 2023 by the Board of Aldermen. The original scope of that project was also presented, which included the liner purchase and installation as well as repairs to the baby pool/water leak. Though the city sent a counteroffer to the original refund offered by RenoSys for the pool liner cancellation, there have been no updates in several months.
Geib stated being willing to contact RenoSys directly to see where this stood, as he has not heard back from the attorney. Graves believed all of what the General Fund has spent to date on the projects should be reimbursed and transferred from the Pool Repair Fund, as was the original plan. If any refund is received moving forward, it will be deposited into the Pool Repair Fund.
Graves moved to reimburse the General Fund $27,546.30 to be paid from the Pool Repair Fund for the pool liner and baby pool renovation project from 2023. Herron seconded. All voted aye.
Old Business
Mayor Thomas noted that the hazard mitigation survey still needs to be completed. She and Schulte had filled out some of the information, however she requested the outside plant employees look to see if they can assist with any of the unanswered questions. Thomas can also reach out to Rhonda Wiley for assistance. Additionally, the city may also need to rename an Emergency Management representative. It is believed to have been the Chief of Police in the past.
Police Chief Derek Morriss
Chief Morris reported sending out several letters in regard to grass nuisances. He inquired if the board preferred selling the 2014 Charger through sealed bid or hiring a company to sell at auction. Sealed bids were preferred with a minimum bid of $7,000.00. Items will need to be removed from the car prior to it being sold, which will be in the agreement.
The master cylinder is out in his patrol car and will be going to the dealership for repair. New vehicles were discussed.
Graves moved to approve the purchase of a Durango from the Police Department reserve and the remaining from the General Fund reserve, then the profit of the 2014 Charger being deposited into the General reserve. Herron seconded. All votes aye.
Superintendent Dennis Sherlock
Graves encouraged Sherlock to reach out to the school for summer help, if there are jobs younger workers could assist with.
Alderman Kelley Herron
Alderman Herron already spoke with Morriss but wanted to report getting complaints again regarding scooters and several motorists reporting barely missing kids. Golf carts could soon become an issue again as well with school letting out. It was the consensus that any of these items on city roadways should be expected to follow the rules of the road.
Herron then requested a Police Department report be readded to the meeting packets and asked if all department heads could begin working on a five year plan.
Alderman Jeff Geib
Aldermen Geib thanked everyone for approving the rescheduling of the meeting around his conflict.
Executive Session
Herron moved to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Section 610.021(13) RSMo at 7:23 p.m. Graves seconded. All voted aye.
Herron moved to adjourn into regular session at 7:53 p.m. Geib seconded. All voted aye.
The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the raise of Reserve Officer Houghton to $18.75 an hour.
They also voted unanimously to approve the resignations of Deputy Clerk Stoner and City Clerk Schulte.
The aldermen then approved opening the position of the City Clerk.
A special Board of Aldermen meeting will be held May 29 with an executive session for personnel matters.
Mayor Thomas reminded everyone about Summer Palooza and thanked the volunteers that came forward.
It was inquired if the council had decided whether there would be a cleanup day and they relayed considering a fall date. Parsons stated that her FBLA students do community projects every year and if the city were to consider an additional cleanup in the spring that might be something those students would be interested in assisting with. The board will take that up for consideration at budget time.
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
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The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Kelley Herron, Michael Graves, and Jeff Geib. Also present were Utility Office Manager Terri McGuire and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitors present were Stephanie Parsons, Jody VanSickle and Jax Lutz. Breanna and Piper VanSickle, Amber Graham, and Lisa Farmer were present following the adjournment of executive session.
Mayor Amy Thomas called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
The meeting agenda was approved.
The aldermen voted unanimously to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Section 610.021(13) RSMo at 5:33 p.m.
The meeting returned to regular session at 6:30 p.m.
Board members voted unanimously to keep the City Clerk job description posted until the position has been filled.
Jody VanSickle inquired how many applicants the city received. Graves responded only confirming that applications were received.
The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
