(Note: The following minutes are posted on the city’s website. They have not been approved.)
The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, March 17, at 9:45 a.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Kelley Herron, Jeff Geib, and Kim Brake. Also in attendance were Superintendent Dennis Sherlock, lead laborer Jarod Hudson, laborer Chris Riley, laborer Topher Paris, City Clerk Natasha Baruth, and Utility Clerk Terri McGuire.
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order.
Board members voted to adjourn into executive session at 9:57 a.m. for personnel matters pursuant for Section 610.021 (3) RSMo.
Executive session adjourned at 10:02 a.m.
Olsson representatives were in attendance to discuss the bid for the Clay Street project.
The timeframe for the project depends on the surveyor. The board asked if the project could be stretched to 8-10 years and broken into three separate projects as opposed to the proposed three years and one project. Olsson confirmed the extension but expressed the need for a contract for each project and that the cost would increase given the small nature of the project becoming even smaller. The board discussed the main concern being the need to get rid of the water buildup. Olsson stated the project would start at the section of Market to Main. The board and Olsson discussed other options like asphalt vs. concrete and adding drainage without contracting the street replacement. The board voiced concern of the price for the project and discussed multiple options to lower costs or spread costs further.
The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the survey.
Clerk Baruth presented financials and presented how the city could pay for the whole project without needing a loan.
The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
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The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Kelley Herron, Michael Graves, Jeff Geib, and Kim Brake. Also present were City Clerk Natasha Baruth, Superintendent Dennis Sherlock, and Police Chief Derek Morriss. Utility Clerk Terri McGuire was absent. Visitors present were Chris Roup, Connie Minter, Taya Jones, and Jeff Mace.
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order.
The meeting agenda was approved.
The aldermen voted unanimously to approve minutes of the February 19, March 4, March 10, and March 17, 2025, meetings.
Visitors
The Tourism Board was not in attendance. Mayor Amy Thomas spoke about the Tourism Board voting to transfer the turbine blade to the city. Superintendent Sherlock said the crew could mow and put up a “Do Not Climb” sign.
Consent Agendas
The city consent agenda and the utility consent agenda were approved.
New Business
Fire hydrant replacements were discussed. Superintendent Sherlock is aware of two that need to be replaced and is discussing further replacements needed with the fire department.
Sherlock presented cost of transformers and poles for as-needed inventory. Herron moved to approve the bid. Motion died. The board discussed it further.
Sherlock discussed switch gear batteries. He is looking into pricing and will update the board at a later meeting.
The board discussed 4160 substation switch connection, pole study, H pole replacement, and cut outs installation. Sherlock is looking into pricing within the approved budget.
Resolution 2025-1 Intergovernmental Agreement was read. The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Thomas spoke about several nuisance complaints received regarding barking dogs. Officer Sons visited the owners. The dogs are kept inside at night and are not a problem during quiet hours.
City Clerk Baruth spoke about the need for Utility Clerks McGuire and Brenda Clemens to be added to the CDBG account. The aldermen voted unanimously to add McGuire and Clemens to the account.
City Clerk Baruth spoke regarding a Sunshine Law procedure. She presented other city policies for reference. A request form was presented for review. A Sunshine policy, Resolution 2025-2, was reviewed. The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Old Business
The board spoke to Superintendent Sherlock regarding a new sewer jet. Sherlock presented the final amount of $95,430.00. The remaining balance is $29,325.39. Sherlock also spoke about a workshop that is included in the price. He would like to send all four street employees. The board has reservations with everyone being absent at the same time. The board agreed to send two workers for the workshop.
Sherlock presented the survey contract from Olsson. The board signed the contract that was voted on at the meeting on March 17, 2025.
The board discussed how to divide up dispensary tax income.
The aldermen voted to pay the following with dispensary income: the remaining balance of the sewer jet, $29,325.39; the transformer bid, $8,903.00; the pole bid, $4,877.38.
Herron moved to approve the generator bid for the street barn. The motion died.
Herron moved to give the park $8,500.00 for lifeguard payroll. The motion died.
The aldermen voted unanimously to divide future dispensary income as follows: 75% to street, 10% park, 10% administration, 5% to police.
Sherlock spoke regarding the aquatic facility operator. He would like to send all four street workers to the training. The board approves but would like them to be sent in pairs, so all the workers aren’t gone at the same time. The board instructed to have the training by May 9, 2025.
Additional Reports
City Clerk Baruth spoke regarding the Spring Institute she attended. She presented several items she learned and would like to implement. Baruth also spoke regarding the park board not believing they are responsible for the walk bridge. The board discussed and voted for the city to take responsibility for the walk bridge.
Police Chief Morriss gave an update on his workman’s comp injury. He was originally expected to be out for six to eight weeks but the updated time frame is four to six months. Morriss spoke about needing a laptop to be able to work at home. The board instructed Morriss to do some recruiting while he was on one arm duty work.
Alderman Herron gave his thanks for his years on the board. He gives his thanks to past and present employees and he is glad he served and was given the opportunity.
Mayor Amy Thomas also wants to thank everyone for her time as mayor. She learned a lot.
Alderman Graves spoke regarding the need for a contract between the school board and the park board. MIRMA, the city insurance company, requires a hold harmless agreement for companies using city facilities. The aldermen voted to have Graves and Geib attend the next school board meeting to present MIRMA requirements and the contract.
Alderman Graves spoke regarding the tourism board guidelines and the ability to help the park board with park projects.
One sealed bid was received for all of Lots 26 and 27 in Block D of Sickler’s Second Addition. The aldermen voted unanimously to accept Jeff Mace’s bid of $200.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
