The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at Rock Port City Hall with Mayor Chris Chamberlain presiding. Board members present were Ron Deatz, Lavon Paukert, Todd Stevens, and Tim Taylor. Also present were Superintendent Trevor Hale, Utility Clerk Terri McGuire, Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitors were Fire Chief Scott Jones and 2nd Assistant Dan Athen.

The aldermen voted to approve the meeting agenda. They also voted to approve the December 19, 2018, meeting minutes.

Fire Chief Jones and 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Athen presented the 2018 Rock Port Fire Department report. The year was relatively quiet. Highlights included the department receiving their new fire truck and attending multiple trainings throughout the year. Future planned upgrades include new bunker gear and a brush truck.

The aldermen voted to approve the city financial statements, accounts payables, tax report, delinquent tax list, and all board and departmental 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 Clerk report and City Superintendent report.

The 2019 liquor licenses were approved.

Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood reported 491 calls and incidents for the month of December which resulted in 75 reports and assistance of other agencies seven times. For 2018 as a whole there were 6,365 calls and incidents which resulted in 755 reports and assistance of other agencies 148 times.

Chief Sherwood also reported 22 kids were taken to the Shop with a Cop event. He thanked everyone who donated and helped with the event.

City Clerk Emily Schulte reported on the progress of 2019 city pet, business, and liquor license renewals. Election filing has officially closed. City Hall received three declarations of candidacy, all of which were from current board members filing for their current positions. MIRMA will be here in February for the city’s annual evaluation.

Superintendent Trevor Hale reported on a difficult water leak which was found on Clay Street. The city has continued to deal with large quantities of snow. For the 2018 calendar year the city went over their estimated water usage by 7%; a large amount estimated due to several water leaks that have since been located and repaired: 16 1” or smaller lines, a 2” main break, a 4” main break on Main Street, a 4” main replacement on Snowden Drive, a 6” main break on Bluff Street, a 6” line at Hwy. 136 and Colvin Avenue, and a 6” line on East Mill Street.

Superintendent Hale additionally reported on the power outage the entire town recently experienced. Another nearby power provider was doing work in the area when an issue ended up affecting the city’s power as well. An MPAU grant was received and is to be presented to the city in the amount of $14,000. New auto read electric meters are also being considered for future implementation.

Alderman Taylor reported having been contacted by a resident regarding snow removal on their street.

Alderwoman Paukert reported feedback regarding snow being pushed back into driveways when the streets are being plowed. Superintendent Hale addressed the concerns and stated that information will be put out on how to help prevent this from happening.

Alderman Deatz inquired about current interest in the old water plant facilities. The subject will be readdressed at a future meeting.

Alderman Stevens reported visiting with the street department workers while plowing during the last snow. He expressed his appreciation for all the work they have been putting in to keep the streets clean. The Park Board recently received the results of the pool study they had contracted out. The study highlights current issues along with improvement recommendations.

Mayor Chamberlain discussed the possibility of doing an apprentice program with the high school for part-time city help. Groups were contacted regarding the donation of new trash receptacles for Main Street. A Community Council meeting is in the works to be scheduled for the end of January.

The meeting was then adjourned.