The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, April 17, 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, Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Park Board members present were Tawni Ellis, Tisha Jackson, Katey Kroeger, Lisa Farmer, Shauna Farmer, and Sheena Roup. Visitors were Craig Proctor.

Mayor Chamberlain called the meeting to order then led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Clerk Schulte swore in newly-elected officials: North Ward Alderman Ron Deatz, South Ward Alderwoman Lavon Paukert, and Mayor Chris Chamberlain.

The meeting agenda was approved.

The aldermen also voted to approve the March 20, 2019, and April 1, 2019, meeting minutes.

Craig Proctor was present to discuss rental opportunities of the old water plant to PWSD 1. Terms discussed were rental rates, maintenance, and electrical needs. The board requested an agreement be drawn up for the attorney to review.

Members from the Park Board were present to discuss the park and pool. It was asked of the Park Board to get mowing bids. They were also asked to contact ACCO to attain an estimate for pool maintenance. ACCO would not be able to begin work until June this year and would cost around $6,500 for the year. Their agreement would also leave out some tasks that the city would be responsible for. The current maintenance agreement between the city and the Park Board was also discussed. Both parties are to be reviewing the expectations.

Superintendent Hale informed both boards of the ongoing issues the pool has experienced as well as new issues the winter seemed to cause. The pump was started and the groundwater was checked. Power washing and sandblasting will likely be needed before next pool season. The mowing is being taken care of for now, but the Park Board’s decision on fertilizer is needed as soon as possible.

Mayor Chamberlain mentioned that he has been unlocking the park gate every morning and the police department has been locking it in the evenings. Alderwoman Paukert inquired what was prompting the Park Board’s request of the city to lock the gates at night. They discussed past vandalism along with other concerns of illegal activities taking place after hours. Chief Sherwood asked if they had looked into additional cameras, but it was thought there might be issues with installing them in the areas where they would be needed.

It was mentioned that a few individuals might be needing community service. There were several park projects mentioned that could be designated to these individuals. Katy Kroeger also mentioned building a pool committee to review the JEO pool study, and she will keep everyone updated. Shauna Farmer inquired about pool parking lot repairs. It was relayed that it was on the agenda for later in the meeting. Boring holes from the JEO study need to be filled and have been marked. The requested date to have the pool opened was May 24. Superintendent Hale couldn’t guarantee that date, but they would try.

Mayor Chamberlain expressed how appreciative he is that we have such a beautiful park. He expressed his gratitude for the hard work that both city employees and Park Board members put in to making the park great.

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.

Mayor Chamberlain mentioned receiving a letter on Chief Sherwood’s behalf regarding an incident that took place earlier this year. Because of Chief Sherwood’s actions he is to be presented with a commendation bar at a future date. Appreciation was expressed by the board followed by a round of applause.

The mayor’s board appointments and board liaison appointments were discussed and approved.

Due to the effects winter had on city streets, the street repair prioritization list was reviewed. Vance Brothers has already been contacted to obtain bids. After discussion, the following were determined as top priorities for 2019 concrete street repairs:

• Manor Circle intersection

• East Ridge Court intersection

• Fairlane Court intersection

• Calhoun / Market to Nebraska

• Calhoun and Market intersection

• Calhoun and Nebraska intersection

Taylor has received inquiries about the trench across Cass. Hale said it has been filled once already, but they are getting ready to again. Taylor also mentioned hearing appreciation for filling potholes. Others agreed.

Issues regarding the maintenance of gravel roads was addressed. Don Ingram is interested in grading the secondary roads for $150 an hour, which includes the labor and equipment. Hale inquired if a cap should be set in order to stay within budget. It was decided to let him do a first pass through of all secondary roads and then readdress the topic and possibly set up a maintenance schedule.

The aldermen voted to approve the revisions of the 2019 concrete street repairs list.

Mayor Chamberlain reported having discussions with Brian Kelly regarding another city-wide cleanup. It was well received in 2018 and the city can lock in the same price this year. The topic will be readdressed in May to determine a date, regulations and restrictions.

City Clerk Emily Schulte reported starting to look for solutions to the challenges that paper records tend to cause. She is going to additionally search for grant opportunities that might assist in the larger projects.

Superintendent Trevor Hale discussed the DNR report details received earlier this month. Work is being done to address areas of concern and getting a response compiled. Backflow reports are one thing citizens forget are due annually, but they were able to get them all completed.

House Bill 1062 was discussed regarding the Grain Belt Express. Meetings will be arranged with other local entities to inquire their positions on the bill. Alderman Stevens recommended reaching out to Curt Livengood. Alderman Taylor made the recommendation to start sending a representative to MPUA and MoPEP meetings when possible.

Superintendent Hale reported that the flooded I-29 lift station is going to cost an estimated $30,000 to repair. A federal disaster has not yet been declared. Further discussions will be had once more information is available.

Superintendent Hale discussed a water line that supplies two residences. We received reports these customers were without water and eventually the line had to be capped as the leak couldn’t be found. The customers are now connected to rural water for the time being. There is also an issue of getting water to Kelly Herron’s pasture.

The aldermen voted to approve installation of a new meter and shut-off at Kelly Herron’s property line and additionally pay for a 500’ spool of pex. Hale to discuss this solution with Herron and report back at the May meeting.

There is also an issue of now supplying water to another customer per an easement rights agreement, as the line has been deemed inactive. The city will consult with its attorney on how to proceed with these customers.

Superintendent Hale reported being at 28% for water usage this year, around 3% over. Two new full-time employees started this week and have already assisted in two leak repairs with the hydrovac.

The residence at 116 S. Main Street was discussed. Jon Ward and Amber Cook recently purchased the property. The previous owner had a verbal agreement with the city to allow a non-permanent shed to sit over the property line on city-owned land.

The aldermen voted to approve a 20 year lease at $1 per year for city-owned land next to Jon Ward and Amber Cook’s residence at 116 S. Main.

Alderwoman Lavon Paukert mentioned a Main Street property that has started falling onto a neighboring building. City Attorney Dan Smith will be contacted on how to handle the issue.

Alderman Ron Deatz brought up concerns for sales tax revenues dropping due to the flooding.

Alderman Todd Stevens brought up the board possibly needing to address old work orders that don’t fit in the priority listing and dismissing them. The speed trailer put near the four-way stop is appreciated with the influx of detouring traffic. The rock put on 4th Street appears to have greatly assisted the road’s condition.

Alderman Stevens added that when and if a maintenance schedule is implemented, residents will be informed to cease any road maintenance on an individual level, otherwise the schedule will become void.

Mayor Chris Chamberlain informed the board that the Community Council should be meeting in May.