The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Rock Port City Hall. Board members present were Mayor Chris Chamberlain, Ron Deatz, Todd Stevens and Tim Taylor. Alderwoman Lavon Paukert was absent. Also present were Superintendent Trevor Hale, Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Visitor present was Robert Paulo.

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

The meeting agenda was approved, as well as the August 1 and August 19, 2019, meeting minutes.

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.

A special event permit application was approved for Reed Martin to shoot off fireworks at home football games and pep rallies.

Robert Paulo was present to discuss issues with a building bordering his on Main Street. Last winter a section of their wall collapsed onto his roof, but the damage couldn’t be fully assessed until the snow fully melted. Paulo’s AC unit was demolished, holes were put in his roof, and he is now experiencing cracks in his walls and water damage inside his building. A tree has also begun growing in the alley that is beginning to affect his property as well. Chief Sherwood stated that the contact information for the owner of the building is no longer good and the owner now lives out of state. The city will continue to attempt to reach this person.

Mayor Chamberlain mentioned having conversations with the Schomburgs regarding their MIRMA electrical claim. After further deliberation, they have decided to accept the offer that was presented.

The alley closure request off Third Street was discussed further following the public hearing. Hearing opinions from the residents affected was appreciated. Upon weighing the opinions of residents along with opinions from first responder and utility representatives, it was thought that keeping the alley open would be the best option at this point in time.

The first reading of Bill #1200 – 2019 tax rate – was approved. Bill #1200 – 2019 tax rate was read for a second time and approved. Mayor Chamberlain declared Bill #1200, Ordinance #1200.

The suspension of the rock delivery program was discussed. Superintendent Hale reported that currently there wasn’t much flexibility in the workload to resume the program. Alderman Stevens offered to look into current program issues in hopes of possibly finding a resolution that would eventually allow the city to start offering this service again.

Mandy Herron’s resignation from the Tourism Board was approved.

The Mayor’s board appointments were discussed and approved. They are as follows: Tourism Board – Kallie Sherwood, term ending April 2021; and Park Board – Clint Dougherty, term ending April 2020.

Kmet Consulting presented the Human Resources Study findings to a select few city officials on September 10. Two options were presented for the board’s consideration. Once a decision is made, the report could be completed. Alderman Stevens noted being pleased with the study results. How the city will need to adjust on an annual or biannual basis would still need to be considered. Mayor Chamberlain also noted longevity should be considered as a factor. The aldermen voted to approve Kmet Consulting’s Option 2 for wage scales.

Chief of Police Shannon Sherwood informed the board that the police department camera recently quit working. A MIRMA grant that was completed and submitted will hopefully fulfill a large portion of the replacement costs. Chief Sherwood was also asked to attend an upcoming Rotary Club meeting where he will be giving a speech regarding the police department.

Superintendent Trevor Hale reported that he and Utility Clerk McGuire and City Clerk Schulte have been working with FEMA regarding the I-29 and KOA sewer lift stations, the I-29 lagoon, and the walk bridge claims. A company has been contracted to plug the wells at the old water plant. Plans to have the water tower painted should be made in the near future. A list of transformers left over from the electrical upgrade was compiled and sent out for bids.

The transformer bid from Emerald was approved.

DNR made a visit in regard to PCB transformer compliance. The city’s ice treatment policy for businesses requesting services was discussed. Letters will be sent to businesses that might be interested in the service and will explain that in the future all privately owned businesses will be charged a fee. The golf course would like to utilize some of the city’s equipment after hours. As the city still has an agreement with the golf course, equipment will be operated only by city employees, and it will benefit the city by fixing a water leak. Nebraska City Utilities toured the light plant and offered $4,000 for select materials.

The aldermen voted to approve the offer from Nebraska City Utilities.

Alderman Taylor noted the area in front of Rock Port Cabins where grass isn’t getting mowed. Chief Sherwood stated that the issue is being looked into with both the Rock Port Cabin’s owner and MoDOT.

Alderman Deatz stated that no advancements have been made to increase safety in regard to the four-way stop. MoDOT stated there is nothing more that can currently be done.

Alderman Stevens has been receiving good feedback on the recent road work. He believes the prioritization list made at the beginning of each year is helpful.

Mayor Chamberlain mentioned receiving several complaints regarding yards that need to be mowed. Chief Sherwood informed the board that letters as well as citations have been issued for the places of concern. It was also asked that city staff assist as usual with certain items affiliated with Old Fashioned Saturday Night.

The meeting was then adjourned.