The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met at Rock Port City Hall on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Pro Tem Todd Stevens presiding in the absence of Mayor Chamberlain. Other board members present were Ron Deatz and Lavon Paukert. Tim Taylor was absent. 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, City Attorney Emily Bauman, Doug and Brenda McCoy, Justin Pankau, and Jennifer Alvarez.
Mayor Pro Tem Stevens called the meeting to order then led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting agenda was approved, as well as the December 18, 2019, meeting minutes.
Fire Chief Jones presented his annual report to the board. Gavilon’s fire was a large undertaking in which the department invested around 277 hours. The department is working to get new bunker gear this coming year. The Rural Fire Board would like to invest in the firehouse this year by purchasing new garage door openers. The board thanked Chief Jones for his detailed report as well as everything he does for the community.
The McCoys were present to follow up with the board about city-owned property they would like to purchase. Stevens asked that the topic be tabled until February’s meeting to hopefully hold a discussion with a full board.
Emily Bauman was in attendance to officially introduce herself as Rock Port’s City Attorney / Prosecutor.
Justin Pankau introduced the possibility of bringing his annual event, Midwest Mess, into Rock Port city limits. Pankau explained his past events, the anticipated attendance, the insurance he carries, security, as well as the state liquor license he obtains. His event will take place June 6 this year. He was asked to complete and submit a Special Event Permit if the event is requesting to take place on city property. The board will then discuss the request further.
Board members 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.
Superintendent Hale submitted a proposal for an employee lineworker training agreement. The Lineworker Supplementary Training Agreement was approved.
Bill #1205 – Setting an Election – was read by Deatz. The first reading was approved. Bill #1205 – Setting an Election was read for a second time by Paukert. The second reading was approved, and Bill #1205 was declared Ordinance #1205.
Certificates of Appreciation for Tourism Board members Mandy Herron and Diana Liess were approved. Herron served from May 2018 – September 2019, and Liess served from May 2018 – December 2019. Their contributions towards the betterment of our city is valued.
City Attorney Bauman recommended chamber rules be enforced during Board of Aldermen meetings.
Chief Sherwood mentioned possible ordinances for tobacco purchasing, medical marijuana, and interstate move over procedures coming soon for board consideration. Chief Sherwood then gave his year-end report for 2019.
Clerks Schulte and McGuire reported having had a meeting with Charlie Zitnik. He would be in attendance at the February meeting to discuss possible refinance options for the city.
Options for the recoating of the water tower were discussed during Superintendent Hale’s report. Olsson’s Master Agreement Work Order No. 5 – Water Tower Recoating, was approved.
An 8” water main break was repaired near the water tower on New Year’s Day. Leak repairs have been a frequent task lately around town. The last phase for getting everything completely transferred over from the light plant to the switch gear should be taking place this year.
A street repair ranking suggestion was submitted for review and will be discussed further at the February meeting.
2020 Street Repair Priority Option
(1) Clay Street – Main to alley, $20,211.00
(2) Calhoun Street – Market Street to Nebraska Street, $44,636.00
(3) Hillside Drive – Section 2, $34,894.00
(4) Hillside Drive – Section 1, $24,068.00
(5) Hillside Drive – Section 3, $41,247.00
2020 Chip Seal Streets
Rainbow Drive – Remaining area, $33,400.00
MPUA is interested in putting an EV charging station in Rock Port, though not much information is available at this time. Obligations within the Park Maintenance Agreement were discussed.
Alderwoman Paukert inquired about street lights near the courthouse not working. Superintendent Hale said he would look in to the issue further to determine which lights she is referring to, as some might be ones taken out per courthouse request.
Alderman Deatz inquired about what would be needed to complete replacement of Main Street street lights. The board was informed that the process is lengthy and involved MoDOT grants and budgetary commitments. Superintendent Hale and Clerk Schulte did mention having plans to discuss the next phase later this year.
Alderman Stevens commented that the work being done with snow and ice removal is appreciated.
The meeting was then adjourned.
