The Rock Port Board of Aldermen met Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Amy Thomas presiding. Board members present were Kelley Herron, Michael Graves, and Jeff Geib. Also present were City Clerk Natasha Baruth, Utility Clerk Terri McGuire, Superintendent Dennis Sherlock and Police Chief Derek Morriss. Visitors present were Randy Friesen, Sheena Roup, Crystal Goins, W.C. Farmer, Gary McGuire, and Bryan Martin. Rick Wilson arrived at 6:50 p.m.

Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order.

Graves motioned to amend the meeting agenda to remove executive session. Geib seconded. Graves and Geib voted aye. Herron voted nay.

Clerk McGuire questioned the removal of the executive session for personnel matters.

Bryan Martin was in attendance to discuss his sewer lines on College Square. They are blocked and sewage is leaking into his backyard. Ordinance 566 states the responsibility of the sewer lines on College Square lie with the owners of the plat.

Sheena Roup was in attendance to discuss a grant for the park board. They are looking at getting an 80/20 reimbursable grant. They would use the grant for wood chips, picnic tables, trash cans, etc. The park board would ask the Board of Aldermen to pay for these items and then be reimbursed by the grant. It was tabled for now.

The aldermen voted to approve the city consent agenda and the utility consent agenda.

New Business

Toni Ellison applied for a business license, but she does not need one as she is out of city limits.

Bill #1249 was read aloud by Thomas. It was approved. Bill #1249 was read for the second time by Geib. It was also approved.

Superintendent Sherlock discussed Deatz Road and parking laws.

The city received the first marijuana tax deposit in the amount of $6,463.99. The board talked about ways to utilize the tax money. Discussion was tabled.

Superintendent Sherlock talked about tree trimming and removal. Bill #1224 states that any trees under power lines are the owner’s responsibility to maintain and keep away from power lines.

The Tourism Board brought concerns regarding finances to the city clerk. Discussion of personnel matters ensued. Graves moved to remove the Tourism Board President but the motion died for lack of a second. Graves moved to have a meeting with the Tourism Board and Board of Aldermen to discuss financials. Geib seconded. Graves and Geib voted aye. Herron voted nay.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next meeting is November 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.