The Gallatin City Board of Aldermen awarded Lawson Construction the work on the business park water and sewer project. Lawson’s bid was $84,300. The board also heard comments from the public about the city’s police department.
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Kensey Russell and Ron Urton from Shafer,Kline & Warren, Inc., presented four bids received for the business park water and sewer project during the Oct. 12 regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen. The board accepted the bid of Lawson Construction of $84,300, contingent upon the project receiving the necessary Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permits and issuance of change orders to reflect the city’s in-kind work.
Much of the Oct. 12 meeting involved the Gallatin Police Department. The board went into executive session at 7:30 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:30 p.m.
Several citizens attending the meeting expressed opinion. Jason Smith stated that police coverage was inadequate with the current number of officers. Mr. Smith also stated that he was unhappy with previous comments made by Alderman Barnes.
Franklin Wilder was also displeased with previous comments made by Alderman Barnes and further stated that the city needed 24-hour police coverage.
Donna Jurrens was concerned that her statement from a previous Board of Aldermen meeting as reflected in the minutes was interpreted inaccurately. Mrs. Jurrens also stated that the city’s police officers are dedicated and not respected and poorly paid. Mrs. Jurrens also questioned the administration and the protocol of directions given to the police department.
Tim Andrew stated the city’s officers are required to work many hours and are not appreciated and should be supported. Mr. Andrew also stated that complaints have been written to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Mr. Andrew questioned the operation of the dog pound.
Sherry Bridgeman stated that it was unfortunate that Alderman Barnes criticized the police department and that she believed the other aldermen were in agreement with the criticism.
Niki Price stated her opinion that the current officers are fearful of losing their job if they do something wrong, according to the aldermen, or if they stop the wrong person.
Mayor L.B. Davis indicated that problems do exist within the department and that they largely result from a lack of communication between the police department and City Hall and the aldermen.
During other business at the meeting, City Administrator Jason Helton gave an update on the conversion of certain facilities to natural gas: Daviess County Care Center is now complete; the 911 generator is complete; and the Daviess County Courthouse will be started soon.
Fall clean-up has been scheduled for east of Highway 13 for Oct. 18 and west of Highway 13 for Oct. 20.
The next meeting of the Missouri Development Finance Board is Nov. 16. At that meeting, the board is expected to pass a resolution of intent. This formal resolution would allow Gallatin to begin developing a more definite refinancing package of its natural gas system.
Mr. Helton announced that Steve Reid, City Water Plant Manager, recently achieved a Class A water license as certified by the DNR. This is the highest water classification in Missouri and a nice accomplishment by a member of the city staff.
A customer requested an adjustment of his/her water bill due to a water leak at the residence. The board stated the policy has been as follows: If the break occurs on the customer side of the meter, the customer is responsible for the amount. The request to adjust the water bill was therefore denied.
Mary Ann King requested something be done with a property located at Main and West Johnson. She stated that the large wood pile is a potential fire hazard to surrounding structures. It is blocking the sidewalk and has the potential to house insects and vermin.
Bills in the amount of $105,883.96 were approved for payment.
The above is based on the unapproved minutes of the meeting. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Norma Griffin, Bill McGinnis and Robert Snidow. Also present were City Administrator Jason Helton. Absent was Alderman Larry Barnes.
Citizens attending the meeting were LaRue Myers, Mary Ellen Murray, Jay and Betty Youtsey, Geneva New, David Mackintosh, Virginia and Bob Watson, Cheri M. Wayne, Mary Ann King, Tim and Nancy Andrew, Sylvia Eads, Margaret Stigers, Franklin Wilder, Jason Smith, Ron Urton, Kensey Russell, Donna Jurrens, Theresa Meritt, Mickie Loxterman, Staci Hamilton, Stephanie Belshe, L.D. Jefferson, Nicole Brerenfield, Larry Tull, Darren and Niki Price, Todd and Roxanne Watson and Sherry Bridgeman.