Due to lack of a quorum the Gallatin aldermen met briefly on Jan. 27 diuring the noon hour to transact several business matters.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Due to the lack of a quorum which turned a previous public meeting into a work session, the Gallatin board of aldermen met briefly on Jan. 27 during the noon hour to transact several business matters. Present were Norma Griffin, Robert Snidow and Larry Barnes with city administrator Jason Helton. Absent were Mayor L.B. Davis and alderman Bill McGinnis.
The aldermen voted to purchase a 1991 Chevrolet 3/4-ton pickup with covered utility bed for $6,800. This vehicle will replace and offset the increasing maintenance and repair costs of city truck #8.
A 24-day time extension for the completion of the infrastructure project underway in the business park was granted. Utility service is being extended to the northeast corner of the park, financed with state grant funding, to the park’s newest tenant, Viking Hardwoods.
The aldermen agreed to sign the annual agreement with the Cameron Police Department to perform Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer transactions for Gallatin’s police department.
Bills totaling $57,638 were approved for payment. The aldermen also raised questions regarding dogs running loose and police patrol of the school speed zone during the brief half-hour meeting.
Administrator Helton offers the following reports on utility disruptions and the topic of snow removal relevant this week.
On Jan. 31, water line repairs on Main Street in front of the Video House affected service to businesses along North Main. During repairs, water pressure in the line had to be lowered which prompted a boil order issued to all affected customers. The order for these customers remains in effect until results from a water sample allow the order to be lifted. Those affected will be notified door-to-door once the test results are known.
Also on Jan. 31, a brief electric outage occurred. Although the reason for the disruption has yet to be determined, city officials do not think the disruption was due to a problem involving the city’s power lines. It appears the cause was likely on the incoming power lines on the east side of town.
“Gallatin is fortunate to have the quality electrical system that is in place on which very few interruptions happen on an annual basis,” says Mr. Helton. “While the city has been placed on peak alert this winter, the city has not had to generate any electricity so far. By not having to generate so far, overall costs have therefore remained fairly constant for the city.”
Snowfall this week prompts some focus on snow removal. The city’s policy on snow removal has not changed. Mr. Helton explains that city personnel use their judgment as to when all the equipment is mobilized to clear snow. Weather forecasts, street conditions, and other activities are factored into the decision along with personnel, equipment and fuel costs.
Traditionally, side streets are pushed and snow is windrowed and picked up around the square when the snow is deep enough to make the effort effective. This is typically about 3 inches or more.
Over the past weekend, main side streets and bus routes were plowed. Sand was also spread at key intersections. As the weather warms, slush and snow is being pushed to the side ditches.