Utility deposit soon to be cash or cashiers check only

Discussion was held on utility deposits during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held June 6 at city hall. City Administrator Kathy Arnold stated that the city has had a problem with people giving a check for the deposit and then the check being returned due to insufficient funds. After discussion, Mrs. Arnold was directed to prepare an ordinance stating that utility deposits have to be paid with cash or cashiers check.

In other business at Monday’s meeting Scott Stephens, CPA, met with the mayor and aldermen to discuss the 2001 audit. He reviewed the balance sheets within the different funds and presented the mayor and board with a work sheet of cash balances from the previous years. He stated he would come to another meeting to answer any questions the board might have after reviewing the statement.

Mrs. Arnold reported that all of the health insurance quotes are not in and the agent will be getting a quote from another company as well.

Mrs. Arnold presented a list of properties that were three and five years delinquent.

Chief of Police Jim Wycoff reported that there had been a slight crime problem during the past week. He said the pool was broken into twice, a car was stolen in town and there was a minor vehicle accident. Mayor Davis inquired as to why the police car would be out by the Lake Viking area. Chief Wycoff stated that at times the officers have to go outside city limits for investigation purpose and then also go to Cameron to pick up police supplies.

During public comment, Franklin Archer met with the board to discuss problems with his cable TV service. He stated that he had been calling the company every day due to poor reception on the system. He inquired if the city could do anything about the problem, since the city has a franchise with the cable company. He was told that City Administrator Kathy Arnold has contacted Galaxy cable regarding complaints on the system.

Mr. Franklin asked about the progress of the sewer system project and about potholes in city streets. He was told that the state of Missouri has given approval for the sewer project and the city is still in the process of obtaining easements, and the city street department is now in the process of fixing the deep potholes.

Donnie Smith met with the board to commend them on taking $50,000 to put onto the streets and for appointing new park board members. Mr. Smith discussed the street that he lives on and stated that no gravel has been put on his street since 1994-95. Mr. Smith stated that he pays taxes and would like to have his street repaired and inquired what streets are planned to be done. He was told that a list of streets planned to have asphalt is on file at city hall.

Alderman Schweizer made a motion to vote on the gas system payment separately. Motion died for lack of a second.

Bills in the amount of $63,160.73 were approved for payments.

During comments by aldermen, Norma Griffin stated she had received a complaint regarding cable TV and another about the streets.

Becky Ness stated that she was asked why the pool was not open until 9 p.m. Mrs. Arnold reported that it was not economically feasible to keep the pool open that late. Discussion was held on having an adult swim night. Mrs. Arnold will discuss it with the pool manager.

Gene Schweizer thanked the board for their support on the additional money for streets. He made a motion to keep Scott Stephens as consulting auditor and seek bids for the 2002 audit. Motion died for lack of a second.

Mr. Schweizer made the following statement “At our May 13 meeting the board requested an opinion on whether a transfer from the water fund to the street fund would be allowed by Section 91.280. Our attorney’s response of May 22 gave us no answer to that question. We need this information. Therefore, I move the city once more request our attorney’s opinion on this issue. The question: Would a transfer from the water fund to the street fund be allowed by Section 91.280 and if not, why? Motion died for lack of second.

Bob Snidow discussed lots at Greenwood cemetery. Due to the city no knowing who has purchased lots at the cemetery, then the city will continue not selling lots. He inquired about the CAT generator. Mrs. Arnold stated that Utility Superintendent Loxterman was getting the generator ready to operate. At this time the city has not had to use the generator or been put on alert.

Mayor Davis discussed the status of easements for the sewer project. Mrs. Arnold gave an update on easements still needed.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, June 6, at city hall. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Bob Snidow, Norma Griffin, Gene Schweizer, Becky Ness, City Administrator/clerk Kathy Arnold, Chief of Police Jim Wycoff, Franklin Archer, Donnie Smith and Scott Stephens.