Lead paint prompts idea to replace water tower

Tom Stechman, utility services representative, met with the mayor and board of aldermen to discuss water tower repairs during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Monday, Aug. 12, at city hall.

Mr. Stechman discussed necessary repairs that would be needed to bring the tower up to DNR approval. He stated that paint on the outside of the tower did have lead in it. He estimated that the cost to repair the tower would be $150,000 or more due to lead paint on the outside of the tower.

Mr. Stechman recommended to the mayor and board of aldermen that they pursue building a new water tower. City Administrator Arnold was directed to contact Green Hills Regional Planning to see if grant money could be available for this project.

Discussion was held on having the new water tower inspected. Tower inspections are required by the DNR. Mrs. Arnold will discuss this further at a later date with Mr. Stechman.

The 2002 tax rate hearing was held. No one present had any comments on the 2002 tax rate.

Alderman Schweizer made a motion to set the 2002 tax rate as follows: General Revenue – .5968; parks and recreation – .2124; band – .0200. Motion carried.

An ordinance amending the city code relating to the establishment of natural gas rates was adopted after first and second readings.

Mrs. Arnold presented the mayor and board with Amendment #3 to Natural Gas Transmission Agreement between Gallatin and Hamilton. The board approved the amendment.

Mayor Davis opened bids submitted for the 2002 audit. R. Scott Stephens’ bid was — 2002 audit $3,495; Single audit if necessary — $1,200; bookkeeping assistance if needed — $75 per hour; assistance to bring Gallatin in compliance with GASB 34 (which is required after 12/31/03) — $75. Steven Grant’s bid was $2,500 (all inclusive).

After discussion, Mrs. Arnold was directed to contact references of Mr. Grant and get a clarification on bid submitted.

Discussion was held on city treasurer. In a letter from City Attorney Bill Lewis, an Attorney General’s opinion indicates that the same person may not hold the position of city clerk and city treasurer. The city’s code currently allows for this. City Attorney Lewis did write that in his opinion it would not be contrary to state law if a deputy clerk was to serve as city treasurer. After reviewing Mr. Lewis’ letter, Mayor Davis appointed Autumn Acree as city treasurer. The board approved the appointment, contingent on the acceptance of the position by Mrs. Acree.

Chief of Police Jim Wycoff reported that the engine had gone out of the police car and a salvaged engine had been purchased. A local mechanic will put the engine in the car. The salvaged engine will have a 90 day warranty on it.

Chief Wycoff gave an update on the Teen Center. He stated that the committee would be looking at a building for the Center. If the building is suitable, then a grant application will be submitted for purchase of the building.

Chief Wycoff introduced the new police officers, Loren Funke and Mike Bailey, to the mayor and board of aldermen.

Mayor Davis discussed the zoning code regarding double wide homes being placed throughout the city. He stated that he feels that the zoning ordinance should be changed to allow double wides and trailers to be set in designated areas. After discussion, Mrs. Arnold was directed to look at current zoning ordinance regarding double wides and trailers.

Bob Snidow presented the board with photos that he had taken of properties that need to be cleaned up.

Gene Schweizer also discussed properties that need to be cleaned up. He made a motion as follows, “I move an ordinance be prepared amending the second sentence of 62.062 to read as follows: Upon order of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, written notice shall be issued to the resident of such property, if no resident exists, then notice shall be attached to or posted on the property, which notice shall direct such person to abate such nuisance within a period of time, not more than five days, to be stated in the notice, and it shall be unlawful for any person to whom such notice has been given to fail to comply with the requirements there. Discussion was held on Mr. Schweizer’s motion and Mrs. Arnold will have a nuisance ordinance for the board to review at the next meeting.

Mayor Davis requested Chief Wycoff to enter the meeting to discuss properties that need to be cleaned up and the photos from Bob Snidow. Chief Wycoff reported that some property owners have been notified to clean up properties. He inquired if the city wanted to pursue cleaning up the property if the property owner did not comply in the amount of time allotted. It was agreed by the board that the properties would be cleaned up.

Donnie Smith, representing the Park Board, met to discuss the need of additional park board members. Mr. Smith stated that Robert Robertson was interested in becoming a park board member as well as Michelle Allen. Another name was also submitted to contact as potential member.

Mayor Davis appointed Sue Downey and Michelle Allen to the park board and the board approved the motion.

Jerry Engleman, Trenton, met with the board to discuss attracting tourism into the communities of Gallatin, Jamesport and Trenton. Mr. Engleman stated that he had an idea for a billboard located on I-35 promoting northern Missouri. Discussion followed with Mr. Engleman giving names of different organizations to contact.

Henry Cox met with the board to discuss the need of repairing a fire hydrant located in front of his property. He discussed dogs running loose.

City Administrator Arnold stated that representatives from a satellite company were in town going door to door selling the satellite dishes. She reported that the representatives were told that they could not do that and the city was later notified that they were going door to door. She reported that she did contact the company regarding this matter.

Bills in the amount of $148,790.61 were approved for payment.

Alderman Griffin discussed with Chief Wycoff a complaint that she received regarding people walking down the middle of the street when sidewalks were available. Chief Wycoff would check the code book.

During comments by aldermen, Norma Griffin stated that her comments were taken care of during the meeting as they were as follows: fire hydrant, dogs, walking in the street, and lowering the natural gas prices.

Bob Snidow extended his appreciation to Becky Wycoff for her courtesy in showing new officers around the community.

Becky Wycoff inquired about the progress of the sewer project. Mrs. Arnold reported that the city is still awaiting easements from the engineering firm.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, Aug. 12, at city hall. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Norma Griffin, Robert Snidow, Gene Schweizer, Becky Wycoff, City Administrator/Clerk Kathy Arnold, Chief of Police Jim Wycoff, police officers Funke and Bailey; Robert Robertson, Donnie Smith, Michelle Allen, Tom Stechman, Jerry Engleman and Henry Cox.