Gallatin Board of adermen meeting
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
City Administrator Toby Dougherty discussed the raise in median household income from 1990 to 2000 as reported by the US Census Bureau during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Feb. 24 at city hall. The numbers seem quite high and he feels that the city may have to perform its own income study because the reported numbers disqualifies the city from any federal matching funds.
According to the Missouri Census Data Center demographic profile, the median household income in 1990 in Gallatin was $21,812. In 2000 the median household income had risen to $29,234. The numbers reflect an increase of $7,422 and a 34% change.
Government agencies will work with figures from the 2000 Census beginning this year. Mr. Dougherty said the problem of making too much money as a town and being over the cut-off point for federal funds was a common one for communities in Northwest Missouri. “Other city officials I’ve talked to are in the same boat.”
Mr. Dougherty said he had discussed the matter with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture and Green Hills to see what steps could be taken to get the figures more indicative of the town’s medium household income.
“The possibility suggested as the best option was to do our own rate study,” he said.
Mr. Dougherty said he is waiting on the paperwork to see what methods and requirements need to be followed in order to do such a study.
In other business at the council meeting, Mr. Dougherty reported that Gasco, a company from Ohio, is interested in the city’s natural gas system. Representatives visited Gallatin about two weeks ago and will return after talking with BNY Bank in March. Mr. Dougherty has not heard from Missouri Gas Energy about any interest.
Mr. Dougherty stated that ads will be published for pool manager and lifeguards in March. The deadline for applications is April 2, 2004. He will conduct interviews and hire after that date.
Police Chief Jim Wycoff stated that Green Hills Shelter in Trenton has been donating dog food for the shelter in Gallatin, which has helped with expenses. He gave a cost estimate of $300-$400 for the graphics on the police SUV and said an ordinance needs to be written for issuing parking tickets.
Bills in the amount of $173,840.36 were approved for payment.
Mr. Dougherty discussed GASB 34 requirements, which the city will need to comply with for the 2004 audit.
A motion carried to accept a resolution authorizing the closing of a certificate of deposit with BTC Bank of Gallatin.
Mr. Dougherty submitted a rough draft of an employee handbook he has completed for the board to review.
During comments by aldermen, Norma Griffin asked about Spring clean up days. Mrs. Acree stated that the exact days would be scheduled in March, but it’s usually around the third week of April.
Mayor Thomas commented that he would like to see an advisory committee for the city implemented.
During public comment, Gene Schweizer made comments about utility accounts being segregated, the sewer project, gas surplus in the 2004 budget and salaries of elected and appointed officers.
Don Von Opitz asked if council meeting changes are posted. City Clerk Autumn Acree stated that they are posted at city hall 24 hours in advance or sooner.
Mr. Opitz has concerns over the rising price of Galaxy Cable for channels that a resident might not want. City Administrator Toby Dougherty commented that the city has no control concerning the issue. He has checked into other cable companies, but has not found one interested in servicing the Gallatin area.
Mr. Opitz also asked if three wheelers are allowed on city streets? Police Chief Jim Wycoff responded that three and four-wheelers are permitted if they have a license from city hall and are in compliance with the rules.
Mr. Opitz also had concerns about teens smoking on public streets and what can be done. Mr. Wycoff stated that underage smoking is a state law, not a city ordinance. The police do stop teens if they are seen smoking illegally.
Mr. Opitz had comments about the trash service fee and asked about the sewer project. Mr. Dougherty responded that the trash fee is a flat rate that Onyx Waste has set and that one easement is left to be signed and the city is waiting for the final cost estimate from the engineers. After that the project should be bid out.
The board held a closed session pursuant to legal actions and litigation.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004, at city hall. Present were Mayor John Thomas; board members Becky Wycoff, Norma Griffin, Bob Snidow and Gene Caldwell; City Administrator Toby Dougherty; Police Chief Jim Wycoff; City Clerk Autumn Acree; Bud Kirkendoll, Gene Schweizer, Pat Baker, Jim and Cheri Wayne, Don Von Opitz, Lisa Gutzmer, Kim Cornett, Mary Shepard and Lance Rains.