Highway 6 project to relocate a city well

City Administrator Zac Johnson reviewed a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Agreement in regard to when MoDOT plans to widen Hwy. 6 during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Sept. 12 at city hall. Widening Hwy. 6 will affect the city in the loss of one of their water wells which MoDOT will reposition. An ordinance will be drafted for the next board meeting.

According to Mr. Johnson the well in question is the one closest to the road on the south side of Hwy. 6. The new highway will start at about the Steve Rains’ house and go towards Route V. The new highway will be built about 60 feet south of the existing highway and thus will go through the center of the city’s well.

MoDOT plans to start the work next summer and the city is required to have the well and water lines moved between now and then.

The city will need to dig a new well, put in new water lines and adjust some of the water lines currently under the highway. MoDOT will probably raise the road and the city will need to raise its water lines.

The agreement being worked out with MoDOT will allow the city to begin contacting drilling companies who must first find a water source. The city will submit the cost of putting in the new well and the cost of moving and adding new water lines to MoDOT. MoDOT will reimburse the city for all of its expenses.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, Mr. Johnson informed the board that the street crew needs to finish Prospect Street and then should be close to finishing the streets for this year. He also stated the water plant is still running at 20 hours to keep up with the water usage. The city is still asking for the conservation of water to be limited to “household use” only.

Police Chief Richards reported on activity from Aug. 22 to Sept. 12. Reports Taken: 1 – DUI; 1 – resisting arrest; 2 – child endangerments; 3 – accidents; 1 – burglary. Tickets Given: 1 – warrant arrest; 1 – stop sign; 1 – no dog license; 5 – speeding; 1 – driving while suspended. Pound: 5 dogs in the pound.

Police Chief Richards stated that the police officers will be watching closely for seat belt usage, especially at the school and tickets will be given.

Bills in the amount of $134,800.48 were approved for payment.

Pat Baker inquired about a light being installed at 409 Clay Street and about a street/driveway issue brought up at the last meeting.

Sewer bills in the amount of $17,230 were approved for payment.

During comments by aldermen, Pat Baker asked if anyone was cleaning the dog pound. Chief Richards stated that an officer cleans it on a daily basis. She also had complaints on weeds and grass not being mowed. Chief Richards commented that he is working on letters for some of the properties mentioned.

Bob Snidow inquired if the police were patrolling after the high school football games. Chief Richards stated that they were and would continue to do so.

Doyle Patton stated that he feels the city needs to have a disaster relief plan.

Gene Caldwell still had complaints on weeds around the square.

During public comment, Gene Schweizer made comments and asked questions on the water, sewer and electric budgets.

Carla Arnold asked several questions concerning dogs, zoning rules pertaining to dogs and kennels.

The board entered into closed session to discuss legal actions and litigation.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, Sept. 12, at city hall. Present were Mayor John Thomas, aldermen Bob Snidow, Doyle Patton, Gene Caldwell and Pat Baker, City Administrator Zac Johnson, Police Chief Mark Richards, City Clerk Autumn Acree, Carla Arnold and Gene Schweizer.