City will draw more from the well for water…beer, anybody?

City Administrator Tony Stonecyper announced that after further review with the United States Department of Agriculture the city will need $650,000 from reserves or a lease purchase to fund the remaining amount of the lowest bid for the water plant. Earlier figures estimated the city would need $400,000. The increase includes a 5% contingency as well other additional costs that weren’t previously included.

Mr. Stonecypher stated he has been working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture the past week. Required paperwork has been completed to maintain the city’s approval for grant and loan funding.

In other business at the meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held July 11, Mr. Stonecypher stated a local organization requested information to operate a beer garden on private property during community events. After discussing with City Attorney Robert Cowherd it was determined that a city ordinance doesn’t currently exist, but the state statute does allow for an ordinance to be passed. The mayor agreed for Mr. Stonecypher to work with Attorney Cowherd to draft an ordinance, which states the venue has work with a current liquor license holder in order to serve liquor. The ordinance was requested to be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity from June 26 to July 7 with the following reports taken and tickets given: 3 – Nuisance; 1 – Drug / Narcotic Possession; 1 – Juvenile Problem; 2 – Traffic Accident with Damage; 2 – Vandalism. There are four dogs in the pound.

Chief Richards stated the department has been busy handling juvenile graffiti vandalism that occurred at the lumber yard and stop signs around town. The department had several firework calls, but there were no major issues during July 4.

The water tower wash out is scheduled for July 22.

The June transaction report was approved.

Bills the amount of $158,070.68 were approved for payment.

The 2016 Semi-Annual Financial Review was approved.

The board reviewed an ordinance to establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interest for certain municipal officials. The ordinance was requested to be placed on the agenda to be approved at the next meeting.

Eichler’s Tax Service completed a review of the City’s May bank statements and other month-end financial reports. The board reviewed the report.

Mr. Stonecypher stated Cupola Building Committee member Darryl Wilkinson has been creating a five stage timeline for repairs to the cupola building.

Mayor Ballew thanked the park board for the great July 4 activities, program, and fireworks display.

Closed session was held pursuant for the following purposes: (1) to consider legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys; (2) to consider the leasing, purchase or sale of real estate; and (3) to consider the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the meeting for the City of Gallatin held on July 11, at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Dan Lockridge, Steve Evans, Carol Walker, City Administrator Tony Stonecypher, City Clerk Hattie Bailey, Police Chief Mark Richards, and Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett.