Editor’s Note: The following information is taken from the approved minutes for the June 25 and July 16 meetings of the Pattonsburg Board of Aldermen.
Lyle Hoover visited in June with the City of Pattonsburg on behalf of the Pattonsburg School District. He inquired about putting another ball field on a north portion of the park. The school wants to be able to host tournaments. The council said they would discuss it with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources-State Parks.
In July, the city received paperwork back from State Parks and motioned to forward it to the city’s lawyer, Robert Cowherd, so he could prepare the necessary documents.
In June, Pattonsburg received from Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc. an urban street lighting agreement. The council wanted the city attorney to look it over. Farmers Electric Cooperative representative Mr. Kinnison was present at the July meeting to discuss the lighting agreement.
At the June meeting, the board agreed to contact Verizon to see what the cost would be to get two business cell phones for Adam Albert and Karen Shepherd to put on the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system, which operates the water plant. In July, the board decided to get the phones for a total cost of $102 a month which will be paid for by the water department.
Other topics at the June meeting:
- The board discussed a railroad management company attempting to charge the city for the rights to the railway that has been abandoned. The city contacted its attorney, who is taking care of the matter.
- Well maintenance reports were reviewed again.
- The city will contact the county commissioners to see if there is anyone who could advise the city on how to repair its streets.
- Monthly reports were reviewed.
- Bills were paid on June 18.
Citizen with complaints:
At the July 16 meeting, Jim Bussard was present with multiple complaints and concerns, including:
- Mr. Bussard stated that a semi-truck owned by Matt Nalle Farms keeps turning onto Chestnut from First Avenue every morning. He wanted to know if semis are allowed on this street. The council stated that they would look into it.
- Mr. Bussard wanted to know who is going to pick up the trash along First Avenue. The council stated community service workers would be able to do that.
- The lot north of Bussard has tall grass and weeds. The council stated that the owner has been notified.
- Cameron newspapers are being thrown out and then getting run over by a lawn mower. The city really doesn’t have anything to do with that.
- Mr. Bussard wanted to know how the city can spend money on building a display building for the old fire truck and a landing zone pad. The council stated that they were the city fire department’s projects.
- Mr. Bussard wanted to know if the city just lets anybody use the back hoe. The council stated they do not, but they do rent the backhoe to those that have an operator or an operator will be provided. Bussard also wanted to know who pays for repairs if something happens to the backhoe while it is being used. The council stated that renter would be responsible for repairs.
- Mr. Bussard wanted to know who owned the generator alongside the building because somebody had picked it up, then brought it back, and threw it out alongside the building about two weeks ago. Adam Albert said the generator belonged to the fire department and it does not work and has been there for several months.
- Mr. Bussard asked where the money comes from for streets. The council stated that the funds come from motor fuel tax, motor vehicle sales tax, and motor vehicle fee increases.
Other topics at the July meeting:
- Mike Foster asked the council’s permission to start an in-home business. He needs council approval before he can move forward with licensing.
- Lucille Lusk with Small Town Cooperation Board presented a bill to the council for approval. The bill concerns scheduled fees, recurring costs and payments, employees and service providers to update compensation, and related matters. The bill received first and second readings.
- Lucille Lusk with Municipal Assistance Company presented a report for June.
- Pot holes in streets have been patched with cold mix.
- A gentleman surveying for the post office has dug a hole in the middle of Chestnut and Central Avenue. The council will talk with the post office.
- The city employees would like to sign up for an AFLAC policy, but need approval from the council to allow this as a payroll deduction. The board voted to allow it.
- The six-month financial statement and the yearly financial statement were approved. The board carried a motion to approve adjustments to the 2017-2018 budget in waterworks, labor, streets and general. The 2018-2019 proposed budget was approved. Monthly reports were reviewed and accepted.
- A Micro-Comm bid was reviewed and the bid was accepted. The money will come out of the depreciation fund. Micro-Comm provides water and waste water control systems.
The board entered closed session to consider leasing, purchase or sale of real estate. No decision was made.
Those in attendance at the June 25 meeting were Mayor Edmon Howard; Board members: Lonnie Luke, Kelly Hughes, Dustin Sperry, Sandra Woodring; Water Superintendent Adam Albert; City Clerk Karen Shepherd.
Present at the July 16 meeting were Mayor Edmon Howard; Board members: Lonnie Luke, Kelly Hughes, Dustin Sperry, Sandra Woodring; Water Superintendent Adam Albert; City Clerk Karen Shepherd; guests Lucille Lusk-STCB, Jim Bussard, Mike Foster, FEC–Representative Mr. Kinnison.
