City presented grant for poles; approves amendments to new zoning ordinance

Connie Ford with Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) presented Gallatin Mayor Barb Ballew with a check for $7,883, awarding the city with a grant for pole replacements. Ford also mentioned the city has been awarded $33,527 in grant funding since 2015.
Public Works Director Mark Morey noted that city crews have been busy removing snow and spreading salt and sand. The board discussed possible street projects for this summer. Morey is anticipating spending $10,000 to $15,000 in cold mix after this winter for pothole repairs. Morey would like to order a tank of oil to complete a few chip/seal projects and order a portion of the city’s township rock credit for rock chips. The board discussed Richardson Street needing to be resealed and also a section of Park Street which needs replacement.
The board accepted Anderson Ford’s bid for the purchase of a 2019 F250 for $33,229.24 upon approval of financing. Mayor Ballew presented the bids as follows: F250 truck bids: Barnes Baker, $33,432; Pettijohn, $33,432; Chillicothe Ford, $33,516.24; Anderson Ford, St. Joseph, $33,229.24.
Discussion was held on financing options. City Administrator Lance Rains will reach out to BTC, Farmers Bank, Anderson Ford, and MAMU for financing options.
A public hearing was held before the Board of Aldermen met, to consider amendments to the zoning regulations, made in conformance with state statute and to update various zoning regulations. First and second reading was approved, and a new code of ordinances was adopted by the board. The new ordinance provides for the repeal of certain ordinances; provides for the manner of amending such code of ordinances; provides penalty for violation; and provides for when the ordinance shall become effective.
Laurie Roll announced she wouldn’t be able to manage the pool the entire season this year and recommended the board consider creating a head guard and/or hiring another adult supervisor. The board will consider their options.
Police Chief Richards submitted a report on activity for Feb. 25: two suspicious person circumstances; one welfare check; two civil standby; one trespassing; one tampering; one traffic accident with damage; one unattended death; one runaway juvenile; one peace disturbance; one theft; one vandalism; one domestic disturbance; and one assault.
The city’s annual MIRMA (Missouri’s Municipal Trust) insurance evaluation went well with no issues found.
There are two dogs in the pound.
Alderman Whitfield inquired about selling fireworks in town. Chief Richards stated that it is against city ordinance to sell fireworks within city limits, but residents have the option of requesting a conditional use permit be to be presented to the board for approval.
Discussion was held on past and future contracts with Public Water Supply District #2 and United States Department of Agriculture requirements.
The board discussed the insurance claim that was filed by Dollar General for storm damage repairs. Rains will work with MIRMA to address the claim.
Bills in the amount of $17,482.53 were approved for payment.
Discussion was held on the park board’s shelter house remodeling plans and factoring in tax exemptions in the bid specifications. The used score board that was purchased from the City of Bethany will be able to be hooked up to the existing electric box at the upper baseball field.
Mayor Ballew tabled the cemetery memorial request.
City Administrator Lance Rains was added to the signature cards at Farmers and BTC Banks. He was also assigned as an authorized contact for State Farm, Edward Jones, Commerce Bank, Verizon, Windstream, and Sam’s Club.
Discussion was held on the Shopko building and cupola building. The City of Gallatin was denied the grant to purchase a new dump truck. Morey will review other options for purchasing a dump truck.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin held on Feb. 25 at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Carol Walker, Dan Lockridge, Steve Evans, City Administrator Lance Rains, City Clerk Hattie Rains, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett, Connie Ford with MPUA, Laurie Walton-Roll.