Public Works Director Mark Morey reported that operators have had more issues at the new water plant. Three days after a load of CO2 (carbon dioxide) was received, the valve blew off and released 11,000 pounds of CO2.
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The contractor is scheduled to be onsite April 1 to revamp the tank.
After working with the engineers, it was discovered that the plant should have been engineered for a smaller tank only holding 45 days worth of CO2. The water plant has a large tank and is not using the carbon dioxide at a fast rate, which creates pressure and results in it blowing off.
Morey also requested the board consider buying a five-minute rescue mask that would be used to allow the operator to shut off the valves safely. CO2 is recognized as a workplace hazard at high concentrations. It can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.
City Administrator Lance Rains and Morey will look into grant funding that might be available.
Morey presented the following road oil quotes for the board to consider but no action was taken: Coastal Energy Corp $2.68/gallon plus fees; Vance Brothers $2.70/gallon plus fees.
The board requested Morey contact Vance Brothers to confirm if the city can contract road oil at the current price quoted and take delivery in July.
Alderman Lockridge requested that Morey get a quote for West Grand.
Additional discussion was held regarding street conditions, street projects, street funding, and other issues related to repairing the streets.
Street resurfacing bid discussions will continue at the next meeting April 8.
Morey reported the cold mix was delivered March 25 and crews have starting filling more potholes.
Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity for March 25: two suspicious person circumstances; one welfare check; one dog at large; one assault; two thefts; one child abuse/neglect; one runaway juvenile; one vandalism; one burglary; one fraud; one civil standby; two medical. There are two dogs in the pound.
Chief Richards has started talking with people regarding cleaning up yards and other code violations throughout town. The department has been identifying broken down vehicles and will soon be issuing summonses for continued violations. Chief Richards is also starting to make contact with people regarding building damage over the winter that needs attention.
All city code ordinances are now available online for all residents to access following the completion of the codification process. The codes can be accessed at ecode360.com/GA3674 and the link is also available on the Gallatin Police Facebook page.
Bills in the amount of $39,198.37 were approved for payment.
Mayor Ballew read the following cemetery mowing bids: Mike Walker, Lile $50, Brown and Greenwood $700; Legendary Lawn Care, Lile $95, Brown and Greenwood $580; Mitchell Ott, Lile $65, Brown and Greenwood $425.
The board accepted the following bids, provided the contractors can provide all necessary insurance requirements: Mike Walker, Lile Cemetery, $50; Mitchell Ott, Brown and Greenwood $425.
Alderman Walker removed herself during discussion of the mowing bids and returned after the vote.
The board reviewed the People Service Operation and Maintenance Report for February.
Morey hopes to have the sewer plant clarifier put back together by the end of April. Morey has collected a couple of quotes for the sewer plant blowers and hopes to finalize those bids to present to the board for purchase.
City Administrator Lance Rains announced a swimming pool update from Laurie Roll, stating that lifeguards will be able to obtain certification at a cost of $250 through the City of Hamilton pool. Roll also requested a 50-cent/hour raise for the assistant pool manager.
The board agreed to pay the 2019 membership dues for Northwest Roundtable for $250.
Rains is working with other surrounding communities on finding another retailer to move into the Shopko building.
The requested rate study information has been sent to People Service and the Rural Water Association.
The board discussed the employee handbook and Rains is almost ready to send it to attorney Cowherd for approval.
The possible buyers for the electric generators will be in town the next couple weeks.
The board discussed the donated supplies for flood victims.
Missouri Local Government Employee Retirement System (LAGERS) will be attending the April 22 board meeting and a representative from Edward Jones will be attending the May 13 board meeting to discuss retirement options for employees.
Discussion was held on the spending of capital improvement sales tax revenue.
Morey asked if the board was interested in seeing a presentation on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Rains stated the City of Albany was very pleased with the transition to AMI and it had cut their water loss considerably. The board would like to see the AMI presentation.
Mayor Ballew signed a proclamation proclaiming the month of April 2019 as Autism Awareness in our community. Mayor Ballew will be presenting the signed proclamation at a Gallatin R-5 school assembly on April 1.
During public comments, Franklin Archer expressed complaints to the board regarding potholes, tree trimming requested at his residence, and an issue with previous high water usage.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the meeting for the City of Gallatin held on March 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, Ryan with Legendary Lawn Care, and Franklin Archer.