City property owners warned of code violations; Van Buren approved for resurfacing

Discussion was held during the April 22 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen regarding illegal dumping at the city dump. The only permitted items to be burned at the dump are brush and limbs.

The city passed an ordinance to enter into a contract for a street resurfacing project with Herzog Contracting Corporation. East and West Van Buren streets were approved for an estimated cost per ton of $78.

Although Daviess Street was the last street discussed, Van Buren Street has always been the highest priority street as it has not had a hot mix in the last two decades. By doing Van Buren, there will be additional money left in the transportation tax to purchase material for chip and seal of some short stretches on other streets.

The city’s strategy is to alternate street resurfacing each year between a north-south route and an east-west route. Since Willow was the north-south route last year, this year was scheduled to be an east-west route. It is likely that Daviess Street will be the north-south route chosen for next year.

An ordinance was approved for the city to enter into a mowing contract with Legendary Lawn Care.

Quotes for 45 LED lights and 45 photocells were read and the board approved the Fletcher-Reinhardt bid for $5,186.25. The other bids were from Arkansas Electric Cooperative $5,925; and Boarder States $6,474.60.

Quotes for two blowers and stands for the mixed liquor basin at the wastewater plant were read, and the board approved the FTC Equipment bid for $23,030.66. The other bid was from Zeller for $25,845.30.

Discussion was held about trading in the city’s skid loader for a high-flow skid loader that would be able to run a milling machine. Public Works Director Mark Morey read previous estimated quotes collected in November 2018 to trade in a 75-horse to 95-horse power skid loader. The board requested that Morey officially go out for bid to trade in the skid loader for a high-flow as well as buying or renting a milling machine.

Police Chief Richards submitted a report on activity for April 22: one suspicious person circumstance; one dog at large; two juvenile problems; two animal problems; one burglary from vehicle; one citizen assist; two welfare checks; one illegal burning; two runaway juveniles; one burglary; one fraud; one traffic accident; two domestic disturbances; one runaway juvenile; two lost property. There are three dogs in the pound.

The board reviewed the People Service Operation and Maintenance Report for March 2019.

Penny Thomas with LAGERS presented an overview of the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS).

Discussion was held on selling the generators at the power plant.

Morey requested that the board consider replacing the loader in the 2020 budget since it is running very slowly.

Bills in the amount of $33,640.28 were approved for payment.

During comments by the city administrator, it was noted that Senator Blunt will be visiting the new water plant on May 4. Discussion was held on a temporary water hydrant water meter for a commercial account. City hall has received several compliments on patching the potholes. Robert Cowherd has reviewed the personnel handbook. Shopko’s future plans were discussed.

The second council meeting in May was moved from Memorial Day to Tuesday, May 28.

The board entered into closed session to consider the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held on April 22 at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Carol Walker and Steve Evans, City Administrator Lance Rains, City Clerk Hattie Rains, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett, Penny Thomas with Missouri LAGERS, Eric Kloepping, and Chris Plant.