Gallatin accepts trash bid, police chief offers warnings, city pool hours change

Trash Bids were opened during the June 22 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen. The board accepted Rapid Removal’s trash bid as follows: Year 1: $11.74, Year 2: $12.03; Year 3: $12.33. The other bid was from Advanced Disposal: Year 1: $12.20; Year 2: $12.57; Year 3: $12.94.
Police Chief Mark Richards cautioned city residents that there have been several vehicles broken into in town. Remember to keep all vehicles locked when not in use. Another phone scam is going around. He warned residents to not engage in a phone scam informing them that their utility payment is still outstanding. The chief reminds residents that no fireworks are allowed in the city except on July 4 between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight.
Discussion was held on the lack of attendance during the morning session at the city pool. The board agreed to change the pool hours to 1-6 p.m. daily. The board also agreed to lessen various COVID-19 requirements that were originally approved.
The results of the municipal election held on April 7/June 2 were accepted with Daniel McCann elected as east alderman and Danny Lockridge elected as west alderman. The positions are two-year terms. The new board members were sworn in.
Public Works Director Mark Morey reported that the roofing crew is still working on repairing the roof at the power plant. The street crew is planning on finishing East Grand with a chip and seal finish. The sewer collection smoke test will start July 14. John Corwin in the street department provided his two-week notice. Administrator Rains will begin advertising for a replacement.
Chief Richards submitted an activity report dated June 22 for the board to review: four code issue; one suspicious person, circumstance; three theft; two domestic disturbance; one traffic accident with damage; one traffic complaint; two domestic disturbance; two suicidal person; three animal control; one agency assistance; one parking problem; one miscellaneous. There are five dogs in the pound.
John W. Gillum, certified public accountant, presented the Independent Auditor’s Report of financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019. John highlighted the changes in net position for the governmental and business type activities from 2018 to 2019.
Bills totaling in the amount of $31,119.38 were approved for payment.
Administrator Rains still hasn’t received a response from Debbie Berry with United States Department of Agriculture regarding the loan for the vacuum trailer.
The board reviewed Eichler’s Bookkeeping Review for January & February 2020.
The board discussed building rental interest for the old fire station. The board isn’t interested in renting the building at this time.
City Administrator Rains announced the United States Department of Agriculture would grant their approval for the city’s interfund transfer document if a few sentences were changed within the ordinance.
A MIRMA representative performed an inspection at the new water plant and provided recommendations.
The board isn’t interested in selling Windstream’s outstanding utility charges as a result of the bankruptcy filing.
Rains announced the City of Gallatin has been approved for a grant of $40,000 with a $10,000 city match to be used to fund the development of an engineering report to evaluate and plan for addressing inflow and infiltration in the collection system.
The board reviewed the draft copy of the agreement with Farmers Electric for the territorial agreement. Rains expects to hear a response from FEC after their board meeting on July 25.
The board agreed for the city administrator to complete the necessary paperwork to obtain Missouri’s National Career Readiness Certificate. By completing the paperwork, the City of Gallatin communicates support of the ACT WorkKeys Assessment System and the National Career Readiness Certificate as the credential to document essential work-related skills in support of the county becoming a Certified Work Ready Community.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the meeting for the City of Gallatin held on June 22 at City Hall. Present: Mayor Barb Ballew, Board President Carol Walker, Aldermen Steve Evans, Dan Lockridge, Dan Mccann, City Administrator Lance Rains, City Clerk Hattie Rains, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett, John Gillum, CPA.