Tree trimming by utility workers along Gallatin streets is a sure sign that fiber communications is coming to town. Grundy Electric/Mid-States is clearing tree limbs away from the city’s electric poles in preparation for fiber installation. Workers will use the existing electric poles to bring fiber internet access to Gallatin residents and businesses.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
During the Oct. 26 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen, Public Works Director Mark Morey provided various purchases and dollar amounts for the board to consider in the 2021 budget.
Morey went into more detail regarding purchasing a new dump truck and buckets for the 2003 and blue bucket trucks. The board agreed for the city administrator to collect interest rate bids for purchasing a new dump truck. Additionally, they agreed to purchase a bucket for the 2003 bucket truck this year and purchase the buckets for the 1994 blue bucket truck in 2021.
The board agreed for Morey to order salt and sand for the upcoming winter. Morey stated they needed to find a more permanent structure for salt storage within the next year. One option is converting the old water plant backwash basins; however, the basins first need to be cleaned out to meet Department of Natural Resources requirements. Rains and Morey collected bids for removal of the sludge in the old backwash basins, but the cost should go down based on the lab results of the sludge.
Discussion was held on resurfacing West Grand and the possibility of a long-term certificate of participation lease option to resurface multiple streets at one time. City Administrator Lance Rains will contact Charlie Zitnik to discuss available lease options.
Discussion was held on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter system. Morey said they have already installed over half of the updated radio water meters that would be compatible with an AMI system, which will help reduce the cost of an entire AMI system. Proposals for the AMI systems should become available for the last meeting in November.
Discussion was held on the residential cost of service fee charge due for multi-dwellings which is currently outlined in the city ordinances. Rains will be contacting the apartment complexes in town that will be affected by the additional cost of service fees.
The board reviewed the draft ordinance to authorize multiple-unit structures to be billed for cost of service per unit for commercial accounts. Recommendations were provided and Rains will send the draft to Attorney Cowherd for final review.
A monthly activity report was submitted by Police Chief Mark Richards as follows: five welfare checks; two domestic disturbances; one lockout; one drug/narcotic activity; one sex assault; one suspicious person, circumstance; one dog at large; one incomplete call; three traffic accident with damage; one noise complaint; one court order violation; one fire; one citizen assist; one lost property; and one nuisance. There is one dog in the pound.
Aldermen discussed the current vicious dog/breed ban ordinance and how dogs that are not vicious dogs are still restricted within the ordinance when they fall within the outlawed breed bans. The board would like to see examples other vicious dog ordinances to review.
Chief Richards also provided prices for new police vehicles through Dodge and Ford, as well as used police vehicle options that might become available from Daviess County or Platte County.
The board reviewed the People Service Operation & Maintenance Report for September 2020.
Bills totaling in the amount of $27,787.92 were approved for payment.
Administrator Rains stated the city has received the COVID grant reimbursement funding check from Daviess County. The reimbursement is for the purchase of gloves, disinfectant, masks, and a new permanent counter for City Hall.
An ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with John W. Gillum, CPA, LLC, for audit services and to do all acts necessary under such contract was approved by the board.
An associate with Snyder & Associates did contact the city regarding the reengineering of the aerator at the new water plant. Design plans were reviewed and discussed.
Rains provided an update regarding employment pay pertaining to COVID related issues which was provided by the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Association (MIRMA).
Rains announced the board needs to consider the sewer camera mapping project in the 2021 budget if they are interested.
Special budget meetings will be held as follows: Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 19 at 3:30 p.m.
The board entered into closed session to consider the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees.
The above are the unapproved minutes for the public meeting held Oct. 26 at city hall. Present were Mayor Barbara Ballew, Board President Carol Walker, Aldermen Steve Evans, Dan Lockridge, Dan McCann, City Administrator Lance Rains, City Clerk Hattie Rains, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett.