City Council

Page 388 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE July 15, 2019 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, July 15, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council room of the Municipal Building at which time and place the following were present: Sue Grantham Mayor Takella Motton City Clerk Lawrence Dorroh City Counselor Tony Jones Sergeant at Arms Grable Councilperson Hood Councilperson Reeves Councilperson Rodgers Councilperson Duckworth Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons (Absent) Councilperson Cheek Councilperson The number of members necessary to consider a quorum being present, the Mayor called the meeting to order and announced the meeting was in session for the transaction of business. The first order of business was the approval of the regular session minutes of July 1, 2019. Councilperson Hood motion to approve, second by Councilperson Bullington, with all in favor. Councilperson Duckworth motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Cheek with all in favor. Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that the department would be working with a group of kids through Agape Church, and will be getting with Paul Shaw to see how they can assist the City with trash pickup etc. Humane report; Karol Wilcox reported that the Shelter is swamped with animals, especially kittens. There were about 150 vaccinations given during the clinical in May; 39 animals were vaccinated free of charge by the Humane Society for elderly and disabled residents, and 20 city tags were sold at the Shelter. Intake for May and June were 42 dogs and puppies, and 25 cats and kittens. One dog was owner redeemed and 1 puppy along with 3 kittens died from injuries. There were 12 animals removed from an elderly couple’s residence, and the dog and cat that was left in the house was spayed. There have been 27 spays and neuters provided for elderly, disabled, or indigent residents within the City. There’s an ongoing investigation involving some animal deaths. An award has been offered by the Midwest Regional Investigations Unit of the ASPCA. The limb company trucks that come out to the limb pile are driving too fast down East Industrial Dr., maybe signs would help curtail the near misses. Fire report; Fire calls from July 2, 2019 through July 15, 2019 are as follows: 7/2/19; Wood Page 389 burning in an open container on Collins, 7/3/19; Vehicle accident of Hwy 84 with extrication requested, 7/6/19; Smoke scare on Beckwith, 7/7/19; Fire alarm sounding on East 4th St.,7/8/19; Pan left unattended on stove with smoke damage on East 16th St, 7/9/19; Vehicle fire on Truman with minor damage, 7/9/19; Electrical lines burning in alley behind 6th and Highland, 7/11/19; Open burning of limbs on side of road on Jefferson. There were 2 fire inspections conducted at Lady Luck Casino and at Caruthersville School District #18. Public Works report; Paul Shaw reported that a high service motor went out on July 4, 2019 at the Water plant, and it has been repaired. With the flushing of the hydrants the City was already down in the towers, and there were issues with the well, but they persevered. The mosquito sprayer is now operable, and spraying will occur next week. Code Enforcement report; Sonya Fuller reported sending out 20 letters, and completed 22 complaints for the Police department to issue probable cause affidavits to be filed with the court. First a hearing will be held, and there will be an arraignment. A trial date is set, but if they plead guilty a fine will be imposed for $130.00. If the nuisance is not abated after the fine is given, a citation can be issued daily until the nuisance is abated. Ms. Fuller will also comprise a list to give to the Mayor of properties that needs mowing. There was discussion about administrative search warrants that could be issued on properties that were exhibiting safety hazards. There was also discussion of the vicious cycle of code enforcement, and uplifting the community with a different mindset. Park & Recreation report; Wes Deere reported starting August 1, 2019 Silver Sneakers will be providing membership to the Recreation Center through seniors’ insurance companies that are linked up with them. The requirements are that you have to be 65 or plus, attendance will have to be a least 4 times a month, and you have to either sign in or swipe your membership card. Mr. Deere also mentioned 24 hour access to the weight room and bathrooms, and Counselor Dorroh will be consulting with him before a final decision is made. By mid-November 2019, health screenings for ultra sounds will be conducted at the Recreation Center for a nominal feel; more information will be provided at a later date. Pee Wee football signups will be soon for 3rd and 5th graders, $30.00 for each kid. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that the Library roof was patched just before the rain began, the roof is over 17 years old and needs replacing in which Frazier will be conducting a quote. The bulbs are blowing in the theater, and they’re trying to figure out if it’s because of the lighting board or wiring. The summer reading program is about to end, and next week they will be having their party and giving out goody bags. The Arts Council will be sponsoring a Jazz band at the theater July 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., and it’s free to the public. New business; Councilperson Duckworth reported as chair of Street & Sanitation Committee that the City employees were having a hard time keeping up with the mowing because of the mower not being of commercial grade. In 5 months by the City mowing rather than contracting out, the City has saved $15,100. Paul Shaw presented quotes from John Deere with a 3 year warranty at $7,800 and Gatewood Powersports at $10,399.90 with a 5 year warranty. Councilperson Duckworth motion for approval of the John Deere quote to be taken out of Sales Tax, second by Councilperson Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Hood Yes  Page 390 Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Cheek Yes Business from the floor; Ann Jefferies was concerned about the Casino being sold, and was assured that the Casino was not leaving town. Lavita Lockridge talked about how her son, Steven Rodgers’ quest for becoming a police officer and the roadblocks encountered. Today is the first day that Steven Rodgers attended the police academy, and asked the Council to consider paying for the academy. Counselor Dorroh made mention of the amendment being passed for legalizing medical marijuana for the state of Missouri. It’s prudent at this time to provide ordinances and zoning regulations. Counselor will be drafting a proposed ordinance to refer it on to Planning & Zoning to be reviewed so that recommendation can be given to the Council. Some of the regulations will be through the Police powers and some through Planning & Zoning. The State does have a requirement of 1000 feet of walking distance from the external wall of the property to the lot line of the church or school. The City can enact a shorter distance if it chooses to, which Chief Jones does not recommend. Mayor Grantham stated that the Wal Mart building is being leased for the intent of cultivating, dispensing, and transporting, and will purchase the building if application is approved. Chief Tony Jones reported that there will be a Town Hall meeting educating the public on medical marijuana, and will be giving the date, time, and place at a later time. Dr. Hoffman will be opening a clinic in the old Public Defender’s building starting Thursday, July 18, 2019 regarding medical marijuana. Counselor Dorroh stated that there are no regulations in regards to physician clinics. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to go into closed session for the purpose of personnel. Councilperson Grable made the motion, second by Councilperson Hood, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Hood Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Cheek Yes Upon returning from closed session, and with no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Duckworth motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Grable, with all in favor. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor _______________________________ City Clerk