City Council

Page 409 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE October 21, 2019 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, October 21, 2019 at 5:10 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 Reeves (Absent) Councilperson Rodgers (Absent) Councilperson Duckworth Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons Councilperson Cheek Councilperson Grable Councilperson Hood 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 October 7, 2019. Councilperson Hood motion for approval, second by Councilperson Lyons with Councilperson Duckworth abstaining. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval of the closed session minutes, second by Councilperson Bullington, with Councilperson Duckworth abstaining. Councilperson Duckworth motion to approve the reports and bills, second by Councilperson Hood, with all in favor. Under presentation of petitions, letters, and other communications; Smith & Davis sent a letter of engagement outlining their audit objectives and procedures, and their standard hourly rate being the same depending on the depth. The fees will not exceed $19,000 for the financial audit or $5,000 for the single audit. Councilperson Bullington motion to accept the letter of engagement, second by Councilperson Duckworth, which resulted in the following vote: Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Hood Yes Unfinished business; Counselor Dorroh in response to the request of drafting an ordinance for Hands Free Driving looked at the statues on the state level that governs the Hands Free Driving. There’s a preemption clause contained within that preempts any local or municipal regulation. Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that the department will be participating again this year in the Fall Festival October 31, 2019, $1,500 will be given, budgeted out of Asset Forfeiture.  Page 410 Humane report; Karol Wilcox reported attending a two day conference in Columbia. The Shelter was notified that they’ve entered in Phase 1 of the trap and release grant in which strays are spayed and neutered and put back into the population. The Shelter has also linked up with two states for mobile clinics that spays and neuters pets of owners in which grants can be applied for. Also, they’re working with other agencies coming up with ideas for the repeat offenders of the Animal Ordinances as to what can be done within the law. Fire report; Fire calls from October 10, 2019 through October 21, 2019 are as follows: 10/10/19; Structure fire with moderate damage at West Haven, 10/12/19; Brakes overheated on 18 wheeler on I55, 10/16/19; Structure fire at dilapidated house on County Rd 524 & Rt. H, 10/18/19; Structure fire with moderate damage on Rufus, 10/19/19; Debris set afire in driveway on Ferguson. A fire inspection was conducted October 21, 2019 at the NMOS School at 1100 Ward. Public Works report; Paul Shaw reported Arcosa was back in service, partial replacement of the line was conducted. Pot holes will be filled this week; the backhoe has been used to help clean out drains, and the police department has aided in doing so. The Highway 84 water main needs replacing, which has been a problem all year long. The estimated cost is $260,000 to have it fixed in which funding is being sought through the USDA. Chief Tony Jones stated that the cars parked on the side of the roadway in front of the Middle School has a potential blind spot, which a section of the street will be painted red to alert drivers of the children crossing. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported the hedges have been pulled up in front of the Library, and a bench will be put out. The Amigos Library Service will be doing a feature on the Library Thursday October 24, 2019. Josh Rittenberry will be the reader during Halloween Storytime Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Economic Committee report; Jana Merideth reported that the Economic meeting last week was a success with the number in attendance holding at 60, and having 3 federal level members attending. The final meeting will be held at Caruthersville High School to compensate for numbers attending. Councilperson Bullington suggested the City support the Economic Development Committee at some point financially with all their hard work being put forth. New Business; Counselor Dorroh reported that as was mentioned at the Corporation meeting the President and Secretary will be given the authority to sign all the necessary documents and lease agreements for the Corporation for financial assistance with the USDA. The Mayor and City Clerk will need to be approved to sign the necessary documents to enter into a lease agreement with the USDA. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval, second by Councilperson Duckworth which resulted in the following vote: Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Hood Yes Mayor Grantham reported that a Dollar Tree will be coming to the City. The old Magic Mart building that was on Truman Blvd. will be torn down sometime in November, and opening will probably take place late June early July of 2020. Page 411 Councilperson Hood reported that the Salvation Army was getting prepared for the bell ringing the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Any organization or individual is welcomed to participate, and Mr. Hood can be contacted for any questions. Bob Lazenby reminded everyone to turn their clocks back 1 hour November 2, 2019. With no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Duckworth motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Lyons with all in favor. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor ______________________________ City Clerk