City Council

Page 431 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE February 18, 2020 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Tuesday, February 18, 2020 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 Reeves (Absent) Councilperson Rodgers 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 February 3, 2020. Councilperson Duckworth motion for approval, second by Councilperson Hood with all in favor, Councilperson Lyons motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Bullington with all in favor. Under Presentation of Petitions, Letters, and other Communications; Mayor Grantham reported that the accounts that have been part of the audit’s recommendation for corrections as using the city’s federal identification number, but not on the city books, were the Public Library General Fund and the Judicial Education Fund. The City’s accountant will be addressing the matters. Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that a number of vehicle break ins have occurred in the City; there’s video that the department is viewing. Fire report; Fire calls from February 11, 2020 through February 18, 2020 are as follows: 2/11/20; Vehicle fire on 10th & Ward, 2/12/20; Grease fire on cook stove with minor damage on Truman Blvd., 2/14/20; Structure fire on 27 County Rd 518 with moderate damage. Firefighters attended a webinar on February 9, 2020 at the Public Safety Building; the course was entitled Exterior & Interior Fire Attack. Public Works; Paul Shaw reported that the crew had been doing tasks inside of the Waste Water Plant due to inclement weather. Mr. Shaw went to Washington a couple of weeks ago and while there visited with Senator Hawley and Senator Blunt, and talked about the flooding.  Page 432 Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported working on getting the 2 trailers removed from the Cook’s brothers property. Mr. Gilmore has also talked with a representative of the Churchill properties in developing a plan to tackle the issues concerning the properties. Tony Jones thanked Barry Gilmore for helping with the cleanup of the property on West 6th St.; the new owners are remolding the apartments. Park & Recreation; Don Grable reported that the pool has been fixed, and the temperature levels should be good by Thursday to start swimming. It was discussed at the Board Meeting as to replacing valves in the back wash area of the pool. Mr. Bell wants to resurface the basketball court to alleviate the slipping and sliding; a quote has been obtained from SG360, and will be getting another quote. Basketball season has ended, with ribbons and medals being awarded. Don Grable also believes that a good working relationship has been established with the Baseball Commissioner. Mediacom is scheduled to have the TVs up and running by tomorrow, and the Silver Sneakers is on board. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to appoint Don Grable as Ex Offico of Parks & Recreation. Councilperson Hood motion to accept, second by Councilperson Lyons, with all in favor. Budget report; Councilperson Lyons reported January as showing an increase in sales tax distributions due in part to Grizzly Jig’s event. Councilperson Cheek stated that there was a 40 percent increase in sales over last year; there was participation from 37 states compared to 27 states last year. Economic report; Jana Merideth reported the Workforce Development Committee will be having a luncheon Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the Career Technical Center, and they’re working on getting additional members. An Ad Hoc Committee is being established to provide flyers on social media of City Ordinances. The Coover Grant has been submitted, and will be awarded the first week of April, which is $20,000 for a feasibility study used for the City for Customer Product/Grocery Store. There’s also been a connection with the Delta Regional Authority which will give more access to more grants. The Economic Development Action Team meets February 25, 2020 at 5 o’clock p.m. at City Hall. Contact is still being made with the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, and Brenda Harris with MODOT is pushing for Missouri to join the National Scenic Byways Program. Missouri is the only state along the Mississippi River that’s not a member. Business from the floor; Reverend Jerry Mattson stated that work is being done by getting information about the City Codes and who’s responsible for what concerning the codes. A lot of residents just aren’t aware, and the Ad Hoc Committee wants to work closely with the Mayor, Council, and Code Enforcement to enable them to put information on social media, radio and TV concerning the City Codes. Charles Cain inquired about the potholes filled with chat on 3rd St. Paul Shaw stated some were normal wear and tear and some could be flood related, and once everything drains off there will be a more permanent solution. Mr. Cain wanted to know if streets were going to be paved this year; streets are scheduled to be paved. The plan is to do them all at one time. Mr. Cain wanted to know if the old Water Tower needed to be torn down. The plan is to fix the old Water Tower either with grant money or fund raisers. Mr. Cain inquired about the leak at the Water Plant, which can’t be fixed unless it’s shut down for a couple days, and the old Water Plant needs to be up and running to accomplish the task. Page 433 Anne Jeffries inquired about the water levels, it’s estimated to crest Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 38 feet. Mayor Grantham stated that SEMA believes flooding this year will be worse than last year. With no more further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Lyons motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Hood, with all in favor, the meeting adjourning at 5:35 p.m. ATTEST: ____________________________________ Mayor __________________________________ City Clerk