City Council

Page 438 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE March 16, 2020 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, March 16, 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 Grable Councilperson Hood (Absent) Councilperson Reeves Councilperson Rodgers Councilperson Duckworth Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons 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 March 2, 2020. Councilperson Bullington motion for approval, second by Councilperson Grable with all in favor, and Councilperson Duckworth abstaining. Councilperson Rodgers motion to approve closed session, second by Councilperson Lyons with all in favor, and Councilperson Duckworth abstaining. Councilperson Duckworth motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Lyons with all in favor. Under Presentation of Petitions, Letters, and other Communications; Cemetery bids are as follows: Administrative Lawn Service; $649.50, Martin Lawn & Landscape; $875.00, and Riggs Lawn & Landscape; $945. There was a motion to accept the lowest bid, and Councilperson Bullington amended the motion for a 2 year contract depending upon performance. Councilperson Lyons second the motion, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes John Chittenden made recommendations for the lowest bidders of the following: Page 439 1. Wastewater Treatment Plant/ C A Walker Construction $1,359,793 2. Improvements to Water Treatment Plant No.1/G & Contracting $1,030,000 3. New Water Supply Well No.6/Layne Christensen $847,000 Councilperson Lyons motion to accept the lowest bidders of the aforementioned projects, second by Councilperson Bullington, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Unfinished Business; Councilperson Grable revisited the tabled motion for the Country Club membership for any setting Mayor. Councilperson Grable proposed to the Country Club to have proceeds that it took to mow the entire ditch for nine months to go towards payment of the membership, in part the City would pay $350 upfront and thereafter $420 a year. Payment for meals would be by the parties involved. There was discussion of there were enough memberships that the Mayor could use if she wanted to go to the Country Club, and the Club could not forgive membership even though the City owns the land. Mayor Grantham asked everyone to vote their convictions. Councilperson Grable motion for the Mayor to have membership to the Country Club, second by Councilperson Rodgers, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves No Rodgers Yes Duckworth No Bullington No Lyons No Cheek No Police report;Within the first 76 days of 2020 the Police Department has received 1,230 calls. Officers have generated 230 reports and 23 additional accident reports during the same time period. Each call does not require a report such as lock outs, bank escorts, peace disturbances, and police presence during and after school. Chief Tony Jones reported that a 911 called came in for a vicious animal believed to be a German Sheppard that was foaming at the mouth trying to attack an individual. The victim had to climb on top of a vehicle to avoid being attacked, and once she got down the dog charged again when a child came out of the residence. At that time the resident picked up the child and climbed in the back of a truck. When officers came on the scene the dog retreated, but went to a resident’s porch growling at the residents when they came out. When officers came on the scene the dog barked and ran toward them, at which time one round was fired and hit the dog. The dog ran from the scene, and the officers attempted to corral the dog, at which time the dog tried to attack again, and another round was fired. The dog retreated and ran down Ward Ave, and two more rounds were fired, and the dog was put down for fear of residents’ safety. Humane report; Karol Wilcox stated that being an animal advocate, she respected the officers decision to put the animal down. She has come in contact with vicious animals, and was saved by officers. Ms. Wilcox had a conference call regarding the coronavirus. The virus doesn’t transmit from human to animals; there’s no need to surrender animals. It’s advised to have a plan is place if a resident does get sick. The Shelter will be limiting owner surrenders to only emergency situations.  Page 440 Public Works report; The departments have conducted the following tasks: Cleaned driveway by river, fixed water line on E. 7th St., changed out 2 coper setters on Beckwith, repaired broken belt on pump at OReilly’s, limb pick up, filled potholes, fixed grit chamber auger at Waste Water Plant, fixed auger feed line at Waste Water Plant, cleaned clarifiers, dug 2 flag pole holes for the cemetery, painted shelves and work bench at Water Plant, repaired sink at Waste Water Plant, installed water distiller at Waste Water Plant, checked meter leak on Locust, installed new chipper blades, ran chipper around town, cleaned ditch by Grizzly Jig, worked on sewer on E. 8th St., filled leak hole at Casino and put fence back up, conducted two one inch water taps and six inch sewer tap for Dollar Tree, stripped floor at Waste Water Plant, fixed water line busted by Liberty Gas on Locust, water tap on E. 7th St., assisted Recreation Center with tables at Armory, serviced mowers for upcoming season, plus the everyday duties. Paul Shaw presented the proposed Highway 84 Water Distribution Project for the amount of $654,000. Grant funding from DED would be a breakdown of 18/82; the City being responsible for $118, 400, and the grant $535,600. Councilperson Lyons motion approval of the project, second by Councilperson Duckworth, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Fire report; Fire calls from March 4, 2020 to March 16, 2020 are as follows: 3/4/20; Grass fire on fence row on I55/412, 3/5/20; Structure fire with moderate damage on W. 6th St., 3/6/20; Smoke odor at East Haven with nothing being detected, 3/8/20; Vehicle fire with moderate damage on 3rd and Truman, 3/9/20; Fire alarm sounding on Franklin, 3/10/20; Fire alarm activated at Head Start, 3/12/20; Tire blowout on 18 wheeler causing fire igniting lumber on I55/412, 3/13/20; Lawn mower on fire on W. 19th St., 3/14/20; Fire alarm activated on E. 11th St. There were five fire inspections conducted during the past two weeks. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported sending out 54 notices to abate, conferred with Tony Jones as how to cite property owners living outside of the City. Mr. Gilmore met with Jim DeReign regarding the Taylor building on 3rd St., and sent notices to the children regarding mowings, junk cars, etc . The Cooks’ trailers are ready to be moved out as soon as the rain clears up, but the axel on one is an issue. The burnout on E. 11th St. owner has given consent to abate the nuisance. Park & Recreation; Lamonte Bell reported on getting a new heater for the men’s sauna, the pool was chemical tested and backed washed. In talks with getting the floors waxed, and looking at product to put on the court to make it have a tacky feel for better grip. Mr. Bell has been in talks with other towns about pickle ball, in hopes of having a tournament at the facility soon. He’s also looking at promoting involvement with indoor and outdoor tennis. Mr. Bell has ordered some of the best disinfectants that commercial companies offer to make the Recreation Center safe. Monitors will be spraying doors, sinks, basketballs, etc. every few hours. All necessities have been fulfilled for the baseball softball complex. The Park Board voted to have John Agnew as full time Lead Monitor for the Recreation Center. Randy Guest, Baseball Commissioner reported that they would follow the school guidelines as far as the coronavirus. After the end of next week, there will only be about 12 to 13 kids participating. Page 441 By the end of April is when things will be up and running and they will take precautions in sanitizing gear, bathrooms, etc. They are also telling parents if kids are sick not to bring them to practice, and to cut down on crowd control they’re asking parents to remain in their cars when bringing kids to practice. Mayor Grantham will be participating in a webinar Tuesday regarding the coronavirus and meeting with the Governor Wednesday. At that time they will make the determination as to whether or not to close down the Recreation Center or any other measures that may affect the City buildings in response to the virus. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that the Library will be closing Wednesday, and all due dates will be pushed back to April 1, 2020. There will be curbside service by calling and stating what you want then a bag will be brought out. Free materials will also be provided located outside, and the Wi-Fi will be in place 24/7. Anybody needing copies can put requests in the drop box with instructions free of charge, and of course the website can be accessed for online resources. Finance report; Councilperson Lyons stated at the meeting previous to the Council meeting discussion was made reviewing adjustments to the salaries of the Mayor and Chief of Police salaries that were voted on in 2018. The City Collector’s salary is $17,377.12 and the Committee proposes to raise it to $18,577.12 effective April 1, 2020. Councilperson Lyons motion to increase the City Collector’s salary by $12,000 a year, second by Councilperson Cheek which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes The Committee also recommends $10,000 from Sales Tax for field work for the Recreation Center. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval and to amend the budget, second by Councilperson Duckworth, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Insurance report; Councilperson Bullington reported that the increase to the health insurance is minimal, and that White and Associates were looking at other companies for more pricing. As soon as information comes in there will be another Insurance meeting, and a recommendation made. Economic report; BLP Downtown/Tourism met along with Value-Added Ag and Clean-up Committees. BLP Round Table Discussion with U S Representative Jason Smith was postponed, it will be rescheduled soon. A2H meeting is scheduled for Thursday unveiling their place making tool to be used by the Arts Council and City. BLP Workforce Development Committee will meet Monday, March 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Public library; Economic Development Action Team meets Tuesday, March 24 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, and the Art Council has completed its Season 18. The board will be scheduling  Page442 the 2020-2021 season, any suggestions are welcomed. Representatives from Waste Pro addressed the Council about their sanitation business. They are located at the old Blytheville army base, and services Steele. They use local vendors, and pick up garbage the old fashion way. They not only pick up what’s in the totes, but whatever is out, and that will fit in the truck. They like getting involved in the community and supporting community efforts. They also spend a lot of time teaching about recycling. Their main goal is to pick up everything on the street, and if anything needs addressing will be handled by the Operations Manager. They believe in taking care of the elderly by introducing the drivers so they can be comfortable at having them pick up their garbage at their house if need be. They are also known for coming to the community with their big truck and teaching Elementary students about the environment, letting them get on the truck, and bringing treats for the Arbor Day event. Business From the Floor; The Ministerial Alliance will have a community meeting Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church concerning the coronavirus. Councilperson Rodgers made mention that Kim Jones, Chief Jones’ wife is interested in helping to get food to anyone in need while school is not in session. Councilperson Rodgers has been talking to different churches about providing food. Councilperson Bullington stated that the school would be providing a grab and go bag if school is out for an extended period of time. Don Jeffress was contacted by a lady with the Poplar Bluff Museum Board who wrote a book about the May 9, 1927 tornado in Poplar Bluff. The author is doing a second book in continuation of the first book. One of the subjects that died in the tornado is Horace Ward/Barnett, and is a native of Caruthersville. The author of the book couldn’t find the grave online, and Mr. Jeffress got the location of the grave from the City Clerk. Mr. Jeffress went to grave site, and pictures were taken of the ground based on the surrounding markers. Mayor Grantham suggested that Mr. Jeffress contact Whitener Monuments, who will be donating a grave marker and mounting it free of charge. Mr. Jeffress is asking for a proclamation hopefully to coincide with the mounting of the marker. Mayor Grantham will be working with Mr. Jeffress on the proclamation. Introduction to Bills; Counselor Dorroh introduced a bill that would amend the pay plan to enact a premium for combining duties of the Water and Waste Water positions. Motion for the first reading of the bill in full is a follows: BILL NO. 2020-02 ORDINANCE NO. 2020-02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2017-08 AND THE PAY PLAN ADOPTED THEREIN WHEREAS, the separate positions of Water Superintendent and Wastewater Superintendent are presently being performed by one employee as opposed to two separate employees; and WHEREAS, the schedule in its current form does not provide for an appropriate salary Page 443 for such combined positions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE, MISSOURI, as follows: Section 1. Ordinance No. 2017-08, as previously amended, is hereby further amended by the adoption of a revision to Table A to the pay plan schedule so as to provide a premium of $7,500 annually over and above the Grade B salary provided for in Table A, as adjusted for licensing and certification, to any person holding the combined positions of Water Superintendent and Wastewater Superintendent, for so long as such person serves in both capacities. A notation shall be made under the Grade B column on the salary schedule as follows: “Water and Wastewater Superintendent combined: + $7,500Annually. (+cert.)” Section 2. All other provisions of the pay plan schedule adopted by Ordinance 2017-08 as amended shall remain in full force and effect. Section 3. This ordinance shall be effective from and after the date of its passage and approval. READ TWO TIMES AND PASSED ON this 16th day of March, 2020. APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON the 16th day of March, 2020. ____________________________________ ATTEST Sue Grantham, Mayor _____________________________ Takella Motton, City Clerk Councilperson Grable motion for the second reading by title only, second by Councilperson Cheek; the question is will Bill No. 2020-02 pass and become known as Ordinance 2020-02 which resulted in the following vote on said question to wit: Grable Yes Reeves Yes Rodgers Yes Duckworth Absent Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Councilperson Lyons motion to go into closed session for purpose of personnel, second by Councilperson Cheek, which resulted in the following vote:  Page 444 Upon returning from closed session and with no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Lyons motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Cheek, with all in favor the meeting adjourning at 6:43 p.m. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk