City Council

Page 484 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE August 3, 2020 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, August 17, 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 Bullington Councilperson Lyons Councilperson Cheek Councilperson Grable Councilperson Hood Councilperson Spence Councilperson Rodgers Councilperson Glass 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 August 3, 2020. Councilperson Hood motion for approval, second by Councilperson Rodgers with all in favor. The next order of business was approval of reports and bills, Councilperson Hood motion for approval, second by Councilperson Lyons with all in favor. Under petitions, letters, and other communications are as follows: Mayor Grantham asked if there was any discussion about the proposed amendment to the lease agreement with the Caruthersville Country Club, and entertained a motion. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval, second by Councilperson Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Mayor Grantham asked for a motion to move the meeting to Tuesday, Sept 8, 2020 in observance of Labor Day. Councilperson Hood made motion, second by Councilperson Grable with all in favor. Unfinished Business; Councilperson Cheek reported that the Lions Club cleaned up the Exit 6 South Ward entrance, and would like to thank to following: Mayor Grantham, Chief Tony Jones, Chief Charlie Jones, Wendy Dale, Jacob Underwood, Dan Travis, Don Jeffries, and Tommy McCall. Also, thanks Page 485 to Barry Gilmore and his crew with the preparation by mowing, and MODOT with providing the vests and trash bags. Councilperson Grable made mention of the Finance Committee meeting that had occurred last week, and a proposed plan of having the starting pay for police officers to go from $13.25 per hour to $15.25 per hour. City workers start pay would go from $10.00 per hour to $11.50 per with an extra $1.00 being added for Operators of heavy equipment. Councilperson Grable entertained a motion; Councilperson Hood made motion, second by Councilperson Cheek. There was discussion about looking at the proposals once the June financials were available to see where the budget was setting at. With the motion being on the floor, the results were as follows: Bullington No Lyons No Cheek Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence No Rodgers Yes Glass No With there being a tie, Mayor Grantham broke the tie by voting no. Councilperson Lyons stated that the financials could be available by the end of the week. Mayor Grantham stated that once the budget was known that a special meeting could be called if need be. Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that heroine and fentanyl is being seen in the community with the possibility of two deaths being attributed to fentanyl. Larry McIntyre Jr. was murdered here in town, and the highway patrol and sheriff department are assisting with the investigation. The community is being asked to come forth with any information they may have. Fire report; Chief Charlie Jones reported fire calls from August 4, 2020 to August 7, 2020 as follows: 8/4/20; Structure fire at East Haven, 8/6/20; Fire alarm due to dust a Carter’s Funeral Home, 8/10/20; Grass fire on Ward due to a cigarette, 8/11/20; Vehicle fire in engine on Rt. U & I55. Public Works; Paul Shaw reported that FEMA projects with 20th St., Stonewall Dr., and South Ward were done. Grand is being started on today, Oak within the next two weeks, and the sinkholes on Ward Ave. The valves have come in for the Water plant, which the crew will work on when there’s inclement weather. The well on 3rd St. is done, and the tests have been sent off for compliance. Drudging of the Waste Water plant will also start this week. The paving of 20th St will start soon, and looks like 9th St. will be the last project, because of the depth. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported that it’s been ongoing communication with Republic and residents with proper usage of the trash cans. The part time workers last day will be Thursday, they’ll be going back to school, but the tractor driver will be staying on awhile. The county properties on Chaffin Dr. and 20th & Dudley have been mowed. Some of the laborers will start mid- September with the Colorado group. Mr. Gilmore has been talking with landlords about decent rentals; they look to be here a year. At this time the contractors are looking at gutting Wal Mart, and are looking to hire locals. Councilperson Bullington wanted to know if Mr. Gilmore was aware of a couple of properties on Stonewall Dr. that were a nuisance, and he’s looking into the problem.  Page 486 Park & Recreation; Lamonte Bell reported the hiring of a monitor, lifeguard, and office person. Everything is running well. Mayor Grantham inquired about the signage; Mr. Bell had contacted someone about changing the messaging, and will call again. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported wrapping up the tech mini grant that will be providing five computers. The bench has also been installed where the hedges were, where patrons can set out and enjoy the Wi-Fi. City Collector; Paige Gillock reported that she would be at the Court House Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the sale of properties that were listed in the paper. Ms Gillock is looking at the option of having online payments for customers. The total collections from August 1, 2020 through August 17, 2020 are $8,833.90. Economic Development; Mayor Grantham reported that Quentin Rund with BIOSTL was the guest speaker at the Value Added Agriculture conference, and is looking at having a Precision Agriculture conference in Caruthersville (virtual). Downtown tourism will meet Thursday, August 20, 2020. New Business; John Chittenden made Mayor Grantham aware of a grant of $500,000 to $700,000 available next year for improving streets and drainage. Mitzi Dell has offered to write the grant free of charge. Business from the floor; Barry Gilmore reported that the Mosquito truck was up and running, Monday through Thursday 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. With no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to adjourn. Councilperson Lyons made motion, second by Councilperson Hood, with all in favor, the meeting adjourning at 5:45 p.m. ATTEST: ______________________________________ Mayor __________________________________ City Clerk