City Council

Page 503 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE October 19, 2020 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday October 19, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Caruthersville Library at 707 W. 13th St. Caruthersville, MO at which time and place the following were present: Sue Grantham Mayor Takella Motton City Clerk Lawrence Dorroh City Counselor Jeremy Darnell Sergeant at Arms Hood (Absent) Councilperson Spence Councilperson Rodgers Councilperson Glass Councilperson Bullington (Absent) Councilperson Lyons Councilperson Cheek Councilperson Grable 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 meeting started off with a presentation from A2H which was a virtual place making tool video that showed the possibilities for a downtown revitalization concept. The catalyst was the Exchange Building making it structural sound with a facelift, with the possibilities of office space, modern apartments, and food service. The growth potential would stem from the River, Casino, and Vacant Lots all being tied together. The focus could be Arts & Culture, Quality Public Spaces, Community Health, and Economic Vitality. One of the concepts was to tie both sides of the sea wall together by incorporating Splash Pads, Trails, Amphitheater, and Playgrounds. Food trucks, Flexible Catering, Concerts, and Outdoor Movies would all be centered downtown via the Exchange Building and River. The projects could be funded through grants, stackable grants being a plus, and A2H would be instrumental in the plan of action. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to have A2H implement the place making tool. Councilperson Lyons made the motion, second by Councilperson Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Grable Yes The next order of business was the approval of the regular session minutes of October 5, 2020. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval, second by Councilperson Spence, with all in favor. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Spence Page 504 with all In favor. Fire report; Fire calls from October 13, 2020 through October 19, 2020 are as follows: 10/13; A gas riser was struck by a lawn mower on Hickory, 10/13; Minor smoke caused by food on stove on Ferguson, 10/17; Vehicle fire on Jefferson, 10/17; Call concerning an electrical panel, on South Ward, 10/18; False alarm on East 18th St. There were two fire drills and two fire inspections conducted for the month. There have been 84 fire calls to date compared to 117 last year. Police report; Jeremy Darnell reported that searching for applicants to fill positions has been difficult, and the abundance in over time is due to shifts having to be covered by the limited amount of officers. Public Works; Paul Shaw reported that the FEMA projects were continued to be worked on; the big hole on Zaida has been filled in, Grand is complete, and the Taven lift station is waiting to be powered up. The panel on Women’s Club Road has been repaired and DNR conducted tests at the Waste Water Plant. The levels for the ammonia will be taken care of once the rotors come in. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported that the transition with the trash cans were done, and the disputes with the contracts for the businesses were being worked out. The mowing is just about done, and he’s ordered numerous title searches. The burn out on West 11th St. will be torn down soon, and the searches being done on the derelict properties will hopefully prove to be productive. Mr. Gilmore made mention that Teddy Cheek along with the Lions Club would be cleaning up the over pass again Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 8:00 a. m. Volunteers are welcomed to aid in the process. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that they would be applying for a tech grant for computers going towards server upgrades and computers for the staff. It’s a first come first serve basis grant amounting to $18,000. Paul Shaw wanted to thank the police for recovering items stolen from the contractors working on the FEMA projects. City Collector; Paige Gillock reported that residents would be able to pay their taxes on the City’s website, and statements will be going out soon. Barry Gilmore stated that he and Ms. Gillock had developed a checklist for new businesses before they open to the public. The collections for October 1, 2020 through October 19, 2020 are as follows: Personal Property $400.69, Miscellaneous/Yard Sales $65.00, Business License $175.00 and Tourism $1,015.16. New Business; Don Jeffries Chairman of the Water Tower Committee reported positioning to apply for a grant through the Jeffris Family Foundation by way of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Don Jeffris interests are in restorations to historical sites in providing tourist attractions. The Water Tower, Angel House, Veterans Park, City Hall, and the Post Office could be inclusive with tourism leading to the downtown area. Tom Jeffries was introduced to Becky Millinger; she has gone through the grant process for the Silversmith’s Home in Ste. Genevieve, MO. The grant that her church applied for was for the restoration of the house built by a silversmith which is now part of the historical landscape in Ste. Genevieve. Ms. Millinger stated the history of the house, raising funds, and the food pantry was instrumental in receiving the grant.  Page 505 Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to go into closed session for the purpose of hiring. Councilperson Lyons made the motion, second by Councilperson Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Grable Yes Upon returning from closed session, and with no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Lyons motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Glass. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor _______________________________ City Clerk