City Council

Page 509 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE November 16, 2020 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday November 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 Cheek Councilperson Grable Councilperson Hood Councilperson Spence Councilperson Rodgers (Phone) Councilperson Glass Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons (Absent) 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 November 2, 2020. Councilperson Grable motion for approval, second by Councilperson Hood, with all in favor. Councilperson Glass motion for approval of closed session minutes of November 2, 2020, second by Councilperson Cheek with all in favor. Councilperson Hood motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Grable with all in favor. The next of order of business was the Auditor’s representation letter in connection with the City’s audit of its financial position, with corrective action towards each finding, and an action plan meeting the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion for the acceptance of the letter of representation. Councilperson Bullington motion for approval, second by Councilperson Cheek which resulted in the following vote: Cheek Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that the traffic at the Police station was because of the 24 hours continuing education, and they’re practicing social distance. Fire report; Chief Charlie Jones reported fire calls from November 2, 2020 to November 16, 2020 Page 510 as follows: 11/7; Grass fire on ditch bank on I55/412, 11/8; Tree stump and trash on fire on Beckwith, 11/10; Fire alarm sounding with nothing being detected on Pine St., 11/14; Structure fire with request of mutual aid on County Rd. 437 which was a total loss, 11/14; Small grass fire and leaves burning due to a discarded cigarette at Reynolds Park. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported that the Dillman apartments were being worked on. The fire escape has been torn down, and by the first of the year wiring, roofing, and putting in windows will take place. There have been 29 properties that have been cleared since Mr. Gilmore came on board. The property on Kelly Dr. is awaiting a title search, and also Beckwith. A notice was sent to a property owner on Washington in July in which there wasn’t compliance. A warrant was issued this week, and the lock was cut. The City crew will go and clean up the property tomorrow. A quick claim deed was signed off by the person that purchased the City lot on East 12th, and he has also purchased the two County lots. They are still taking things out of the Cooks’ trailer, and once that is taken care of the lot will be cleared. The metal building got delivered today for the laundromat. There are two parcels on the 400 block of Highland that are between two property owners slated to be done by January 1, 2020, and if not, the City will issue a warrant and haul everything off. The burnt out on Beckwith’s owner has stated that they will be fixing the house. Mr. Gilmore stated that he would start issuing demolishing orders on houses long overdue. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that no Christmas Storytime will occur this year due to COVID, but they will be giving out goody bags. City Collector report; Collections from November 1, 2020 through November 16, 2020 are as follows: Real Estate $25,660.17, Personal Property $11,529.20, Miscellaneous $365.00, Total Taxes $37,321.00. Total Interest $132.23, Total Commission $11.14, Publication Cost $90.00, Total Collections are $37,554.37. New Business; Councilperson Rodgers expressed the Lane family wishes to have Industrial Dr. adopted for beautification for James Lane who worked for the City Public Works. Counselor Dorroh stated the City should adopt a policy in the future regarding adopting roads. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to adopt Industrial Dr. in memory of James Lane. Councilperson Hood motion to approve, second by Councilperson Cheek, with all in favor. Don Jeffries presented a contract for design and consulting related services for the Historic Water Tower Project. The Jeffris Familiy Foundation is a potential grantor for the project, in which the City would have to partner with a 501C3 organization. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the viability of the project through the submittal of early planning studies, and must be ready for preparation of a Historic Structure Report, leading toward a capital fund drive with a community centered component. A2H would work with the City and the 501C3 organization to submit an application for funding of Preservation Feasibility Study and Historic Structure Report through the Jeffris Heartland Fund. Ultimately, the Foundation Board reviews and sends out invitations to the applicants that they want to fund. Business from the Floor; Councilperson Bullington made mention with the projection for the increase in COVID cases, that the department heads need to be extra careful, and avoid large crowds. Page 511 Mayor Grantham stated that no one can come to City Hall without a mask, and the Water department access is through the drive-thru only. The Police department is taking measures by not letting anyone in the facility, officers wear mask and take reports from the speaker. Extra precautions are being taken at the Recreation Center. As far as the wrestling match this weekend, masks will be required to be worn, and the seating will be measured off for social distancing. Councilperson Hood motion to go into closed session for the purpose of personnel and policy, second by Councilperson Grable, this resulted in the following vote: Cheek Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Counselor Dorroh states that the policy item may have to be discussed in open session. Upon returning from closed session, Chief Tony Jones recommended that Jesse Johnson be hired on as a full time officer, which would bring the department down to four needed officers. Councilperson Grable made motion, second by Councilperson Glass, which resulted in the following vote: Cheek Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Chief Jones also recommended Randall Lee as a part time officer to help out whenever he’s in town. There was no motion made. The next item was fire protection fees, which had to be discussed in open session. Chief Charlie Jones stated that the present fire subscription was too low. For example, 18 wheelers come through and have accidents, payments are submitted, and the Fire department isn’t receiving payment for the most part. Chief Jones wants to revise the policy and charge the commercial vehicles insurance companies. He also wants to charge for extrication services for all vehicles. Counselor Dorroh asked Chief Jones to come up with schedules so that an ordinance can be drafted. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to adjourn. Councilperson Hood made motion, second by Councilperson Grable with all in favor. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor _____________________________ City Clerk