City Council

Page 600 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE December 20, 2021 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, December 20, 2021 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 Councilperson Spence Councilperson Rodgers Councilperson Glass 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 for December 6, 2021. Councilperson Cheek motion for approval, second by Councilperson Cheek all in favor, with Councilperson Grable abstaining. Councilperson Rodgers motion for approval of the closed session minutes for December 6, 2021 second by Councilperson Glass all in favor, with Councilperson Grable abstaining. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Cheek with all in favor. Mayor Grantham reported that a Public Hearing would be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment regarding a proposed amendment to the zoning code to add a new zoning district to be designated B-4 Licensed Gaming District. Next on the agenda was a vote to be closed Thursday, December 23, 2021 in observance of Christmas Eve. Councilperson Bullington motion for approval, second by Councilperson Lyons, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Page 601 Police report; Chief Tony Jones reported that they’d put in a lot of hours during the tornado to make sure everyone was safe and attended to. The Chief hit a pole that went down and went airborne. He also received smoke inhalation while trying to extinguish a fire when an accident occurred on interstate I55. The Safe rooms were packed during the tornado. Councilperson Bullington made mention that another Safe room would be added to the High School with Cares Act funding. The Shop With A Cop venture provided 70 kids with Christmas gifts. Fire report; Chief Charlie Jones reported that during the tornado sirens were fired back to back to alert everyone. The Chief even received a call from a meteorologist pinpointing the path of the tornado. The Fire department needs to upgrade their radios to be able to communicate with one another. One of the firemen had called for assistance to Braggadocio and couldn’t get through. Chief Jones suggested that with the sale of the trucks, that money could go back into the Sales Tax Fund. The purchase would be $20,000.00 for 10 used radios, and they could put in the budget for next year some new radios. Councilperson Hood motion to approve the purchase, second by Councilperson Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Fire calls from December 7, 2021 through December 20, 2021 are as follows: 12/7/21; Shed on fire with minor damage on Highland, 12/9/21; Structure fire with mutual aid on Highway 164, 12/9/21; Electric outlet arching on Davis, 12/10/21; Water heater malfunction on East 14th St., 12/11/21; Vehicle fire a total loss on County Rd. 362, 12/11/21; Structure fire in garage with moderate damage on West 4 th St., 12/11/21; Structure fire with moderate damage on East 5th St., 12/12/21; Checked a water heater with nothing being detected on East 13th St., 12/12/21; Two 18 wheelers collided and got on fire, with one of the drivers perishing, 12/13/21; Vehicle accident with extrication on West 13th St., 12/18/21; Smoke scare with pans left on cook stove unattended with minor smoke damage on Jefferson. Public Works; Paul Shaw reported that the generators at the Plants worked well during the outage. DNR come today to check if everything was in compliance. During the upgrades a red flag was thrown because getting the new equipment in was an issue. Everything is in compliance at this time. Parks & Recreation; Lamonte Bell reported that business was steady. Mr. Bell wanted to know if there was in way that the Recreation Center could be checked to see if it was tornado proof to be able to provide another storm shelter. Councilperson Bullington will be checking with Logan Meeks to see exactly how sturdy the building is. Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that goody bags and treats would be given out during Storytime. The Library’s 100th birthday will be February 18, 2022, and will be having a reception for the community. Business From the Floor; The Salvation Army had another successful year with the bell ringing, and Councilperson Hood wanted to thank everyone that participated. Councilperson Bullington was contacted by the superintendent from Oran, MO with supplies such as diapers, water, clothes, tarps, etc  Page 602 The supplies are located in the Maintenance shed; anyone in need can contact Ms. Bullington. A lady from California also contacted Councilperson Bullington. The lady makes dresses and will be sending for anyone that needs them. Annistyn Rackley’s Celebration of Life will be Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the High School. Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m., and the funeral is at 2:00 p.m. Mayor Grantham entertained a motion to go into closed session regarding personnel, previous communication, and real estate. Councilperson Hood made motion, second by Councilperson Lyons, which resulted in the following vote: Grable Yes Hood Yes Spence Yes Rodgers Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Cheek Yes Upon returning from closed session, and with no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Hood motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Lyons, with all in favor. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor __________________________________ City Clerk