City Council

CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE November 6, 2023 Page 774 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday November 6, 2023 in the Council room of the Municipal Building at which time and place the following were present: Takella Motton City Clerk Lawrence Dorroh City Counselor Sue Grantham Mayor Terry Privett Sergeant at Arms Fales Councilperson Grable (Absent) Councilperson Hood Councilperson Spence Councilperson Robinson Councilperson Glass (Absent) Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons 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 October 16, 2023. Councilperson Hood motion for approval, second by Councilperson Robinson with all in favor. Councilperson Bullington motion for approval of the closed session minutes for October 16, 2023, second by Councilperson Hood with all in favor. Councilperson Hood motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Bullington with all in favor. Mayor Grantham announced the following dates for the April 2, 2024 Election as follows: December 5, 2023 First day to file declaration of candidacy December 26, 2023 Deadline for filing declaration of candidacy January 23, 2024 Final certification deadline March 6, 2023 Last day to register to vote There will be a Public Hearing November 20, 2023 regarding zoning regulations relating to historic preservation for the City. Police report; Assistant Chief Terry Privett reported that repairs had been done to the crematory, and that Matthew Vincent had been trained on the operations, Barry Gilmore was also trained for back up. The new evidence building is complete, and Asst. Chief Privett provided a list of expenditures that had been taken out of the General Fund that will need to be reimbursed by the Sales Tax Capital Improvement Fund. The Body Cams were delivered today, and by the next meeting Asst. Chief will have met with Counselor Dorroh to go over policy.  Page 775 Humane report; Karol Wilcox reported that the final state inspection of the remodeling made on the back kennels and on the fourth wall had been conducted, and passed inspection. They’ve been tracking ferals, and successfully captured the dog with the limp that has evaded them for three years. The police helped capture the white pit that has been killing animals, and currently working on tracking a pack of dogs on Grand. The Shelter has adopted out 27 cats and kittens, 15 dogs, eight dogs were sent to Rescue, and five animals were brought in today. Fire report; Chief Lynn Moss reported responding to eight calls for the month of October. The out of the city limits calls were as follows: 11/3/23; Mutual aid in Kennett, 11/4/23; Grass fire on I55, 11/4/23; Mutual aid to Cleveland Apts. In Hayti. Also responded to two gas leaks, one alarm, and two vehicle fires. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported that Visu Sewer were done with their filming of the sewer lines, five point repairs were conducted, and 13 manholes were replaced. The next phase will be deciding on were the lining will take place. The Street Sweeper is up and running, and representatives with the Broadband are set up to lay fiberglass within the City. There will be two or more streets that will be paved with the money left over; East 18th between Chaffin & East 7th St., and a stretch between 8th & 9th St. Ameren has set up their poles and transformer, the sewer is done; the water will be done after locates are established to set the meter for Good Day Farm. CK Power has been here this week to look at generators, and all eight will be serviced. Stops signs were replaced, starting to put up Christmas lights, and flags will be put up this week in the cemetery for Veterans Day. Parks & Recreation; Lamonte Bell turnover was $1,551.06 for the month of October in part with the pool being down, but it’s up and running now. The hot water heater went out, and the new one will be installed tomorrow. Currently another Customer Appreciation Day is being planned with details being at a later date. Business From the Floor; Barbara Meredith presented the City with flags from the Gayoso DAR. Wreaths Across America ceremony will be December 16, 2023, and as of now roughly 859 wreaths have been sponsored. Donations are still being received ;hopefully a wreath will able to be placed on every Veteran and First Responder’s grave. There are currently 1,350 military stones and first responders buried in all the cemeteries, and help will be greatly appreciated in placing the wreaths. The wreaths are $17.00 and donations will be taken up until November 28, 2023. Johnny Hood reported that the Salvation Army was in the process of building teams with their Bell Ringing, and there’s a new Facebook page, SA Board Pemiscot in which comments and messages can be posted. The sites will be at Hays in Caruthersville and Hayti, and counter kettles will be out in several businesses. Anne Jefferies reported that she was the new acting President of the Library Board, with Teddy Cheek resigning. Ms. Jefferies says the Board has jelled, and gone through issues, and are looking forward to wonderful things happening with the Library. Mayor Grantham stated that there will need to be two more members appointed once letters are provided by the two that have resigned. Councilperson Hood motion to go into closed session for purpose of personnel, second by Councilperson Fales, which resulted in the following vote: Page 776 Fales Yes Hood Yes Spence Absent Robinson Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Upon returning from closed session, Councilperson Hood motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Bullington, which passed unanimously. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor __________________________________ City Clerk