City Council

Page 852 CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE November 4, 2024 Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session on Monday November 4, 2024 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 Jerry Hudgens Sergeant at Arms Spence (Absent) Councilperson Robinson Councilperson Glass Councilperson Bullington Councilperson Lyons Councilperson Fales Councilperson Grable Councilperson Hood 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 October 21, 2024. Councilperson Grable motion for approval, second by Councilperson Robinson all in favor, with Councilpersons Hood, Bullington, and Lyons, abstaining. Councilperson Glass motion for approval of the closed session minutes of October 21, 2024, second by Councilperson Grable all in favor, with Councilpersons Hood, Bullington, and Lyons abstaining. Councilperson Lyons motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Robinson with all in favor. Mayor Grantham reported that only one RFQ was submitted for the operations and maintenance services of the fiber optic network, which was Pemiscot Dunklin Fiber. The Mayor entertained a motion, with Councilperson Grable making the motion, second by Councilperson Hood. The result of the vote was as follows: Robinson Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Fales Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Phase I of the fiber optic operation was the business loop, Phase II is the grant part of the underserved community, and Phase III will entail serving everyone else that was not affected which will take place later on. Police report; Chief Jerry Hudgens reported that there were 219 calls for service and 80 reports  Page 853 entered since the last meeting. Chief Hudgens attended a Mental Health and Wellness training seminar sponsored by the State of Missouri. The department will be a hosting a CIT three day event after the first of the year. This training will be available to any first responders in the area, and will provide 27 hours of POST credit for law enforcement free of charge. The necessary security will be provided for the upcoming football playoffs. The new hires are on track, with one graduating from Academy in December. Humane report; Karol Wilcox report is as follows: Intake; 44 cats/kittens and 39 dogs/puppies, Adopted out 14 dogs/puppies and 12 cats/kittens, Euthanized; four animals, and one animal died, Owner redeemed; four animals, and took in 13 dogs/puppies and 5 cats/kittens. The members would like to set up a meeting with police/fire committee along with Counselor Dorroh to discuss the crisis at the Humane Shelter. The Shelter is continually working on the dog that’s at Sonic all the time, she’s street savvy. The Shelter has removed her litters by Faulkners, Grand, and by Daylight Donuts all in culverts. Also, they’re dealing with Madison again along with the Highland hoarder, and the Brown St. issue, which is distressing. The breeders of pitbulls are still at it, and if he sees them, he hides the dogs, with his neighbors helping him. Just a reminder to people on Facebook, the Shelter does not follow, you will have to call the Shelter at (573) 333-9977 or the police for animal control. Fire report; Chief Lynn Moss reported four calls since the last meeting as follows: 10/19/24; Brush fire at 10th & Truman, 10/20/24; Brush fire on I55, 10/22/24; Brush fire at cemetery at I55 overpass, 10/24/24; Alarm call on Greenwell Rd. The total calls for the month of October was eleven, and the inspection at the Casino for all Life Safety Systems was completed. Code Enforcement; Barry Gilmore reported receiving bids for the 409 Grand Avenue Demolition as follows: Tri State Rolloff Dumpsters $7,500.00, Southern Tree Care $4,000.00, and Dormer Excavation $10,200.00. Councilperson Glass motion to accept the lower bid from Southern Tree Care, second by Councilperson Fales, which resulted in the following vote: Robinson Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Fales Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Mr. Gilmore reported that the test was performed on Ms. Isable’s meter, in which it should no effect on her usage with the leak on the City’s side. The meter is functioning properly. The ditch and culvert by Carter’s Funeral Home has been cleaned and up and flowing. Stop signs were replaced, and the Boring group have finished their part of the fiber project, and vaults are being placed. While at the MRWA conference, Mr. Gilmore talked to CUSI about billing and training opportunities, and also talked with Master Meter about readings on meters and training. Approximately a year ago the system for the meters was reading 90% of the meters, now it’s at 95% with a goal of 99%. Awaiting to hear from the contractor for 311 Ward; the bond was issued for the wrong address, but will move forward once the new bond is reviewed. Once Fronabarger is done with the Casino, they will start on the Third St. drainage and repair by First State Bank. The street sweeper is up and running, holes were patched in alley by the Post Office, and the lead service line inventory continues. The Department is also planning to fix several more street breaks in November. There are two quotes for Page 854 the termite infestation at the airport, Gilmore will be getting a third quote before submittal. Parks & Recreation; Lamonte Bell reported the following: Red Cross Blood Drive Monday November 25, 2024 between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside the gym. The Seismic Crush swim meet was a success, and s sealed bid has been received for the construction of the restrooms and shower stalls. Library report; Tacara Sullivan reported the following: Ms. Sullivan attended the monthly catalog meeting through zoom. Summit Roofing investigated leakage, and asked to be called during leakage if possible. The water heater was installed, the Halloween event was a success, and still awaiting repairs for the back window sill. Randy Guest is trouble shooting the camera system, Lowrance Sound Company gave a short tutorial on equipment, received an estimate on spot cleaning carpet, and awaiting another one. Missouri Evergreen Migration coached Ms. Sullivan on different functions within the ME system. The Kennett Job Center job fair was a success. One of the new hires will be terminated due to excessive absences and poor handling of job duties; two more part time employees will be reviewed. Collector report; Paige Gillock collections report from October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 is as follows: Real Estate $835.11 Personal Property $461.89 Miscellaneous $10,688.54 Total Taxes $11,751.13 Total Interest & Fees $234.41 Total Collections $11,985.54. Chief Jerry Hudgens presented to the Council a proposal for additional funding to the SRO officer, which would be in the form of a stipend that wouldn’t affect the pay scale. Counselor Dorroh would have to make an amendment to MOU for the school. The school would increase the pay to $750.00 per grade level for DAR training, and the City would be responsible for $2,000.000 that’s given to the City from the school. The SRO will have to sign an agreement yearly to stay within that year. Councilperson Hood motion to accept, second by Grable, which resulted in the following vote: Robinson Yes Glass Yes Bullington Yes Lyons Yes Fales Yes Grable Yes Hood Yes Business From Floor; Charles Frencher was concerned about the charge of $3,500.00 for his water/sewer tap for a new construction of a house on 18th & Levee Rd. Barry Gilmore explained that about two years ago the City had lost money on a tap that was done, and the Council voted on a new rate of $1,700.00 for a water tap, $1,300.00 for sewer, and $500.00 if there has to be a street break. Mr. Gilmore offered Mr. Frencher six months to pay. Mayor Grantham reiterated the Council’s decision, and that the payment within the six month interval would still be possible. Dawnika Hunt was concerned about the police response to her complaints about harassment against her and some of her family members. She has a protection order for Mississippi County and for Pemiscot County. It was explained that the State would ultimately decide cases on warrants, and the local police couldn’t enforce out of state jurisdictions. Counselor Dorroh did say that the focus should be on the Protection of Order that had been filed in Pemiscot County if there’s been a violation. Chief Hudgens stated that he would look into the matter if any of his officers have knowledge of any known Outstanding warrants with locations of individuals. Chief Hudgens also stated that he had offered to be  Page 855 a mediator between the two families. With no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Grable motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Robinson, with all in favor. ATTEST: ________________________________ Mayor ________________________________ City Clerk