City Council

CITY OF CHARLESTON Special Call City Council Meeting April 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rick Toon at 5:32PM. Councilman Jackie Whiteside, Councilwoman Monica Goodin, Councilwoman Cedrica Polk, Councilman Jason Oliver, City Manager Greg Luehmann, and City Clerk Ali Morris were present. New Business: Bill NO. 3050 / Ordinance NO. 3091- An Ordinance Amending the Budget Adopted for City Funds for Fiscal Year May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024, was the first item of new business. City Manager, Greg Luehmann explained that the General Fund was not technically over budget. However, due to a large expenditure being paid out of the General Fund for the park projects, which was then refunded by the Byrd Foundation, it appears that the expenses were over budget. The Water/Wastewater Fund was also not technically over budget, but due to ARPA grant expenses, it put the account over budget. The Capital Improvements Fund was over budget due to the Flock camera system and the expenditures on the new dog kennel. Mr. Luehmann did point out that the dog kennel would have cost triple the price or more if we had used engineers to complete the project, but we have saved a tremendous amount by having our Public Works Department do the majority of the labor. Councilwoman Goodin made a motion to approve Bill NO. 3050 / Ordinance NO. 3091 to amend the current fiscal year budget. Councilman Whiteside seconded the motion. All were in favor. None were opposed. The motion carried and the ordinance was approved. Next on the agenda was Bill NO. 3051 / Ordinance NO. 3092- An Ordinance Adopting a Budget for City Funds for Fiscal Year May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. The City Manager explained that he and the City Clerk had been working together on the new budget for about six weeks and although there are more line items compared to last year, it gives a better description of exactly where the money is being spent. The extensive breakdown also follows the setup of the software system which tracks the expenditures. This will allow us to present a clear and concise budget update to the council each month. Mr. Luehmann stated that the city is in good shape. However, with the construction continuing at Exit 12, the new budget shows a loss on sales tax and diesel fuel tax revenue due to not as many travelers stopping at those particular truck stops. Because we purchased a couple of new patrol vehicles and a jet rodder outright this past year, there are less expected large, budgeted items. There are two mowers budgeted for in the Park Fund. It was then discussed that although there is no commitment yet, there is a good possibility for some grant money to help with a new storm siren system, which will help save some money. Luehmann then explained that not only are the patrol vehicles a large purchase, but the outfitting cost per vehicle is also very expensive and we are hoping to simply repair some of the older vehicles this upcoming fiscal year rather than replace them. Mr. Luehmann then explained that the interest income on the CDs is shown in each fund in April, which is the last month of the fiscal year. Hopefully the money will remain in the CDs, but it is good to know that it is available if needed. Councilwoman Polk asked if the storm system was to help with the sewers and Mr. Luehmann explained that he meant the storm siren system, but that there is always money budgeted each year for more sewer lining and we have actually already hired an engineer to help with the lagoon and addressing the ammonia levels that get a little high each year when the temperature drops. Councilwoman Goodin said that she was unaware of the huge expense the city still has due to the 2011 levee break. Councilman Whiteside said that it really affected the sewer system to the point that they were still finding residual issues two years after the break. Goodin asked if there was any grant money left to potentially help pay toward the loan the city is still liable for. Mr. Luehmann explained that there may be some USDA funds to help. At this time, Mayor Toon asked the council if there was anything that could be done to reduce or do away with the park user fees that the school system is required to pay to the city each year. Councilman Whiteside explained that he did not feel that would be a good idea as the Park Fund does not receive any revenue, and the parks require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. The school system uses the ball fields and the tennis courts, and this would not be fair to cut the cost of the upkeep required. Councilwoman Polk asked why the city no longer has a city pool. Councilman Whiteside explained that there was a lot of maintenance required on the pool, including expensive chemicals and finding lifeguards to work was also an issue. He also said there were not enough people attending the pool to account for keeping it open and there were a lot of issues, which in turn created a big liability. The City Manager explained that he has been looking into splash pads, similar to what the City of Sikeston has. Councilwoman Polk pointed out that the City of East Prairie, as small as they are, has an operating city pool and she asked if there could possibly be any grant funding to help. Polk also expressed her concern that there are not a lot of options for kids in Charleston other than the parks and the basketball courts. Mayor Toon explained that the upfront cost is not necessarily the issue and that it is the maintenance it will take each year from the city, along with paying employees, the work comp costs, lifeguards, and police presence that it would require that are the issues. Councilwoman Goodin asked what revenue the splash pads would bring in. Mr. Luehmann explained that people travel from all over to visit the one in Cape Girardeau, which would bring in some sales tax and diesel fuel tax revenue as well. Councilman Oliver mentioned the splash park in Paragould, Arkansas rakes in a lot of money as they are cash only operated. Councilwoman Goodin told Councilwoman Polk that the pool could be researched and if she was able to find funding that they could discuss it further. Polk explained that she felt it would be more of an asset than a burden to the city and it is worth looking into. At this time, Mayor Toon asked if there was a motion to approve the new fiscal year budget. Councilman Whiteside made a motion to approve Bill NO. 3051 / Ordinance NO. 3092 to adopt the budget for city funds for fiscal year May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. Councilwoman Goodin seconded the motion. All were in favor. None were opposed. The motion carried and the ordinance and budget were approved. Recognition of Visitors: There were no visitors present. Adjourn: A motion was made by Councilman Whiteside to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Oliver seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: )I City Clerk Presiding O icer City Clerk Mayor