Board of Aldermen Meeting

CITY OF WILLARD BOARD OF ALDERMEN/SCHOOL DISTRICT NOVEMBER 14TH, 2006 7:00 P.M. Board Present: Mayor Thomas J. Keltner, Aldermen Bill Caplinger, Aldermen Charles Whitehead, Aldermen Gordon O’Quinn, and Aldermen Richard Simpson. Also in attendance: City Administrator, Fred Gress; City Clerk, Kathy Snyder; Director or Parks and Recreation, Jill Simmons; Chief of Police, Tom McClain; and Director of Public Works, Charlie Jones. Superintendent of Willard Schools, Kent Medlin; Assistant Superintendent, Janell Royal; School Board Members-Joel Adams, Ron Crighton, Mark Anderson, Karla Shaffer, Jana Copland, and Caroline Puckett. Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. Caroline Puckett: This is an informational session of the Willard R-2 school board no business will be conducted at this session. Any information from this session that may need action from the Willard R-2 School Board will be considered or discussed, at our next regular board meeting. Joint use of facilities-Gymnasium, softball field, soccer complex Director of Parks and Recreations Jill Simmons discussed sharing facilities with the school. Dr. Medlin and school board members stated that the school has always worked with the city in sharing facilities, scheduling was always an issue. Jill said she would like to work closer with the school on this issue. Joint operation of programs Jill discussed intramural programs for middle school age kids. This program would be after school possibly at Recreation Center or at the school. Dr. Medlin stated that the school has expanded Tiger Tails this year for Tiger Teens. So the concept of this program is already there. Jill stated if the program was at the Recreation Center there would be an issue on how to get the kids to the Recreation Center, possibly having a bus stop there. Intersection improvements at East Jackson and Highway 160 Dr. Medlin discussed the intersection at East Jackson and Highway 160. Traffic has increased at this intersection due to the new High School on Jackson Street. Seven (7) wrecks have happened at this intersection since July. Dr. Medlin stated that the school has talked to Modot and Modot said they would like to help but the funds are not available. Modot said the improvements to this intersection would range from $250,000 Board of Aldermen/School District Meeting Page 1 of 2 November 14th, 2006 up to $500,000. The city/school should have more information in December about the correct amount. City Administrator Fred Gress stated that Modot is doing traffic studies at this time. Caroline Puckett asked Fred if the city would have the funds to help with the improvements. Fred stated that it was up to the Board of Aldermen on what we budget for. Fred said staff would have to recommend that Miller Road from Jackson all the way to 160 was a higher priority, but the final decision was up to the Board of Aldermen. Additional SRO Officer Dr. Medlin discussed additional SRO Officer for the Willard School District. Also Dr. Medlin discussed the recent school shooting that happened in Joplin. Willard School has had about 10 to 15 lockdowns in the past two (2) years. The current SRO, Larry Alexander did over 500 reports last year. The Willard School system has 3900 students. The school has an applicant for the additional SRO. Dr Medlin stated that the new SRO needs to be commissioned. Mayor Thomas J. Keltner stated that he would commission him as long as chief would be part of the hiring and interview process. Dr. Medlin said he did have chiefs help in interviewing. Safe Routes to School Application City Administrator Fred Gress discussed application for Safe Routes to School. Fred and Dr. Royal went to the training in Springfield for this grant. Fred said the city has no designated walkways, pedestrian walkways no safety features whatsoever at Farmer and Highway 160. Fred stated that he was proposing pedestrian crossways at Farmer and 160, some additional safety signage, and sidewalks on south side of 160. Grant limitation is $225,000 dollars. The other area is over on Miller Road. Proposed is the same type of pedestrian flashers at this location. Motion made by Richard Simpson with second by Charles Whitehead to adjourn meeting. All votes yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. __________________________ Kathy Snyder, City Clerk Board of Aldermen/School District Meeting Page 2 of 2 November 14th, 2006