Board of Aldermen discuss new city updates

All Aldermen were present for the meeting, as well as City Administrator, Chris Ellison.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Melissa Hays and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Aldermen reviewed the minutes and all bills payable at the start of the meeting, and a motion was made for approval. The motion carried for both.

Mayor Hays provided opportunity for open forum, no one obliged.

“Is there anybody that has any questions, comments, concerns,” Hays said.

The mayor announced that the deed has cleared for the First Street property that the city bought at a tax sale. The purpose of the purchase was to create extra parking for the downtown area, as the current parking is not safe for pedestrians. Hays has been working towards the demolition of the property to begin construction.

The property first needs to be tested for asbestos. Ellison has contacted a company to do the inspection, and a motion to approve a $1200 budget for the inspection was made and approved by the board.

“Either way, we hire it out or I think it would be cost effective to have our city crew tear down the house,” Hays said.

The Aldermen agreed that having the city crew do the demolition would be most cost effective, following the results of the asbestos inspection. It is being determined whether or not the new parking lot will be 3 or 4 inches of concrete or asphalt.

In order to move forward with the bond issue that has been discussed in previous meetings, the city has presented an ordinance to combine the city’s existing electrical, gas, and water works system. The ordinance would keep the three entities separate financially and the three would be budgeted separately but would combine them into one public works system. A motion for the first reading was made and approved via roll call vote.

The mayor did open up opportunity for questions to the Aldermen and public following the second reading.

George Hausdorf was absent and unable to provide the PeopleService Report.

Report was given from Police Chief, Zach James and Fire Chief, Rich Enochs.

Enochs discussed the fireworks for the Fourth of July. The budget set for the show is $10,100, but Enochs was quoted for $8,076.82 in cost.

A motion was made by Alderman Adrian Saunders to approve the fireworks purchase and was approved unanimously by the Board.

Chief James requested new radar equipment for his cruisers, the current equipment is not compatible with newer model cars on the road. The new radar system would also integrate with new cruisers should the department upgrade in the future, ultimately saving money for the department. A motion was made and approved.

Following brief discussion of bids between Ellison and the Aldermen the meeting was adjourned.

Chief James does also have plans to bring back the neighborhood watch program.

The next scheduled Board of Aldermen meeting will be held Thursday Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. The Board of Aldermen normally meet at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers at City Hall. City Hall is located at 109 Second Street.

If the first meeting night of the month falls on the first or second day, the meetings for that month are held on the second and fourth Thursdays.  The Board may also change a meeting date at a prior meeting due to scheduling conflicts. 

Board of Aldermen meetings are open to the public.  Citizens have an opportunity to express their concerns and give their input at the open forum which is normally the second item on the agenda right after the consent agenda. It is suggested that you advise City Hall of the matter that you wish to discuss with the Board of Aldermen at least two days prior to the meeting so that research (if needed) may be performed prior to the meeting.  If you do not know what ward you are in or have questions or concerns, please contact City Hall at (573)735- 4585.