City of Fredericktown Council meeting
By Robert Vanderbrugen/Democrat News
Monday, October 06, 2008
A 3 percent increase in water and wastewater fees was approved in the budget Monday evening. No increase will be made in electric fees, however, the Council passed the budget with a 3 percent transfer from the electric utility fund going to general revenue.
During the work session discussion of an ordinance amending the 2007/2008 budget, Sandy LaPlant asked the aldermen why Transportation Tax (TT) funds were being used to pay bills in the street department. LaPlant said, in her opinion, the voters passed the TT tax to fund capital improvements for repairing sidewalks, and not to transfer funds from one department to pay for another; citing an expense of a $9,000 annual phone bill expense in the streets department as one instance. LaPlant, who is a member of the Transportation Tax committee, said she could see only one capital improvement project the money was used for, the Town Square Project with related engineering fees. City Attorney Kim Moore said an opinion had been written some time ago allowing the payment of expenses from the fund. Interim City Administrator Jim Dismuke said many of the departments are not self funded, such as streets, police and others. He went on to say the fire department has a 1997 fire truck and an even older pumper truck which will not help the insurance rating for the city in Dismuke’s opinion. The sanitation department has an old trash truck too. LaPlant said she was asked to find out where the money from the TT had gone and had done so.
Work session adjourned.
At Full Council;
Hilda Tinnin, representing Nu Zeta Sorority, presented a check for $800 to the City to go toward Christmas decorations around the Court Square.
Fredericktown and Madison County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christina Mattingly asked the Council to keep their commitment toward paying funds, previously agreed upon by the City; to the Chamber. Dismuke said they intend to do so. Mattingly also said the Chamber intends to pursue reciprocal travel tourism information agreements with some surrounding chamber offices. The agreements would place local information about Fredericktown and Madison County in other chamber offices for tourists; and those chamber offices would then have tourism information available at our chamber office.
Mayor Danny Kemp said he invites the public to the last Pickin’ on the Square event for this year, beginning at 5:30 PM this coming Friday evening, October 3. The City will receive a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank in the amount of $15,000 at 5:30 PM. An ice cream pie eating celebration will follow the presentation. There will be drawings for door prizes. Kemp went on to say there will be NO movie in the Park this Saturday due to the Madison County Fair this weekend. Kemp said he felt the Cub-Arama went well. He also said a candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 7PM on October 11 at the Desloge City Park Gazebo for victims of domestic violence. Kemp said The Southeast Missouri Council on Domestic Violence will receive a proclamation on October 8, 2008 at the Madison County Courthouse regarding domestic violence. No time had been arranged as of this meeting.
Interim City Administrator Jim Dismuke said the City is making arrangements to have the meter reader be the building inspector as well. Dismuke also said the new budget will allow one full time Fredericktown police officer and one reserve office. He also said the City would like to see some type of neighborhood watch program established. Dismuke told the Council they will have one new Americorp-Vista worker coming next year, and they are extending the contract of the current Vista worker; Shanna Sorg, for an additional year.
The police and Marshal’s reports were looked over by the aldermen. Ward III Alderman Mark Tripp said he was glad to have the reports supplied. Marshal John Wright reported the sale of handguns through the bidding process raised sufficient funds to allow the police department to purchase some Mossberg shotguns.
The aldermen discussed the electric utility infrastructure contract pending with Ray Blakely at Full Council. They were concerned several weeks have passed and the contract had yet to be signed by Blakely. The Council passed an ordinance a few weeks ago approving a electrical utility infrastructure repair plan to be done by Blakely. The aldermen were told at the time of the ordinance discussion that it would be a few weeks before Blakely would be able to devote time to the work. Dismuke said Blakely is expected to be in town next week. He also said Blakely has stayed in touch, somewhat.
The aldermen passed, by motion and vote, the removal of the electric utility sale public vote on November’s ballot. The timing of the contract issues with all the parties involved could not be met. One dissenting vote was heard from Mark Tripp. At the work session, Tripp said he wanted to leave the issue on the ballot to show we’re still pursuing this. Tripp said he wanted MoPEP to know “We’re not wavering.” Ward I Alderman Brandon Hale said, we had one vote already. Hale said he wouldn’t want to mislead the public by placing the issue on the ballot a second time and not having anything to show for it. We could lose the general public’s backing by doing so. Hale voted to remove the issue from the ballot.
A contract is pending between the City and DLB Computers and Networking Services in Fredericktown. The Council voted to table the contract until the wording is “cleaned-up” to clarify some issues with the wording. Hale had said at the work session he didn’t think is was right for Alderman Rick Polete to vote on the contract (As he had done at the last Council meeting) since Polete is employed by DLB. However, Polete said he had spoke with the attorney and found he was not in conflict with laws regarding the matter, and in fact, was required to vote on the contract as alderman according to Moore. Hale said he believed it was more on an ethical question then. Hale wasn’t casting any dispersions on anyone character, but felt Polete should not have voted for the contract. At Full Council, Darrel Bell, owner of DLB said he would be willing to keep Polete from working on the City’s computers if need be, but would not discharge him as an employee because of the contract issue. Hale said the aldermen should have access to the City’s computers and that was not an issue. One concern Hale raised was a hypothetical situation in which Polete would be called upon to work on the City’s computers and end up conducting City business as an alderman. Hale felt that could be a very “sticky situation.” Hale made it clear he was not casting any dispersions on the character of either DLB or Alderman Polete by questioning the ethical issue. He said both men are upstanding and very honest, and nothing in their discussions about the contract should be made to construe otherwise.
Council voted to pass the 2007-2008 budget amendments and the new budget for 2008-2009.
Transfer Station Gate fees have also been increased. The new fees go into effect Wednesday, October 1, 2008. A copy of the new fees is available at the Democrat News for reference.
An ordinance was passed making a change to the City’s retirement (LAGERS) system; adopting a change in the Benefit program by increasing the temporary age from 62 to 65. Contact City Hall for details.
Accounts payable passed.
Remarks of Personal Privilege;
Alderman Mark Tripp welcomed the new “Editor and Chief” of the Madison County Crier, Karen Yates. Yates said the Crier will be published on October 22, 2008 and will be free of charge. Tripp also said thanks to the mayor, Council and DLB for promoting the Movie in the Park. (The movies are sponsored by local businesses each week). There will not be a movie this week due to the Madison County Fair. Tripp said he “deeply regrets” the resi gnation of Alderman Paul Fritch from the Board. Tripp said he will refer people to contact Fritch directly if they want to know why they want to know why he resigned. Tripp stated not having Fritch on the board would hurt the City. Tripp said, “ I’m glad to call him my colleague and my friend.” Tripp also acknowledged all the work Ken Pierce did for the City with the electric utility issue. Tripp said he believed Pierce was the smartest man he had ever met. He would volunteer his time, often putting aside his business and family; and “I’m sadden he is not working on the electric issue.” He never asked for any reimbursement for travel. He is an “unsung hero,” Tripp said. We need to acknowledge these people who help the City; like Pierce.
Ward II Alderman Rick Polete said he enjoyed working with Fritch and that he will be missed. Polete also reminded everyone of the Chili Cookoff coming Saturday, October 11. The Fire Department is still raising money toward the purchase of the Jaws of Life.
Ward III Alderman Karen Wright said she agreed with the other aldermen concerning Fritch. She said she was pleased to have worked with him on the council and wishes him all the best on his moving forward.
Ward II Alderman Sie Merriman Sr. reiterated the other alderman’s comments on Fritch as well.
If you are a resident of Ward I, you are asked to submit a resume for the position of Ward I Alderman.
The Council is encouraging the public to attend the open meetings. Don’t hesitate to come to the meetings and let them know what is on your mind. Meetings are posted at City Hall. The next Council meeting is scheduled for October 13. Work sessions usually begin at 5:30 PM and Full Council meetings at 6:30 PM.
The aldermen also reminded the public about the upcoming Pickin, Ice Cream social with the Home Loan Bank and the Madison County Fair this weekend.
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