The Stoddard County Commissioners met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the government building.
Stoddard County resident, Curt Finney, attended the meeting and asked who was in the charge of the Bell City Improvement Incorporation. Talkington stated he would get with Peter Coutavas, IDA Director, to find out and he would get back to Mr. Finney.
An update on the I-57 project was discussed. MoDOT has begun their study of interchange options from Sikeston to Morehouse. There will possibly be 5 interchanges between Sikeston and Dexter.
"Things are starting to progress, but will take time. Possibly two interchanges between Sikeston and Morehouse. MoDOT has applied for federal funding, but for whatever reason we haven't received much. This spring there will be a lot of working together between Arkansas and Missouri. Both states are kind of tied in together to make this happen. Arkansas has given us letters of support and we have given them letters as well," stated Bill Robison MoDOT Representative.
Dave Cooper, President of the Water District Board #5, also attended today's meeting. He asked about the ARPA funds requested. Commissioner Carol Jarrell gave him a copy of the request the Commissioners had received earlier. Cooper was just double checking on the ARPA funds that the Commissioners have available for water and sewer projects going forward as well. USDA loan/grant is no longer available to the Water District. Due to the instability of the finances the USDA is not willing to loan that money; however they can apply again in the future once they make some improvements..
"We have some substantial leaks in the area also," stated Cooper. "There is not much money to make the repairs of that magnitude; however with the Commissioners help we can make an impact."
Basically out of the last five years Cooper reviewed the financials of the water district, one year is missing, one year was in the black by $1,500 and the other three years were in the red.
"Would it be possible to apply for additional funds for future projects?" asked Cooper.
Commissioner Talkington said we put some money in reserve for something like this. I'm not sure we could fund the entire project, but you can still submit an application for funding.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from October 24, 2022. Talkington seconded the vote and both voted yes.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn and go into a work session with the new insurance broker at 10:43 a.m. Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
The Water District #5 has a full Board of Directors and is moving forward and hiring a part-time Clerk.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
1. Handle installation/disconnect requests from customers
2. Handle billing inquiries
3. Bill customers
4. Record receipt of payments and deposit payments
5. Process all bills received and provide checks for board signatures
6. Fill all necessary documents
7. Prepare necessary reports for board members
Water District #5 is an EEOC employer.
If you are interested please contact David Cooper, President of Water District #5 Board, at (573) 421-5001.
BRIDGE CLOSURE - US 60/62 - Alexander County, Illinois and Mississippi County, Missouri
The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling in the Cairo area that the US 60/62 bridge over the Mississippi River will be closed to all traffic.
The closure is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 1st extending through Wednesday, November 2nd.
Message board will be in place to direct traffic.
For IDOT District 9 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict9 or view area construction details on IDOT’s
Dexter, MO - Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout and the Dexter Police Department are hoping everyone has a wonderful Halloween and will be safe at the various Halloween events in Dexter. Halloween in Dexter will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, 2022 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The department has released a list of safety tips for parents and children this halloween:
• Talk to your children about being safe! Always supervise your children while they are trick or treating.
Wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of the costume.
• Make sure children can see well through facemasks or use cosmetics to create fun or scary faces.
• Carry a flashlight after dark.
• Trick or Treat in your neighborhood or visit homes you know,
• This is one of the busiest times of the year, so if you are operating a vehicle, be alert, put down your cell phone and pay attention to your surroundings. If you are walking, watch for traffic, check and double check before crossing streets, “pay attention.”
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
• Keep costumed children away from pets. The pets may not recognize the child and become frightened.
Public Water District #5 Called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Debbie Robey on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.
Present: David Cooper, Brandy Ross, Debbie Robey, Judy Geary, Doug O'Neal, and Dee Loflin (reporter for the ShowMe Times).
Absent: None
Motion made by Brandy Ross to appoint Doug O’Neal and Judy Geary to the Public Water District #5. Already serving on the board are David Cooper, and Debbie Robey. Seconded by David Cooper. Call for the vote all three said yes. The Water District #5 has a full active board.
Both new members signed an Oath of Office stating they were both citizens of the United States and a resident tax payer of Bloomfield Public Water District #5 in Stoddard County, in the State of Missouri and they support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Missouri and will abide by and uphold the code of Ethics of Bloomfield Public Water Supply District #5 and will faithfully perform the duties of the office to the best of their ability.
Debbie Robey made a motion to select Dave Cooper president of the Water District #5. Seconded by Brandy Ross. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
Debbie Robey made a motion to select Dough O’Neal Vice President. Brandy Ross seconded the motion. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
Doug O’Neal made the motion to select Debbie Robey Secretary. Dave Cooper seconded the motion. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
Brandy Ross is currently on the checking account. Motion made by Debby Robey to add David Cooper to the checking account at Southern Bank. Brandy Ross seconded the motion. Call for the vote, all were in favor.
Brandy Ross made a motion to add a third person to the checking account so that there can be two of the three people available at any time. She suggested Debbie Robey. Dave Cooper seconded the motion. Call for the vote, all were in favor.
Motion made to remove Steve Jordan, former Stoddard County Commissioner, from the checking account made by Dave Cooper. Seconded Brandy Ross. Call for the vote, all voted yes. Dave Cooper will take the minutes to the bank.
Bills to be paid:
GNC Supply $250.00
Chrisman C-Mart - $86.86
Novatech - $27.37
MO One Call - $61.25
Republic Trash - $48.00
Justin Bell - Invoice -
Tyler Hyslop - Invoice -
Delbert - reads the meters - Payroll $450
Electric Bill $262.00
Motion to pay the outstanding bills as listed above made by Dave Cooper. Seconded by Debbie Robey. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
City of Bloomfield Water Invoice - Dated 9/27/22 for a total of $26,331.72 They will be making payments as water bills are paid. Currently Water District #5 is purchasing water from city of Bloomfield.
Water Operator will be needed as soon as possible per the Department of Natural Resources as well as a Water Clerk.
Brandy Ross made a motion to put a Water Clerk ad out to the public. Seconded by Debbie Robey. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
They have a list of certified and bonded water operators they will contact.
Current Checking Account: As of 10/5/22 $17,395.24 Another $3,135.00 was deposited last week.
Dave Cooper will look at the By-Laws and begin an update to discuss at next meeting. Brandy Ross will get him a copy as soon as possible.
Other Discussion:
Total number of meters 270. Minimum amount $34.32 per meter to service a residence.
Pumps are not working properly so they need to have them looked at so they are currently buying water from city of Bloomfield. In the month of September was $10,351.09 for purchased water. They will need to get back on their own system as soon as they can, but the repairs have to be made. The previous board did submit some items equaling about $34,000 + to the Stoddard County Commissioners for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Debbie Robey attended a recent Commissioner meeting and Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington said if she got him the necessary receipts on a Thursday that the Commissioners would pay the Water District #5 the following Monday.
It was reported that they are losing 50 - 80% of water that they are either not billing to customers or due to broken lines on various county roads including, but not limited to County Roads 525, one near Nestle, and one one Country Road 504. They will get someone out there to look at those soon.
Brandy Ross will do the billing going forward until they can hire a clerk so that invoices will go out to the residents for their water bills.
Motion to adjourn made by Brandy Ross. Debbie seconded it 8:15 p.m. Call for the vote, all voted yes.
The next scheduled board meeting was to be held on Election day so they decided to move it to the day prior which will be on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
