The Stoddard County Commissioners met on Monday, May 1, 2023. Commissioner Carol Jarrell and Commissioner C.D. Stewart opened the meeting. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis was not available at the beginning of the meeting. He did however attend near the end of the meeting.
John Grebing, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission ARPA Update
Grebing gave an update on the broadband/internet in the Stoddard County area utilizing the ARPA funds and CDGB grants. They will be sending out bid notices to the newspapers soon.
Quarterly report has been filed on the ARPA Funds for Stoddard County.
Grebing passed out a SLFRF Compliance Report
City of Advance has requested to shift monies. They made a formal request to transfer monies previously requested for a proposed annexation project to the Advance Municipal Sewer Infiltration and Inflo Project.
"Our sewer situation is in immediate need of inspection and repairs, so as soon as these funds are authorized we plan to begin the project," stated the letter from Mayor Dan Seger.
City of Advance was approved for funding in the amount $874,000 to apply water/wastewater infrastructure to annex a portion of land.
Transfer these funds over to the city of Advance. Instead of utilizing these funds for the annexation of the property, they would like to use the monies to use for the Municipal Sewer Infiltration and Inflo Project.
"Our sewer situation is in immediate need of inspection and repairs, so as soon as these funds are authorized we plan to begin the project," stated Dan Seger, Mayor of Advance.
Start the process on obtaining at $750,000 CDGB grant to use for the annexation of that said property.
"What is the estimated cost of this project?" asked Commissioner C.D. Stewart. "Can we cut any of this monies so we can fund some other projects that do not have any funding at this time."
"It is about 1.2 million or so according to the project engineers, Smith & Co.," stated Mayor Seyer.
The city of Advance is using their ARPA funds they received to upgrade bathrooms in the city park according to Mayor Seyer. They received about $265,000.
"The current system we have place can not maintain the new annexation infrastructure," stated Mayor Seyer. "If we do the annexation project now the current system will not be able to service those people. There will be pipes going nowhere."
Commissioner Jarrell asked about the ARPA funds that the city of Advance received and what projected they were using that money for. That amount was over $200,000, but the Mayor could not remember the exact cost and was unsure of how much the bathroom remodel would cost. He stated they needed to get bids. Jarrell asked if the money had been designated for anything else or if it could be applied to some of these projects. Mayor Seyer stated yes that would be a possibility.
The Commissioners said they would talk with Presiding Commissioner when he comes to the meeting later today and that they would contact Mr. Seyer and Mr. Grebing.
Ford Crown Vic Update
Mayor of Puxico had a marshall come over and drive the vehicle. They are interested in the vehicle. The question is could it be donated or could it be purchased rather inexpensively. Sheriff Carl Hefner said that the vehicle was not worth much, but still drivable.
Motion made to donate the Ford Crown Vic previously used by the EMA Director to the City of Puxico. Seconded by C.D. Stewart. Both voted yes. Motion passed.
Stoddard County IDA, Peter Coutavas
The original renter interested in the Bloomfield Medical building has decided not to rent the building. IDA Director Peter said Matt Phillips may be interested in putting in a coffee shop. Coutavas wanted to thank the Commissioners for getting the building ready for a renter.
Insurance by Alan Hedrick, Leavitt Group/CountyWide Insurance
Hedrick provided a couple of examples of policy and procedures for Sexual Harassment and Distracted Drivers. The Earthquake insurance is good. Cyber Security Insurance was also discussed.
Letting of Depository Bids for Banks
Bank of Advance, Southern Bank, First Midwest Bank, and First State Bank and Trust are the banks who submitted bids.
The County is currently with the Bank of Advance and receive about $300,000 a year in interest.
Mr. Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer, made a spreadsheet showing all the information and rates by each bank. He did believe that Bank of Advance did give the best bid.
Other Business
Motion to accepts the Bank of Advance for the Bank Depository for a period of 4 years made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Stewart. All three voted yes. Motion passed.
Motion to accept the Adds and Abatements made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Jarrell. Both voted yes. Motion passed.
Motion to appoint board members for Drainage Ditch #13 and #33. Motion passed.
Motion to accept the Meeting Minutes from Monday, April 26, 2023. Motion passed.
Motion to allow Alan Hedrick to purchase all of the toilets removed from the old jail at a cost of $15 each made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes. Motion passed.
The Commission meeting will be postponed from Monday, May 8, 2023 to Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
The Dexter Board of Aldermen passed multiple resolutions and the newly elected aldermen were sworn in at Monday’s meeting.
Terry Battles representing Ward I, Tim Aslin representing Ward II and Glen Robinson representing Ward II took the oath of office which was administered by city clerk Crystal Bishop. Tim Aslin was then elected president of the board of aldermen.
The first resolution passed allowed the city to join the county’s hazardous mitigation plan. This will allow the city access to hazardous mitigation funds for the city should a disaster occur. This allows the city administrator David Wyman to apply for a loan/grant with the State of Missouri. The loan/grant will be for the construction of lead service line inventory, lead service line replacement plan and lead service line replacement.
The aldermen then passed an ordinance for the purchase of outbuildings from Rosemary Ford. One building measures 30 feet x 100 feet and the second is 30 feet by 40 feet. The total cost of the purchase is $6,000.
Economic Development
Wyman delivered the Economic Development report due to Alisha Trammell being unable to attend the meeting. Wyman said the chamber golf scramble is May 12, the chamber luncheon is May 16 and the Farmers Market begins this Thursday at 4 p.m. at East Park.
There are two upcoming ribbon cuttings, the first at the Meadow on May 24 and the second at the Regional Healthcare on May 30.
City Administrator
Wyman is working on a city action plan so the city can apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. This grant will assist with any projects related to transportation, such as the new cross walks being discussed near the schools.
Wyman has been in contact with engineers to do water/sewer testing in town. He said a facility plan for the new water plant must be sent to the state by the end of June.
Wyman said the employee performance reviews for the city are being completed.
Other Business
The Dexter Police Department received a Bullet Proof Vest 50/50 grant. Five vests were purchased with the grant. A mini click it or ticket will be held May 22 through June 4.
Dexter Fire Chief Don Seymore said hydrant testing is completed. The fire department will have a list of needed repairs ready later this week.
Crews are still removing sludge from the east lagoon. The first cell has had sludge removed down to 112 inches and crews are working on the second cell. Overall the project is about 50 percent done.
Sewer pipes are being run to the new Gill Group building. Water is hooked up but the building is still using a temporary tank until the sewer can be hooked up.
El Cabrito was granted a temporary liquor license for the Grille It Up event in July. Greg Mathis was reappointed to the cemetery board, Larry Thompson and Tom Love were reappointed to the airport board, Marissa Mills, Chris Warren and Adam Sadler were reappointed to the parks and recreation board and the standing committees were appointed following some corrections. The corrections were not released.
Article and photo provided by Josh Ayers, Editor of the Dexter Statesman.
Duck Creek Township is seeking bids for the construction of a box culvert. The dimensions are 7’x12’x30’
Bid packets can be picked up at township shed at 22332 State Was 51, Puxico, MO or call (573) 222-6033 or Mat at (573) 427-1952.
Bids will be opened on May 4th at the Township Shed at 4:00 p.m.
Southbound Route 25 in Stoddard County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform signage repairs.
This section of roadway is located from Frontage Road to Old Highway 25 near Dexter, Missouri.
Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, May 3 and Thursday, May 4 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.
For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ron McKain, guest, said the prayer. Commissioner Carol Jarrell was not present for the meeting.
Commissioner C.D. Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes from the regular session, April 17, 2023. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes. Motion passed.
Commissioner C.D. Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes from the Closed Session, April 17, 2023. Mathis seconded the motion. Both voted yes. Motion passed.
Stars & Stripes Museum Expansion Update
Mathis stated that he has a surveyor getting a lot description for the Stars & Stripes Museum expansion. The Museum had requested an additional 7 acres and the land belongs to the County.
Update on the Old Medical Building Owned by the County
Mathis updated those present about the HVAC system and it is in good condition. This is in reference to the old medical building that someone wants to rent and make into a coffee shop. They will need to put a meter in place and have AmerenUE turn the gas on. Mathis asked William Dowdy, Maintenance Manager, who was present, to contact AmerenUE to get a meter installed.
City of Puxico Alderman Travis Stafford
There is an old Ford Crown Victoria police car that belongs to the Sheriff's Dept and has been sitting and will eventually go to auction. Mr. Stafford has asked the County to donate or allow the city of Puxico to purchase the vehicle as they are in high need of a car. The Puxico Police Department has a Crown Vic currently and all the partition cage parts will transfer to this vehicle. " Let's have the city of Puxico Marshall come over and start the vehicle and drive the vehicle and see if in working condition," commented Mathis. "It has been sitting over there for over a year."
Update on Mr. Ron McKain's Request to have a County Prayer Meeting Prior to Pentecost
Bloomfield Park was a no because of two weddings that will be held in the park during the dates he has requested. Dexter Park and Recreation office has not gotten back to him, American Legion wants $125 per night to rent and I can't do that. "I am going to put it in your hands and since it is for the County, I am leaving it in your hands to find me a place. You all know of places and have an influence over the people," stated McKain.
Dale Moreland with Castor Township
Sally Cato, representing the Blackshare Family who owns the property in question is requesting that the County remove County Road 570 as a designated road in Castor Township. A gate was put up more than 20 years ago because the road goes through a swamp area and since 1998 there has not been any road maintenance since the railroad took over. The land has been designated as a wetland by the state of Missouri and the family that has owned this property has since the 1800s and want to protect the land.
There is a procedure to "close" a road which takes signatures of 12 people and an application as well as the Castor Township Board would have to be agreeable. Then a public hearing.
Cato presented a MO State Statute 228.190 and 228.110 states that if no one has done anything for 5 years then you don't have to do this process. Mathis stated, "We will take the statute and get legal advice on the procedure." Moreland said the Castor Board will meet and vote and he did not see an opposition of this removal as a road.
Update on the ARPA request by Castor Township to asphalt roads.
"We bought the asphalt machine and we then found out that we needed new tracks. It will cost $22,000 to replace the tracks. That's why we need to have someone to asphalt the roads and don't have the money to replace the tracks on the asphalt machine," stated Moreland.
Mr. C.D. Stewart left the meeting at 9:45 a.m. to attend a funeral.
10:00 a.m. Open Bids/Letting of the Depository Bid
Four bids were received
1. Southern Bank
2. First Midwest Bank
3. First State Bank & Trust
4. Bank of Advance
"All bids will be reviewed collectively as a group. Then at that time we will vote and choose a bank. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me," commented Mathis.
Josh Speakman, County Collector, has offered to make a spreadsheet to help with choosing the bank.
No official closing of the Opening of the Bids portion of the meeting.
John McCarty, Arch Brokerage Insurance
Health EZ end of the emergency for COVID-19. Insurance wants to know how to process claims going forward since the national emergency is considered over. Will COVID-19 tests be covered yes or no. If they choose no, then the plan will have to be amended.
No further business was conducted. Meeting adjourned without motion around noon time.
