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.
