The Stoddard County Commission began at 9:00 a.m. sharp with Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asking everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over county officials, employees and the good weather for the farmers.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission - ARPA Update
Duck Creek Township has their request for the 3rd portion of already approved funding from the ARPA Funds for replacement of culverts as part of structural expense from 2022-2023 including truck hauling expenses, employee labor, and rental equipment expense totaling $24,001.93.
The remaining amount of $18,346.65 to be used for culverts. The initial request and approved ARPA funds totals $213,974.00. They have received their first and second portion which was $112,068.27 and $59,557.15 respectfully.
Motion to approve the payment of $24,001.93 to Duck Creek Township made by C.D. Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Motion to approve the $3,526.50 for two culverts to Duck Creek Township for the purchase of culverts from the ARPA funds made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Bootheel Regional Planning Commission annual dinner will be October 26, 2023. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.
Water District #4 is performing for a Low to Moderate Income (LMI) survey for a CDBG grant. It is important that everyone who gets a letter, fill it out and send it back in so that Water District #4 can apply for this grant.
There will not be a CDBG cycle in November this year, but a Super Cycle in April 2024 for grants. It will be the 2023 and 2024 funds put together.
Russ Oliver, Attorney at Law, Lawsuit Over Sunshine Law Requests
Presiding Commission Mathis updated the lawsuit filed by Russ Oliver in regards to requesting video and other items via Sunshine Law. Stoddard County Commission in closed session did hire a private attorney because the lawsuit did not fit in the parameters of the liability insurance policy. After further interaction with the insurance company, Travelers Insurance is now going to represent the county legally and any employees if there is a potential future lawsuit.
Randy Kinder, Closing of Carrier Lane in Dexter
Kinder is owner of the property connecting the road requested to be closed and does not provide public access to public waters, creeks, rivers, parks, schools, or tributaries of any of these. No roads/alleys will be closed that deny access to other properties. Both Kinder and Kinder Excavating own the property and Liberty Township is also in agreement to closing the road.
Motion to close Carrier Lane with the following addresses 12825, 12829, and 12955 in Dexter, MO made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Other Business:
The Commission received a letter from the USDA NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service) U.S. Dept of Agriculture. The NRCS is preparing an Environmental Document to assist in the Federal decision-making process concerning the Main Ditch - Little River Watershed including potential areas where work will be conducted.
Motion to accept the Minutes from Monday, September 11, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Closed Minutes from Monday, September 11, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Commissioner Mathis emailed Mr. McCarty, Insurance Broker, about the 2024 Insurance Rates. He did not have available and will get back with Mr. Mathis as soon as possible.
Motion to go into Closes Session at 11:02 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Important Dates
September 26th Special Closes Session at 9 a.m. (Cyber Security)
October 9th Offices will be closed for Columbus Day. Commissioners will be meet on Tuesday, October 10th.
October 17th Salary Committee Meeting at 9 a.m.
Stoddard County Commissioners began their weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the community, farmers, and Stoddard County employees.
New Business
Randy Kinder - RK Contractors, Inc.
He is the owner of 12825, 12829, and 12965 Carrier Lane in Dexter, Missouri. He would like the Stoddard County Commissioners to take into consideration his request to close Carrier Lane. Liberty Township is also in agreement to close the road as well.
Mathis stated this matter would be put on the Agenda for a vote next week.
Old Business
Katlyn Lambert - Bootheel Regional Planning Commission was not available today to update the Commission on ARPA Funding.
Stars & Stripes Museum
Jim Tweety, Attorney at Law, has given back the paperwork to the Commission and they are now ready to give to Stars & Stripes Museum the property requested.
Motion to deed 7 acres of property to the Stars & Stripes Museum/Library Association, Inc. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Bloomfield Assistance League of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery
Motion to deed 40 acres property to the Bloomfield Assistance League of the Veterans Cemetery, Inc. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and the motion passed. The land can be dedicated to the State of Missouri after five years so the Veterans Cemetery can bury veterans on that land. If not, after five years, the land will revert back to the Stoddard County Commission.
Stoddard County Children's Home - Old Location in Bloomfield
Jim Tweedy, Attorney at Law, who serves on the board of the Children's Home had made an earlier request to have the old building and grounds deeded to the Children's Home.
Motion to deed the Stoddard County Children's Home - Old Location to the Stoddard County Children's Home, Inc. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed. The County owned the home and the property, but not the garage and the property next to the home. The Children's home already owned the land the garage was built upon.
Jim Martin, Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation
Commissioner Greg Mathis asked, "Is there a motion to dedicate $600 per quarter to Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation. He called for a motion twice. Hearing no motion the motion has died.
Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management Director
The EMPG Grant cycle began in July 2023. The State of Missouri received cuts from FEMA. There were 110 Applications received and 104 applications were eligible. Bishop's original application totals were $36,882.17 with a federal match of $36,882.17 and a local match of $73,764.34. The new Revised Application Totals are $24,061.21 with a federal match of $24,061.21 and a local match of $48,122.42.
Budget Breakdown (Federal Match Shown):
Salary - $23,360.40 Original Application, $23,360.40 Revised Application - No Change
Benefits - $8,786.77 Original Application, $700.81 Revised Application - $8,085.96 Match Deduction
EOC Supplies/Operating Expenses - $3,385.00 Original Application, $0.00 Revised Application - $3,385.00 Match Deduction
Travel/Fuel - $1,350.00 Original Application, $0.00 Revised Application - $1,350.00 Match Deduction
Total Match Deduction due to Budget Cuts - $12,820.96.
Other Business
Motion to upgrade the 2024 for EverBridge Contract for Emergency Management Notification made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed. The cost was under the limit requiring a bid; therefore Mr. Bishop can move forward updating the text alert system.
Motion for the Stoddard County Commissioner to to sign the ARPA agreement contract and procurement agreement with the Stoddard County EMA made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the August 2023 Adds/Abates from Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the minutes from Tuesday, September 5, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the minutes from closed session meeting from Wednesday, September 6, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell. Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to enter into closed session at 10:59 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commissioners began their weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for all county officials and farmers.
Jim Mayo, Emeritus Stars & Stripes Foundation Board Member and founder of the Stars & Stripes Museum, Jim Martin, Foundation Member, and Sue Tippen, Foundation Secretary/Treasurer.
"As a Vietnam veteran, retired educator, former Stars & Stripes National Museum President, Missouri Veterans' Hall of Fame Board member and Stars & Strips Region Foundation Facilitator, I can tell you that we are incredibly indebted to legislators, such as legislation sponsors Rep. Dave Griffith and Senator Jason Bean, Lt. Gov Kehoe, former legislator and current Director of Revenue Wayne Wallingford, Senators Steven Roberts, Holly Reeder and Bill Eigel, Representative Jamie Burger, John Voss, Herman Morse, Dale Wright, Rick Francis and so many others for their work over two and half years to get this so important legislation passed. And now, per the explicit original wishes and vision of our sponsors and advocates, it's up to us at the not-for-profit Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation and our public and private partners across the region to carry out that clear vision and mission, to whit:
"To promote, enhance, celebrate and encourage the inculcation of the awe-inspiring history, heritage an dgod given beauty of our nation's and Missouri's incomparable Stars & Stripes Historic Region," stated Jim Martin, The Stars & Stripes Historic Region Foundation.
"In the coming weeks we will be sitting down with the leadership in each of the 26 counties and the city of St. Louis as well as other public and private stakeholders in the region to explore how we can best partner with them to address this wonderful vision and mission, but additionally we are also working to put together partnerships with leading state institutions including, but not limited to MO Humanities Council, MO Tourism, MACVB, MO Tourism Commission, MO Historical Society, MO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the MO Conservation Heritage Foundation," continued Martin.
The Foundation's commitment is to embrace and celebrate your identified and indelible history, heritage, culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty via strategic standard billboard signage, digital billboard signage, a strategic investment in Geofacing, securing a dedicated cohort of journalist, writers, media experts and advocates to create/write and disseminate content telling the stories of your citizens, your communities, your history and your incomparable portion of our God's creation. Along with our partners, we will work diligently with your to educate your citizens and their children on the indelible imperatives of individual, community and national commitment, service, and informed citizenship. Identity and aggressively and innovatively pursue the utilization of a growing number of regional and national public and private partners to secure every possible opportunity to enhance the infrastructure, attractions and institutions of your county by grant funding of infrastructure: roads, bridges, communications, power, etc.; grant and private investment funding of historical and cultural institution enhancement; grant and private investment funding re. the creation of resorts, institutions, transportation systems, etc.
What would the Stoddard County have as a commitment? The Commissioners will decide next Monday if they are willing to commit to giving $600 per quarter as well as identify/recruit passionate history/patriotism/education focused individual within county as Stars & Stripes County Liaison and Leadership Team Head; task this individual to recruit and coordinate a strong team within the county from leadership in the: education, journalism, business, government religious, first responder and law enforcement community to coordinate communication, identification of need, investment delivery, potential partners, etc; identify and secure an appropriate level of financial commitment from within the county to cement the partnership on a quarterly basis, identify and put in place an appropriate measurement system/determinator re. the quarterly functionality/"success" of the county's investment.
Josh Speakman, County Treasurer/Collector
LACTF Money came in this year at $50,000. We received $50,000 last year as well and have a total of $100,000 to spend," stated Josh Speakman, County Treasurer
Speakman did some research on the drainage ditches in Stoddard County. The ditches could be combined in the accounts. The commissioners will look into combining them in the future.
John Fisher, Southeast Diaper Bank
"I have a Proclamation for a Diaper Needs Awareness for Stoddard County plus 9 other counties we serve," stated Fisher. "September 18th thought September 24, 2023 is National Diaper Need Awareness Week."
The Proclamation states:
Whereas, diaper need, the condition of not being able to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of children and their families; and
Whereas, national surveys and research studies report that nearly one in two families struggles with diaper need, and 48 percent o families delay changing a diaper to extend the available supply; and
Whereas, a daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early-education programs that enable children to thrive and parents to work; and
Whereas, many parents struggling with diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month due to an insufficient supply of diapers: and
Whereas, without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention resulting in medical costs, and parents may be prevented from accessing childcare needed to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family's economic prospects and well being; and
Whereas, the people of Stoddard County recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state's families and communities and improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the basic necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and
Whereas, Stoddard County is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations including (list state diaper banks) that recognize the importance of diapers in ensuring health and providing economic stability for families and thus distribute diapers to families through various channels; and
Whereas, through their important work of addressing diaper need, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families, improving infant health and well-being, and advancing our local and state economic growth; now
Therefore, I, Commissioner of Stoddard County, do hereby proclaim the week of September 18th through September 24th, 2023 as
NATIONAL DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK
In Stoddard County, thank the aforementioned diaper banks, their staff, volunteers, and donors, for their courageous service during the crisis, and encourage the citizens of Stoddard County to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and support those organizations that collect and distribute diapers to families struggling with diaper need, so that all of Stoddard County children and families can thrive and reach their full potential.
"We as a Commission do support this for our region," commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.
Motion to sign the Proclamation for Diaper Need Awareness Week made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All there voted yes and the motion passed.
Signed by Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis
Other Business
Commissioner Mathis stated that they received a Sunshine Law request from Oliver Law Firm for cell phone information and text information from August 27th 10:00 a.m. to the present, being September 1st. It was also stated that Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff also receive a copy of the Sunshine Law request. Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk stated during the meeting that he has a letter for the Commissioners to sign in regards to the Sunshine request.
Motion to sign off on the ARPA Contract between Stoddard County and city of Bell City for the monies that they have requested made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Minutes for August 28th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Closed Session minutes for August 28th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Herman Morse, State Representative 151st District will have an Appreciation Dinner on Saturday night. He stopped in and gave away some tickets. This is not a fundraiser, but an appreciation dinner.
William Dowdy, Stoddard County Maintenance
The generator at the jail is out of the one year maintenance contract at this time. Dowdy has one company that he works with for the other generators. Southeast Services is the current company that has the maintenance agreement with the County.
Motion to add the Stoddard County Jail 500kw generator to the annual maintenance agreement with Southeast Services made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. Both voted yes and motion passed. Mr. Mathis had to leave early.
Motion to not go into closed session made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to adjourn at noon made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. Both voted yes and motion passed.
John Fisher, Southeast Diaper Bank attended the Stoddard County Commission meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 to ask the Commissioners to sign a Proclamation.
"I have a Proclamation for a Diaper Needs Awareness for Stoddard County plus 9 other counties we serve," stated Fisher. "September 18th thought September 24, 2023 is National Diaper Need Awareness Week."
The Proclamation states:
Whereas, diaper need, the condition of not being able to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of children and their families; and
Whereas, national surveys and research studies report that nearly one in two families struggles with diaper need, and 48 percent o families delay changing a diaper to extend the available supply; and
Whereas, a daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early-education programs that enable children to thrive and parents to work; and
Whereas, many parents struggling with diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month due to an insufficient supply of diapers: and
Whereas, without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention resulting in medical costs, and parents may be prevented from accessing childcare needed to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family's economic prospects and well being; and
Whereas, the people of Stoddard County recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state's families and communities and improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the basic necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and
Whereas, Stoddard County is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations including (list state diaper banks) that recognize the importance of diapers in ensuring health and providing economic stability for families and thus distribute diapers to families through various channels; and
Whereas, through their important work of addressing diaper need, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families, improving infant health and well-being, and advancing our local and state economic growth; now
Therefore, I, Commissioner of Stoddard County, do hereby proclaim the week of September 18th through September 24th, 2023 as
NATIONAL DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK
In Stoddard County, thank the aforementioned diaper banks, their staff, volunteers, and donors, for their courageous service during the crisis, and encourage the citizens of Stoddard County to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and support those organizations that collect and distribute diapers to families struggling with diaper need, so that all of Stoddard County children and families can thrive and reach their full potential.
"We as a Commission do support this for our region," commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.
Motion to sign the Proclamation for Diaper Need Awareness Week made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All there voted yes and the motion passed.
Signed by Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis
The Stoddard County Commissioner began their weekly meeting with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance lead by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Mathis got right to business going over ARPA funds.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission with ARPA Update
New Lisbon Township - New Lisbon Township did get the bridge completed and are now requesting reimbursement in ARPA Funds.
Motion to accept the request by New Lisbon in the amount $51.68 for advertising reimbursement and $60,051.58 to Payne Contracting LLC from the ARPA funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Water District #4 - According to Mrs. Lambert Water District #4 has all documents submitted to BRPC for the Commissioners and all procurements have been met. This amount had been pre-approved. The total amount is $247,000
Motion to authorize the payment from ARPA funds to Water District #4 of $238,806.11 to Persons & Son, No. 1 and $8,193.89 to G&C Contracting No. 1 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
City of Essex - The ARPA Distribution Agreement was made available for the Commissioner to sign. The city will now resubmit application for the CDBG grant for their assault roadwork. The request will be a cash match for the city of Essex to use for the CDGB Grant thru Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.
Motion to accept the ARPA Distribution Agreement between the city of Essex and the Commission for $50,000 for paving project made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
City of Advance - They are in the process in obtaining a CDBG grant and were to select an engineer at their last city meeting.
City of Bloomfield - They have obtained an engineer and are also obtaining a CDBG grant thru Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.
Justice Center Mold Update
Mathis reached out to consultants and they need to get together and decide on what to do with the HVAC units and make sure this mold issue does not happen again.
Other Business
The Stoddard County Commission will not meet on Monday, September 4th due to the Labor Day Holiday. They will meet on Tuesday morning, September 5th at 9:00 a.m.
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:00 the Commission will sign a proclamation for National Diaper Need Awareness Week.
10:00 a.m. Public Hearing to set the 2023 Tax Levies for SB40 and County Drainage Districts
Motion to open the Public Hearing at 10:16 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax Levies for Drainage District 1 Reformed at 1.50 per acre made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax Levy for Drainage District No. 7 for $1.00 per acre made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and the motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax Levy for Drainage District 13/33 at 10% Maintenance Levy w/a $10.00 minimum made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax Levy for District #14 at 10% Maintenance Levy w/a $10.00 minimum made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax Levy for District 17 at 10% Maintenance Levy made by Commission Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the Tax levy for District #19 at $2.50 per acre made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the 2023 Tax Levy for the Stoddard County Developmental Disability Board (SB40) at .0794 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The assessed valuations are as follows:
Real Estate for 2023 $286,771,870.00. The prior year was $365,301,117.00.
Personal Property for 2023 $221,488,718 and the prior year was $213,762,230.00
Motion to close the 2023 Public Hearting to set the Tax Levies for SB40 and County Drainage District made by Commissioner Jarrell at 10:43 a.m., seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the Open Session Meeting minutes from August 21, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
No minutes from the Closes Session meeting from August 21, 2023 were available for the Commission to vote on..
Motion to close the regular session at 11:00 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
