The Stoddard County Commission began their meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis who prayed over the 1221st Transportation Unit who has been deployed to Poland.
Old Business
Motion to accept the bid from Hessling Co. to mop and clean out Ditch No. 19 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
New Business
Water District No. 6 - Zach Tanner and Ronnie Owens
Tanner stated, "We have had some unforeseen budget issues that have occurred in the last 6 - 8 months that have depleted our funds. We are seeking help." The following are reasons to the depletion of funds.
1. Water District No. 6 is consuming capital due to the fiber optic project with GoSEMO Fiber. They have having to make "locates" and repair of the lines.
2. Upcoming census of the lead/copper pipe inventory in our waterway and the home homers as they must be in compliance by October.
3. The build of the tank took so long that it cost more to build. Sandblasting and repainting the water tank. It was quoted at $136,000, but because it took so long it cost $150,00
"We currently have $6,500 in CDs and some funds in the bank. We only have about $10,000 left for repairs and maintenance," commented Tanner. "We are on the path of solvency."
Mathis asked that they get with Katelyn Lambert at Bootheel Regional Planning Commission to discuss the funds requested. Bootheel Regional Planning Commission has been hired to administer the ARPA funds.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
The County received $5,637,000.00 in ARPA funds. The County has earned another $194,335.40 in interest from money market accounts. There is currently only $118,266.65 available and not allocated.
Melissa Clary, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
CDBG Model Self Evaluation for Section 504/ADA Accessibility Compliance forms that were not filled out during the previous commission's time need to be filled out as soon as possible. This is due prior County Commissioners not performing this task and is due by the middle of April. This must be completed in order for the Commission to deobligate from the CDBG grant for the broadband.
Motion to close regular session of the commission meeting at 10:00 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, second by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Bid Opening Meeting
Motion to open the Bid Opening Drainage District #13/33 and Drainage List #14 made by commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
This is for ditch clearing, mopping/cleaning on Ditch 14, 14 lateral, and 13-33. Bid includes all labor, equipment, and materials for the clearing and clean out of said ditches. Work will be done on one side of the ditch and includes any and all timber removal and disposal necessary. Spoil piles will be smoothed down and left in a matter that field equipment can maintain.
Roper Excavating: $109,140.00
Kinder Brothers Excavating: $129,000.00
Hessling Construction: $233,959.69
Lowest bidder is Roper Excavating.
"We will get with the drainage district and make sure there are no issues," commented Mathis. "Once we are all on the same page with the bid we will make a motion to approve Roper Excavating as the winner of the bid."
Motion to leave the bid opening meeting and enter into regular session made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the February 26th regular session meeting minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the February 26th closed session meeting minutes made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the March 4th regular session meeting minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the March 4th closed session meeting minutes made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Ads and Abates for February 2024
Motion to accept the February 2024 Ads and Abates from County Collector/Treasurer Josh Speakman made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Patrick Hunt, via phone converation
"I am in the process of setting up a fish processing company as 95% of all fish consumed by Americans is from overseas," stated Hunt. "We are applying for a USDA grant/loan from the Department of agriculture as well."
He is requesting a letter from the Commission in favor of having a fish processing plant in Stoddard County. After much discuss and vague answers as nothing is set in concrete with the business, Mr. Mathis asked for some type of business plan or written information to be emailed to the Commission for further discussion.
Jerry Elders, Bloomfield Resident
Motion to extend the lease to Jerry Elder for $250 to harvest the hay of the 20 acres of Stoddard County land until December 2027 (3 years) by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
David Cooper with Water District #5
Cooper asked if he could move some of the ARPA monies from one project to another project that was already pre-approved for ARPA funds; because the meter replacement is costing a little more. The work truck came in under budget and a few other items came in under budget so there is plenty of money already pre-approved.
"I would like to move $21,231.50 to the Meter Replacement. Not asking for new monies, just moving from one bucket to another," commented Cooper.
Motion to recommend moving $22,735,38 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to enter into closed session at 11:08 for cyber security made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
