The Stoddard County Commissioners began their meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the County.

Old Business:

ARPA Funds

Motion to pay $11,500 to the city of Puxico for the new roof for the Puxico Library which was already approved out of the ARPA Funds made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D.Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

New Business:

Star Acres Subdivision

A new subdivision called Star Acres located on Shoplot Lane in Liberty Township has been newly created.

Motion to accept the plat for Star Acres located on Shoplot Lane in Liberty township made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Other Business:

Canine Death Investigation Update  - No updates at this time per Presiding Commission Greg Mathis and Sheriff Carl Hefner.

ADA Documentation Update -  Document for the ARPA Funds has been signed by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis and submitted to Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.

Juror Pay Increase Update: Commissioner Greg Mathis stated, "I will get input from the three judges regarding Jurors Pay."  At the previous Commission meeting Josh Speakman had requested that the pay for jurors be raised. 

Motion to accept the minutes from March 18, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to go into Closed Session made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart at 11:02 a.m., seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Commissioner Carol Jarrell began the regular weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county.  Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis will arrived a little late this morning due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Old Business

Motion to approve the March 11, 2024 regular meeting minutes made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. Both voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the March 11, 2024 closed meeting minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the March 11, 2024 Bid Opening Meeting minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

Commissioner Greg Mathis arrived at 9:30 a.m.

Motion to approve the Bid for Roper Excavating for the clean-out of Ditch #1333 and #14 in the amount of $109,140.00 made by Commissioner C.D.Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Pam Wheeler, Stoddard County Clerk's Office - 504 ADA Compliance          

"We have many versions of this," stated Wheeler. "Actually we have three versions."  After several minutes of hammering out the compliance issues motions were made.

Motion to adopt section 504/ADA Grievance Procedure made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to pass Resolution 03-18-2024 504  of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA act of 1990 to provide comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with Disabilities in the area of employment, public accommodations, state and local Government services and programs, and telecommunications made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

Personal property falls off once it is five years delinquent. this could be due to death or a business closing that we can not collect taxes from.  it is usually around $50,000 to $60,000 each year.

The collector does make attempts to collect by sending a letter each year to the individual.  The 2018 amount is $66,718.94 that will not be collected.

Motion to accept the 2018 Tax Year Outlaw Report made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Speakman also asked that the Commission consider increasing the pay for jurors along with mileage paid.  Currently the state reimburses $6.00 per day for each juror.  The County pays $12 per day to each juror if they are not selected and $18.00 per day if selected to serve in a jury trial.  The county pays $.25 per mile to jurors to drive from home to the courthouse and back home again.

"I just feel like $12 a day is just too low," stated Speakman.  "My recommendation is $25 a day for non-serving and $50 a day for those who serve and $.50 a mile."

Missouri State statutes 494.455 and 488.040 address the minimums required by counties to pay jurors.

The Commissioners will review and compare to other counties.  They will decide at a later meeting.

Motion to make the payment on the Drainage Ditch #1333 in the amount of $13,675.41 and Ditch #14 at $75,275.76 cleanup shall be paid as follows out of Stoddard County General Revenue by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to adjourn at 12:03 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All voted yes and motion passed.

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.

The Stoddard County Commission meeting opened their weekly meeting with the Pledge of Alligence and a prayer.

Stars and Stripes Museum, Laura Dumey

Mrs. Dumey with the Stars and Stripes Museum updated the Commission on Bloomfield being named a Historic Site Town.  They will have a pre-meeting tonight, March 4th and then a meeting at 9 a.m. on March 19th to discuss.

ARPA Funds Update with Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning

Puxico Fire Dept

The signed portion of the Distribution Agreement has been signed and ready for the Commissioners to sign.  The questions about the fire dept equipment being deemed a good project was approved by the County attorney.  The Fire Dept is part of the city of Puxico and therefore is covered under the city of Puxico.  

Motion to enter into the Distribution Agreement with the City of Puxico for the Fire Department and the City Library for the roofing project was made by Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept $5,748.00 for the Puxico Fire Department equipment from ARPA funds made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Bell City Fire Dept

Check was signed in the amount of $76,924.00 for foundation and framing.  This has already been approved out of the ARPA funds.

Water District #2 

Mrs. Lambert has received minutes showing they voted to request money.  She is waiting on the cancelled checks and itemized invoice.

Closeout of the CDBG Broadband Grant

The ADA  compliance form was not signed by the previous Commission nearly four years ago. 

Before signing the compliance form and completing this paperwork after the fact Mr. Mathis asked if a letter from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission could be obtained to make sure everything is legal.  Since the grant has not been totally closed out and there are no repercussions financially on the County. "We just want to be covered," commented Mathis. "We are dating it today and not backdating this document to when the previous Commission should have filled it out."

Lambert stated that they are still waiting on the monitor to come and completely review all the documents to make sure everything is filled to properly.

Tweedy Law Firm - Tweedy Law Firm sent a letter to the Honorable Robert Mayer and Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

"This letter is to formally alert you of the dangerous condition in our courtrooms.  The chairs at counsel tables are too tall for most litigants.  I have personally witnessed two individuals almost fall out of the chairs as they tried to get into the chair and the chair rolled backwards.  One individual, almost rolled into the wood railing that is perpendicular to the swinging doors as she fell; the other was going straight down before someone caught her."

"Further, shorter members of the bar, sit with their feet on the base of the chair, because their feet do not touch the floor when setting in the chair.  It is only a matter of time until someone actually falls out of the chair and is injured."

Commissioner Mathis will take letter to the Mrs.Yancy, Circuit Clerk and go over the chairs with her.

Other Business:

Three County vehicles were sent to auction.  One Tahoe received $1,300, a second Tahoe for $2,100 and the Dodge Avenger for $400.  Minus the Commission fees for Jacob Goodin Auction a positive number of $3,515.00 was paid to the County.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis and Commissioner C.D. Stewart attended a County Commissioners of Missouri annual training Conference at Osage Beach, MO. Mrs. Jarrell was unable to attend because of appointments already on her calendar.

Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff

He updated the Commission that there are currently over 90 inmates housed in the new jail.

The regular meeting ended at 9:59 a.m. without motion.

10:00 a.m. Bid Opening Meeting Clean-Out of Ditch #19

Shannon Morgan Excavating - $87,000 w/o GPS and $127,000 w/GPS

Kinder Brothers Excavating - $68,000

Donald Bond Construction - $77,250.89

Roper Excavating - $74,275.00

Hessling Construction $39,616.78

No motion to accept Hessling Construction as the lowest bidder as Mr. Mathis will contact the owner and make sure everyone is on the same page on the clean-out.  The Commission will make a motion on Monday, March 11, 2024 to accept the lowest bid.

Recorders Office - Candy Collier, Stoddard County Recorder

She spoke about deedwatch.com as an online service that will notify and help you against deed fraud.  Anytime there is a deed that comes through their office then you will be notified. You have to set it up first then when there is any action on a deed then you will be notified of that information.  It won't stop deed fraud, but will help notify if there is any action taken on a deed in your name.

Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times has a Tax-Payer Contact her on Sunday 

The concern was off-duty deputies shopping at a local business using their work vehicle.

"Prior to our current Sheriff, Mr. Carl Hefner, Steve Fish, was the sheriff," stated Mathis.  "All deputies drove their own vehicles and they were reimbursed their milage....The Commission thought it better at that time to purchase vehicles for the county and not pay milage."

It was decided by that Commission that it was an additional public relations move to see the Stoddard County deputies out at church, a  basketball game, a grocery store etc to driving their work vehicles," continued Mathis.  "It was a good tool to see an officer in regular street clothes as normal everyday people and put a face with the public.  They are on call 24/7 as well."

After Carl Hefner was elected the policy remained the same.  Since that time another person in the community made a complaint about the use of county vehicles and the Commission once again agreed to keep the same policy in place for on and off duty officers.  

"It has not been abused," commented Mathis.  "Carl Hefner has never came to us and asked us to continue this policy.  Since 2003 or 2004 this has been the policy and we will continue this policy," stated Mathis.

"The deputies understand and know when they are in those cars," continued Mathis.

"They can only drive their cars within the county," commented Hefner. 

Jacob Clary - Stoddard County Assessor's Office

The Assessor's website was down for three days, but it is up and running now.  

"We did decide to extend two weeks for those filing online as well as the hard copies.  March 14th is the deadline," commented Clary.

Closed Sessions

After Mathis spoke to the County attorney this week, moving forward the practice will be to put those wishing to be heard in closed session for personnel and cyber security and such shall be put on the Agenda for Closed Session.

"We need to change the dynamics of our closed session," Mathis said.  "We will give our office holders this information and make sure they are on the Agenda if they need to be heard in Closed Session."

Motion to enter into Closed Session made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart made at 11:02 a.m., seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All Three voted yes and motion passed.