Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the family of Darren Dixon, those that are serving in Poland with the 1221st Transportation unit out of Dexter, and for the office holders and the decisions they will make this week. Also for the cooler weather today and those candidates that are out campaigning.
Advance Ditch Digging
Mr. C.D. Stewart, Commissioner told the group that the southeast and going up to 25 highway has already been done. The main ditch was stopped off the trees as well. These are ditch cleanups of Ditch #1333 and #14. "Looks like they are getting the job done," commented Stewart.
SB190 Senior Tax Credit on Personal Property Taxes in Stoddard County, Missouri
There was much discussion about the application process and hot to implement to the citizens of Stoddard County for the Senior Citizen Tax Credit. "It is up to the Commission as to ask these questions of citizens," commented Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer. "You have to decide as to whether or not you want to ask for social security numbers, if you want their signature notarized, if you only except the applications in-house or mailed in vis USPS, etc."
"It's really up to the Commission what records do you want the collector to have on file to do the proper research on each applicant," Speakman stated. "We will scan all applications and have not just a paper file, but also an electronic copy as well."
"I think we should the application process from September 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025," continued Speakman.
Stoddard County Real Estate Tax Lien Auction
The Stoddard County Tax Auction will be held on the 4th Monday in August. The Collector's office has sent out certified letters to those people who owe money for Real Estate Taxes and have to be more than 2 years delinquent.
Personal and Real Estate Property Taxes
Speakman spoke at the City of Puxico alderman meeting about the benefits and cons of the Speakman assuming the responsibility of collecting the taxes on behalf of their city. Bell City also reached out to Speakman about the same service he can provide to their city.
Essex Special Paving Project
Speakman noted that there is $18,000 sitting in the Essex Special Paving Project account and has not been used. Mathis stated he will reach out to the current board members and let them know.
Speakman did stated that the Commission could use MO State Statute 50.020 to put the money back into general revenue if they choose not to use the monies.
"We have 8 or 9 total line items of about $10,000 where we do not know the location of ditches. We can easily transfer that money into general revenue. These ditches were created in the early 1900s and there are no maps to speak of to figure out where this money is supposed to go and has just been sitting in that line item for as least three collectors," commented Speakman.
Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith
Smith brought in some invoices from their case management system that have not been paid. Apparently the PA paid 2019 and 2022, but owes for 2020, 2021 and 2023. This year has also been paid.
The amount owed is $2,800 total and invoices were given to the Commission. The invoices were 2020 for $500, 2021 for $500, 2023 for $1,800.
Motion to pay these past due invoices made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion carried.
Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department
Mr. Hefner stated he would like to use Stellar Services LLC for the inmate banking and commissary products. This would be a new contract with this service. The inmates can purchase items such as toiletries, shampoo, candy, clothing, etc online from this company and have it delivered to the Stoddard County Jail.
Motion to use Stellar Services, LLC beginning September 1, 2024 made by Stewart, seconded by Mathis. Both voted yes and motion carried. Mrs. Carol Jarrell had to leave the meeting early for another appointment.
Other Business
An invoice for the Juvenile Detention Maintenance renewal was presented. This is an annual cost of $3,936 and a motion on floor by Jarrell, seconded by Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
An email was received from Jennifer Hall at MoDOT. This letter is to inform Stoddard County of a proposed Scenic Byway application submitted by the Ozark Run Scenic Byway Group. The 2024 Expansion includes 250 miles of Missouri roadways encompassing several counties including Stoddard. Missouri State Statute 226.797 requires the Missouri Department of Transportation to contact all affected communities to request zoning information for the area identified within the science application.
The byway will follow routes 172, W, KK, and T to pass around the Wappapello area. Turning north at Puxico, the sprint follows Rout 51, H, FF, and then 51 again to reach Marble Hill.
Points of interest in Puxico will be Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Puxico Bar, Southern Barrel Bar and Grill, Spoon & Spout, and the Midway.
Mathis gave a copy to Peter Coutavas who was in attendance. He is an alderman for the City of Puxico.
Many entities are against the scenic byway, Mr. Mathis said which included Farm Bureau and many land owners. A letter will have to go out possibly or at least in the newspapers to inform the public and a public forum will have to be announced at a future date.
Motion to accept the Minutes for the regular session on June 24, 2024 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to adjourn at 11:11 a.m. and enter into a closed session regarding personnel made by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Mathis. Both voted yes and motion passed.
At the time of posting there are no photos of the children available. ShowMe Times will update once they have a photo to share with the media.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a brother and sister reportedly taken by their older brothers.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 7-year-old Raelyn Vargas and 5-year-old Ashton Vargas were forcibly taken by their two older brothers, ages 15 and 16, from their mother in Doniphan at 1:55 a.m. on Friday, June 28.
MSHP said deputies have been in contact with one of the brothers and they will not tell deputies where they are and would only say they are safe and will not bring the two younger children back.
Investigators say the missing children were last seen in a silver or tan Ford truck, with unknown registration, traveling westbound on Route K.
Raelyn Vargas is described as 4 feet inches tall, weighs 60 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes, and was last seen wearing a tie-dye Troll shirt, a white sweater, blue shorts and no shoes.
Ashton Vargas is described as 3 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 50 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes and was last seen wearing blue shorts and no shoes.
The 16-year-old suspect is described as 6 feet tall, weighs 200 pounds, has red hair, blues eyes and was last seen wearing blue camouflage shorts.
The 15-year-old suspect is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 250 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing blue camouflage shorts.
Anyone who has seen Raelyn and Ashton Vargas, the two teen suspects or the truck is urged to contact the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department at 573-996-7123 or their local police department.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the family of Ryan McAllister who perished in an airplane crash, for all the law enforcement, office holders and their employees.
Reminder that the County offices will be closed on Wednesday for Juneteenth.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
Updated Excel sheet for the ARPA Funds was distributed to the Commissioners and media. "There's about $76,000 left," stated Lambert.
Steve Battles with Dudley Special District put out a bid for gravel, but did not get any bids. He is trying to get quotes now.
Katelyn introduced Cam Schlosser, intern at Bootheel Regional Planning Commission and great-nephew of Commissioner C.D. Stewart.
Senate Bill 190 for the Senior Tax Credit
Motion to adopt the Senior Citizen SB 190 that became law in the state of Missouri made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"We all realize this was a difficult decision; however many of the school officials are in Savanah, Georgia on a Sr. Beta trip," stated Cindy Crabb, Puxico Superintendent. "They could not be here today."
"Appreciate you all taking the time to listen to our side," stated Jason Karnes, Bloomfield Superintendent.
"We are the first county in Southeast Missouri to discuss this SB 190 bill and I felt like we did needed to address it," commented Commissioner Greg Mathis.
Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer will have to hire an individual in the Collector's office to oversee all the senior citizen tax credit including the research necessary for each individual to receive their credit. . This will cost the county about $75,000 total dollars including benefits, work comp insurance and salary, etc.
The ordinance will be written up and given to members of the media and to the superintendents of the school districts.
Speakman will create an application and will be approved at the next meeting. Applications will NOT be available for seniors until the Commission approves the Application and the deadline to apply will be June 30, 2025.
Motion to accept the Ordinance for Senate Bill 190/Propert Tax Relief for Seniors dated June 17, 2024 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Beau Bishop, EMA Director
On Sunday, May 26, 2024 a major storm hit the city of Dexter and parts of Stoddard County.
One Damage Assessment performed in Dudley - major
Four Damage Assessments performed in Essex - two major and two minor
Two Damage assessments Performed surrounding Dexter - two major
Dexter Fire Depart performed damage assessments in Dexter - 52 major, 128 minor
A major is considered when outside comes into a structure, like a tree puncturing a roof.
EMA RHSOC Generator Deployed to the City of Bernie to power the City Water Plant. this was within two hours of the city being completely without water. They deployed Sunday, May 26th at 1 p.m. and returned on Monday May 27th at noon.
"I was in contact with Penermon Village Mayor Chester Hill about their sewer system being down," stated Bishop. "I advised the EMA RHSOC Generator could be deployed to assist. Mr. Hill informed they would backlash their system which got them by until they had electricity the next morning."
Stoddard County Sheriff's Department asked to use the EMA Water stored in the basement of the Government Building. They took the water to Essex and made rounds handing out water to people that needed it. With the assistance of Dexter Chamber office, contact was made with Pepsi Marion and three pallets of new water was secured. One pallet was delivered to Bloomfield Fire Department for their use and two pallets replaced the water handed out and it is stored in the basement of the Government Building.
FME IA (Individual Assistance) Assessment performed on June 3, 2024. Present for the Assessment was FEMA, SEMA, SBA, Stoddard County EMA Director, and City of Dexter EMA Director Don Seymore. Preliminary numbers were: 58 homes surveyed, 24 major, 6 destroyed, 2 affected and 26 minor.
FEMA PA (Public Assistance) Assessment performed on June 6, 2024.Present for the Assessment was FEMA, SEMA, Stoddard County EMA Director, and City of Dexter EMA Director. Sites assessed were City of Dexter Street Department, Dexter East City Park, Stoddard County Fair Grounds, Sugar Plum Park, and two locations that the City of Dexter set up for debris burning.
Stoddard County EMA and City of Dexter EMA are still in contact with the State to bring in more Debris removal teams. Teams are slow getting here because of being deployed about the U.S. A lot of debris left is going to need specialized teams with bigger equipment.
MARC (Multi Agency Resource Center) was requested by Stoddard County EMA and City of Dexter EMA on Wednesday, May 29th. Resources were sourced and gathered by SEMA and the MARC was able to help at the City o fDexter East Park on Tuesday, June 11th. MARC served 107 households, 284 people, and 100 at the outside FOOD POD.
Special thanks to WW Wood for organizing and cleaning up the Debris in Dudley. Volunteers and Essex Special Road District for the clean-up effort in and around Essex. Liberty Township for the clean-up efforts in their township, and countless other organizations and residents for their help.
"SEMA and FEMA have not made their declarations yet for assistance. That will come in the next month I suspect," commented Bishop.
"I am moving forward to get with City of Dexter EMA Director Don Seymore to get teams in here to get trees cut up and the debris moved. Main priority and focus is to get more a more organized COAD and VOAD to make sure we are better prepared next time there is a bad storm or even an earthquake," stated Bishop.
Supplement Insurance Agent
"We had on the Agenda that a supplement insurance agent would be here today. I contacted the gentlemen and he will be at next week's meeting." stated Commissioner Mathis. Employees already have AFLAC with a local agent.
Water District #5
There is a precautionary boil water advisory. Water District #5 was able to cover the pipes and are monitoring. They will still have to repair the entrance to that pond on private property, but at least the water pipe repair has been made.
Other Business:
Motion to except the meeting minutes from June 3, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to except the meeting minutes from June 10, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Update SB40 Board of Resignation
The Commission received a letter regarding the SB 40 Board Resignation from Josh Hester. The Commission will need to publicize it in the newspaper for two weeks. There are three terms that expire June 30, 2024. Danny Griffin and Ray McLane both would like to renew their board spots. Herman Morse and Pat Holloway have requested to be on the board.
"Traditionally it has been placed in the Dexter Statesman," stated Commissioner Carol Jarrell. "There are three positions that will term on June 30, 2024. We will need to advertise for those positions."
Candy Collier, Stoddard County Recorder
"I would like to request money from the ARPA funds to convert some of our roll film and put on a Zip drive," stated Collier. "We have slowly got things backed up to 1975 and would like to continue and do it in stages.
The cost of this is $19,000 for five year of converting roll film to a Zip drive.
"Our documents go back to 1835 that we have available, just not on computer," commented Collier.
Reminder from Josh Speakman that the Land Sale will be in August 2024.
Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of personnel made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart at 11:09 a.m. seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission will make three appointments to the Senate Bill 40 Board for the terms ending on June 30, 2024.
Any and all interested individuals who would like to serve should send a letter of interest or a resume' to the Stoddard County Clerk's office, P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, MO 63825.
Deadline to submit is June 28, 2024.
A determination will be made after the deadline.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the regularly scheduled weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for all the emergency workers clearing storm damage, the sheriff's depart and their deputies, and the National Guard who are currently overseas protecting us.
Dave Cooper, Water District #5
"Our leaks started on Friday about 4:30 p.m.," commented Cooper. "We searched until 10 p.m. looking for this leak. About 7 a.m. on Saturday morning we starting looking again. We also consuleed with MO Rural Water."
"A slight detection in the creek and in the process found out it was in the creek," continued Cooper. "So they got excavators and such to clear the brush and get to the leak. They then used a 2 inch pipe, but it blew twice and effected people down stream. This is in the Sherwood Forest area. We are now going to use a 3" pipe."
This lead has effected six customers where the break is and they have been inconvenienced fro about 72 hours. Unfortunately on Sunday, the rains hampered the work efforts.
"Our plan as of last night (Sunday) is to bore underneath that creek and replace it with a 3" line and get a new type of part in Cape Girardeau today and repair the leak," stated Cooper.
"Financially we have been able to get our reserve up to around $50k and this one repair may take half of this," Cooper said. "If it had not been for your help with the ARPA funds this would have ended us as a water district."
Mathis suggested since we have cases of water left over from our recent donation from the tornado damage that water can be distributed to the area resident. He will contact Beau Bishop, Stoddard County EMA Director to get water to those families.
Water District #5 has recently hired an employee, Zach Carmack, and is doing maintenance and repairs for the district. Prior to his hiring there had been zero maintenance in the water district for years.
A boil water may be advised, but Cooper said they will post on Facebook. The Community has been very supportive and really haven't had any complaints.
Doug Lowery, Duck Creek Township
The Commission has asked the Townships if they had any road damage due to the recent storms and the Commission might be able to help using ARPA funds. Duck Creek Township has been hit hard with water damaging gravel roads. Lowery submitted a letter to the commission requesting $12,500 in ARPA funds to offset the major expenses of rock and hauling to repair the roads from the recent storms.
"We estimate expenses to be at least $30 to $35,000 dollars to repair 13 country roads with about 77 loads of gravel," stated Lowery.
The Commission also received a request from New Lisbon Township in the amount of $26,240 for ARPA funds to repair 18 county roads.
The Commissioners are waiting to see if any other township puts in a request for gravel before they approve these two requests.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
She stopped in to see if there was any new requests for ARPA funds. There were none except the two from the townships for gravel.
SB40 Board of Directors
A letter was received from Josh Hester that he has resigned from the SB40 Board of Directors.
Patty Holloway has been recommend to be on the board per Peter Coutavas, IDA Director.
The Commissioner did not make a decision as they may need to published the opening in the local paper first before appointing a new board member.
Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff and Andy Holden, Stoddard County Sheriff's Office Requesting Support for a Jail Navigator
Jason Cowell and Lucas Alday will start in August to the Law Enforcement Academy and will work for the Sheriff's Department for three years. They will complete the academy in December and have signed their contract to work at the sheriff's department as new deputies.
Seth Goins who just graduated is now on the road as a deputy and doing well at the Sheriff's Department.
"Jail Navigator works thru the mental Health Department and a lot of people we have in jail now have mental health issues," stated Carl Hefner.
"We are 1 of 5 Sheriff's offices up to get a Jail Navigator in southeast Missouri," stated Hefner. "We have the new facilities and the best in the area."
Hefner had a letter prepared requesting the Jail Navigator.
"As the County Commission of Stoddard County, we are writing this letter in support of a Jail Navigator being placed at the Stoddard County Jail in Bloomfield, Missouri. Our county jail has an average daily population of approximately 100 inmates. The County Commissioners believe that having a Jail Navigator to work directly with detainees within our jail will provide an opportunity to evaluate, support and provide mental health interventions services to offenders in a timely manner."
"According to Carl Hefner, the sheriff of Stoddard County, nearly 30% of citizens within our jail are affected by mental/behavioral health issues and lack the ability to properly manage the effects. Utilizing a trained mental health specialist in the position of Jail Navigator will not only be beneficial to the detainee, but society in general. This would allow a trusting relationship outside of law enforcement to be built and continued to ensure the best mental health outcome for individuals. In return this would hopefully result in a reduction of repeat offenders due to mental/behavioral health issues.
Against, as a county commission, we write in strong support of providing a Jail Navigator position within our county. The benefits that can be reached by providing proper mental health intervention are endless and in high need within our jail system."
Bootheel Counseling would provide the Jail Navigator services.
Motion to signs off on this letter of support of adding a Jail Navigator to the Stoddard County Jail made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Hefner stated he wanted to know why the ShowMe Times didn't put photos on Facebook of his people volunteering inside the city limits of Dexter after the storm damage occurred. Mrs. Loflin, owner of the ShowMe Times stated that she did not see his crew out on Ray Street and also asked why didn't he call her or text her to let her know there were photos on his Facebook page etc. Mrs. Loflin also stated she does not look at Facebook all day, but is constantly posting and working on the website. Any individual that wants to spotlight their accomplishments or promote an event should just call or text or email and she will post. She also further said she would go to the Sheriff's Facebook page and grab the photos and post during the meeting.
Hefner said, "We bought some extra chain saws and oil etc to use next time when and if this happens again. We were first on the ground in the city of Dexter cutting up trees and clearing streets. Our guys volunteered to help cut and clear limbs."
"t was a Sunday morning and I wasn't going to call people in, but they called me and jumped at the chance to volunteer their time and help those in need."
Hefner purchased $1,410.96 for equipment used during the storm recovery efforts.
Stoddard County Sheriff's Department delivered a truck load of water to residents of Penermon and Essex. Two more pallets were delivered to the County today and will be used for some of the folks without water in Water District #5.
The Stoddard County Sheriff is purchasing a new van and will need an insert for the back of the van to hold the inmates. A bid must be done therefore it will be placed in the newspaper with a bid opening date of July 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners office.
Other Business:
A cleaning individual has been hired for the Stoddard County offices and will begin on June 24, 2024.
Motion to approve the County Road 752 bridge replacement out of the BRO Program in the amount of $2,863.37 to Smith & Co. for engineering and design services made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion pays $4,540.01 to Smith & Co. for 766 bridge replacement out of the BRO Program made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"I have had quite a bit of input on SB190 with regards to Tax Cuts for the Elderly." commented Mathis.
"We will have a vote on the SB190 on Monday, June 17, 2024," Mathis said. Both Jarrell and Stewart were good with voting next week. If you have questions or input please contact your Commissioner as soon as possible.
Motion to amend June 3, 2024 minutes for a correction on the minutes from $35,000 to $3,500 for the city of Puxico for repeaters for their police cars. We will approve the minutes next week after the correction is made," stated Mathis. Motion by commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. Al three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the Adds and Abates for May 2024 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to close the meeting made at 11:43 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
