The Stoddard County Commission opened the meeting with The Pledge and a prayer.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis stated that no one from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission would be here today to update us on the ARPA funds.  He did drop off the documents left by Terry Bates, New Lisbon Township.  Someone would take a look at them this week.  Bates had requested ARPA Funds to repair bridges he discussed at a previous meeting.

Puxico Broadband - Chad Payne with the Puxico School District

He was present representing the Puxico School Board.  He felt the million dollars could be better spent on other projects than giving to GoSEMO Fiber for the rural broadband.  The Commissioners are considering overturning the previous commissioners vote to give GoSEMO Fiber 1 million dollars for broadband expansion in the rural areas of Puxico School District.  

One project the Puxico School is looking at is on the south end of the parking lot as they are seeking monies to put in a crosswalk.  They could use ARPA monies to complete that project.  About 10 - 12 students cross Highway 51 twice a day. They have contacted MoDOT about getting a crosswalk; but the school needs to connect to sidewalks on either side and then connect to the school district before MoDOT will complete the crosswalk.

SB40 Board Update

Motion to appoint Don Abner from Bell City to the SB40 Board made by Commissioner C.D.Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Josh Spearman, Stoddard County Collector

Stronghold Data would be available to do cyber security training on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.  Any office holder can attend the training. 

County Health Insurance Issue Update

An employee turned in a bill for lab work last week.  Mr. Mathis received a call from John McCarty during the Commissioners Meeting.  The bill will be resent via email and Mr. McCarty will take a look at it  Depending on what type of lab work the employee received and how it was coded will determine how much of the cost is covered.

It was also mentioned that the Commissioners signed a one-year contract for health insurance and it was time to start looking at 2024 health insurance as it takes a few months to get a contract together.

Closure of County Road 527A Update

Donnie Foster is wanting to put a gate on the east side of the bridge and close the road.  Castor Township was going to perform some addition work to the bridge. Mr. Huel Benton is also a property owner in the area and submitted a letter to the Commission that he has no objection to the Stoddard County Commission closing a portion of that road that intersects with property owned by Donnie Foster.  He understands that he has no obligation for maintenance of any type on the county road including gravel, ditching, or bridges that are on said road.

Motion to close a portion of County Road 527A east of the bridge that goes into the property owned by Donnie Foster made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

Other Business

Mathis will not be here on Monday, July 26, 2023 for the Stoddard County Commission meeting.

Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from June 12, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed meeting minutes from June 12, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to go into closed session at 11:11 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commissioners began their meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis saying a prayer.  The Commissioners' meeting is open to the public and anyone can join them and listen or even speak their concerns.

Senate Board 40 Appointment 

Two board members are up for reappointment as board members.  They are Wayne Jean and Dale Holman.

Motion to re-appoint Wayne Jean and Dale Holman to the SB40 Board made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrol.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

Water District #5 Update

"We began last week on the valve projects and meters have been ordered and are in.  We will need to get the computer and software to read those meters," stated Dave Cooper, president of the board for Water District #5.

He also had bills that were pre-approved by the Commissioners to be paid out of the ARPA funds.  Those bills will have to be approved through Bootheel Regional Planning Commission before a check can be issued. He also gave a summary of their work thus far and a list of the expenses incurred for reimbursement. 

"We are very gracious as to what you have done for us for the water district," continued Cooper.  "The board did vote to raise the rates.  I believe it is $24.50 for the first 1,000 gallons and then $7 for each 1,000 gallons after that."  That was required to maintain future expenses.

Jim Grebing, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission - Update on ARPA Funding

"I will have a revised sheet later this morning on the updates for the ARPA Funding.  We will get all this processed tomorrow and give you an update.  The only change was the city of Advance," stated Grebing.

"We need a copy of the bid for New Lisbon and the advertisement for the bid in the newspaper is also needed.  This in regards to two bridges that need to be repaired," continued Grebing.

There was much discussion on the Broadband project for the Puxico Rural/Stoddard County - Economic Development may have some funds available, but not a total amount of the overage of $900,000 bid.  They can reduce the scope of the project, but the tricky part is you have to fall within a low income area to meet the CDGB grant.  So the Commissioners are going to gather more information as to what to do with the broadband as Puxico and Wappapello rural areas are in great need of internet.  It's taking way too long to decide on when this project will get off the ground.  There are lot of layers to this onion of the grants awarded/available.

Josh Speakman, County Collector

Spearman recently attended the Cyber Security meeting in Cape Girardeau.  He wanted to know if a company could come in and do some training with elected officials.  "They can point us in the right direction on what to do for Cyber Security," stated Spearman.  "Would that be something you (the Commissioners) would entertain as it would take about 2 hours.  I could reach out to the person and have all the office holders come in and do the training."  

Mathis stated he had no problem doing it and the other two commissioners were in agreement.  They will proceed with this training.

Homestead Tax - Missouri homestead law allows for a $15,000 exemption, which is applicable to "a dwelling house and appurtenances, and the land used in connection therewith." In other words, the state's homestead law is limited to homes, corresponding buildings, and the land on which they stand. 

Senate Bill 190 was discussed in detail.  It is on Governor Parson's desk to be signed into law.  This act modifies provisions relating to the taxation of seniors.

Courthouse Clock Update 

Rain was pouring in on the workers who were updating the clock on the old courthouse.

William Dowdy, maintenance for Stoddard County, got a bid from R.L. Person Construction to repair the roof.  The Steeple Repair on the Cupola of the old courthouse came in at $120,998.00.  With this large of an amount it would need to be bid out.  

R.L. Persons Construction was the only one who bid last time on the repairs of the courthouse roof. No motion made, but the Commissioners should bid this out before proceeding.

Loyd Rice with GoSEMO Fiber Update

City of Puxico did not get any bids for the CDGB grant so GoSEMO Fiber decided to go ahead and put fiber within Puxico city limits without obtaining this CDGB Grant per Mr. Rice.

The Commission is looking for additional information before they decide on what to do with the rural CDGB broadband grant that has been approved; however due to prevailing wages the bid came in over $900,000.

There are three options on the table for the Commissioners to choose from and they will discuss together and decide at a later date.  They want what is in the best interest of those people who need internet and the County.

Motion to approve the minutes from Tuesday, May 30, 2023 made by C.D. Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the closed session minutes from Tuesday, May 30, 2023 made by Carol Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to go into Closed Session at 11:45 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commissioners began their meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.  It was a full house with more than 15 people in attendance.  Mr. Mathis began with the closing of County Road 570.

Closing of County Road 570 Update

Sally Cato and Mrs. Blackshire approached the Commissioner a few weeks ago regarding the Blackshirt property and wetlands and would like to close the County Road 570 which runs through their property. Rick Shipman was also in attendance today and is a property owner on CR 570.  He is in agreement to consider the road abandoned as it is no longer being maintained by Castor township.  

"I drove out there yesterday," stated Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

Dale Moreland, Castor Township, had instructed and gave permission to Auten Land Services LLC to lay pipe along CR 517 which also crosses onto the easement of CR 570.  Auten Land Services has destroyed some of the property and gates on the property owned by Mrs. Blackshire and Mr. Shipman.

"I have been told that they will put this back into working order with the gates and land," stated Rick Shipman, landowner.

"I will talk to my clients and see what they want to do with Auten Land Services and how they have conducted themselves.  I am sure the family will want to receive some compensation for the damage.  I have been dealing with Bob Conrad with Auten Land Services," stated John Scott, attorney for the Blackshirt family who was also in attendance.        

County Road 527A

Donnie Foster had attend the Commission meeting a few weeks ago and has requested that County Road 527A be closed.

"I also drove out there yesterday," stated Mathis.

The discussion was more with the bridge out there and who would maintain the bridge if the road was considered closed.  Will the township maintain the bridge or the property owner is the question.

"We took out the old bridge.  It was an iron bridge with wood flooring," stated Moreland of Castor Township.  "Foster owns 100 acres now around the bridge.  We have replaced the bridge with pipes and rock around it to keep from washing out."

"If you look at the bridge, it is starting to cave in and needs more rock on the north side too," stated Foster.

"The Township and Mr. Foster will need to get together and decide who will be maintaining the bridge and where do we close it from the bridge, before the bridge," stated Mathis.

Moreland announced there would be a meeting at the Castor Township office on Tuesday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. and they can work out all the details at that time.

New Business - City of Essex

"We have been trying to get a grant for our streets as nothing has been done to those streets since 1970's," commented Jena Mitchell, City of Essex Clerk.

"We wrote the application in December 2022 and it has been denied due to lack of funds.  We believe it is because of the cash-match and not enough in-kind money.  So we are thinking they are needing a little financial help with this application.  I am thinking about $50,000 in ARPA Funds," stated Tiffany Belcher from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.

"Currently we are obligated with all of our Funds, however there are some of the projects might not spend all their money and we could be able to help," commented Mathis.  "Get all your information together along with the amounts and we will at least get your name on the list for potential funding."

New Business - Harold Greene, Consultant for Ozark Total Healthcare DBA Ozark Physical Medicine

"We are the bidder for the Broadband Project," commented Harold Greene, consultant for Ozark Total Healthcare.  "However the bid was over $900,000 above the amount of money available."

The previous Commissioners dedicated $1 million dollars for Broadband for the Puxico area and awarded that money to GoSEMO Fiber.  Then Bootheel Regional Planning Commission helped with a CDGB government grant in the amount of $1.4 million dollars.

Once the bid meeting occurred there was only one bid and it was for $3.82 million dollars.  If the bid is accepted the options are to either shorten the miles of fiber ran or ask CDGB for more monies.

Another option is to not accept the CDGB grant and just award the $1 million to GoSEMO Fiber and allow them to go ahead with the rural portion of Stoddard County near Puxico and they will pay for the rest of the fiber.

Tiffany Belcher, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission stated, "Because the bid is over $900,000 a committee has now been created because of prevailing wages and the costs of products keep rising. You can put a contingency on there if CDGB has the funding to cover the overage or cut back on the miles to get the cost down.  There are 76 miles to cover in the Puxico rural area."

"We are willing to go in either direction.  We can either scale the project back or if CDGB has the funds, we are more than willing to do either," stated Harold Green with Ozark Physical Medicine.

"The County would be the owner of this project for Broadband infrastructure if they so choose to go this route and accept the CDGB Grant from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.  It would be a five year contract then the Internet Service Provider (ISP) would take over both the maintenance of the fiber lines as well as from the pole to the homes.

Greene stated that there are several ISPs in the area including, but not limited to AT&T, Windstream in Wappapello, and GoSEMO Fiber.  "We have a tendency to go with GoSEMO Fiber," stated Greene.

"I would have bid on the city of Puxico Broadband project; however I did not have time. GoSEMO Fiber didn't give me time to bid on that project and we would have been the only bidder there as well.  If I can give my two cents worth if anything I would like someone in Stoddard county to get these grants," stated Greene. 

Note: The Bid Announcement is placed in the print newspaper for two weeks and that was done by the city of Puxico in both the Dexter Statesman and the Puxico Weekly Press.

Board of Equalization Update

The Board of Equalization opens the first Tuesday in July; however that falls on July 4h so it will be open July 5th - 19th.  Mary Worley and Mike Bollinger are on the board and can be available if anyone has questions..   

"We had to raise countywide 10% on residential owners due to it being state of Missouri mandated." per Dan Creg, Stoddard County Assessor.

The Commissioners will open the Board of Equalization at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.  

Other Business

Motion to approve the Minutes from May 15, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to approve the Minutes from the Closed Session Minutes for May 15, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to approve the Minutes from the Closed Session Minutes for May 17, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to approve the Minutes from May 22, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to approve the Minutes from the Closed Session Minutes for may 22, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to go into Closed Session at 11:15 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.

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. 

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Ron McKain, guest, said the prayer.  Commissioner Carol Jarrell was not present for the meeting.

Commissioner C.D. Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes from the regular session, April 17, 2023.  Mathis seconded the motion.  Both voted yes.  Motion passed.

Commissioner C.D. Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes from the Closed Session, April 17, 2023.  Mathis seconded the motion.  Both voted yes.  Motion passed.

Stars & Stripes Museum Expansion Update

Mathis stated that he has a surveyor getting a lot description for the Stars & Stripes Museum expansion.  The Museum had requested an additional 7 acres and the land belongs to the County.

Update on the Old Medical Building Owned by the County

Mathis updated those present about the HVAC system and it is in good condition.  This is in reference to the old medical building that someone wants to rent and make into a coffee shop.  They will need to put a meter in place and have AmerenUE turn the gas on.  Mathis asked William Dowdy, Maintenance Manager, who was present, to contact AmerenUE to get a meter installed.

City of Puxico Alderman Travis Stafford

There is an old Ford Crown Victoria police car that belongs to the Sheriff's Dept and has been sitting and will eventually go to auction.  Mr. Stafford has asked the County to donate or allow the city of Puxico to purchase the vehicle as they are in high need of a car.  The Puxico Police Department has a Crown Vic currently and all the partition cage parts will transfer to this vehicle.  " Let's have the city of Puxico Marshall come over and start the vehicle and drive the vehicle and see if in working condition," commented Mathis.  "It has been sitting over there for over a year." 

Update on Mr. Ron McKain's Request to have a County Prayer Meeting Prior to Pentecost

Bloomfield Park was a no because of two weddings that will be held in the park during the dates he has requested.  Dexter Park and Recreation office has not gotten back to him, American Legion wants $125 per night to rent and I can't do that.  "I am going to put it in your hands and since it is for the County, I am leaving it in your hands to find me a place.  You all know of places and have an influence over the people," stated McKain.

Dale Moreland with Castor Township

Sally Cato, representing the Blackshare Family who owns the property in question is requesting that the County remove County Road 570 as a designated road in Castor Township.  A gate was put up more than 20 years ago because the road goes through a swamp area and since 1998 there has not been any road maintenance since the railroad took over.  The land has been designated as a wetland by the state of Missouri and the family that has owned this property has since the 1800s and want to protect the land.

There is a procedure to "close" a road which takes signatures of 12 people and an application as well as the Castor Township Board would have to be agreeable.  Then a public hearing.

Cato presented a MO State Statute 228.190 and 228.110 states that if no one has done anything for 5 years then you don't have to do this process.  Mathis stated, "We will take the statute and get legal advice on the procedure."  Moreland said the Castor Board will meet and vote and he did not see an opposition of this removal as a road.

Update on the ARPA request by Castor Township to asphalt roads.

"We bought the asphalt machine and we then found out that we needed new tracks.  It will cost $22,000 to replace the tracks.  That's why we need to have someone to asphalt the roads and don't have the money to replace the tracks on the asphalt machine," stated Moreland.

Mr. C.D. Stewart left the meeting at 9:45 a.m. to attend a funeral.

10:00 a.m. Open Bids/Letting of the Depository Bid

Four bids were received

1.  Southern Bank  

2.  First Midwest Bank  

3.  First State Bank & Trust 

4.  Bank of Advance 

"All bids will be reviewed collectively as a group. Then at that time we will vote and choose a bank.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me," commented Mathis.

Josh Speakman, County Collector, has offered to make a spreadsheet to help with choosing the bank.

No official closing of the Opening of the Bids portion of the meeting.

John McCarty, Arch Brokerage Insurance 

Health EZ end of the emergency for COVID-19.  Insurance wants to know how to process claims going forward since the national emergency is considered over.  Will COVID-19 tests be covered yes or no.  If they choose no, then the plan will have to be amended.  

No further business was conducted.  Meeting adjourned without motion around noon time.