The Stoddard County Commission entertained more than 15 people in attendance for the morning meeting.  The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission w/ARPA Update

ARPA Request for Water District. $15,168.02 for Water District #5

Motion to pay Water District #5 $15,168.02 already approved thru the ARPA Funds made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner C.D.Stewart.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

SS/SB 190 Bill Informational Discussion

Concerned Superintendents and Asst. Superintendents in Stoddard County attended the Commission meeting today.  Cindy Crabb, Puxico School District, Gavin Miller, Dexter School District, Jason Karnes, Bloomfield School District, Brad Botsch, Bernie School District, Carrie Tripp, Richland School District, Shannon Garner, Advance School District, and Matt Asher, Bell City School District were on hand to discuss the new Senate Bill 190.

"I have a statement to make on behalf of the County Commission in regards to Senate Bill 190 and the role of how the Stoddard County Commission will play into the this bill.  SS/SB 190 modifies provisions relating to the taxation of seniors," commented Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. "It does exempt Social Security payments from Missouri Income Tax and Missouri is the 40th state to do so."

"It provides property tax relief to senior citizens if individual counties pass an authorizing ordinance or if a petition is submitted to the County Commission in support of such credit and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters," continued Mathis.  "The legislation idd not mandate that the tax credit 'shall be' forced upon each county, but allows each county to make their own determination as to whether the tax credit is implemented.

SB 190 was passed by the Legislature during the 2023 legislative session and recently signed Governor Parson signed the bill on July 6, 2023. The legislation modifies the law relating to the taxation of seniors.  It has two main provisions, one related to property tax credits and one that deals with income taxes on retirement benefits.

"The law, as currently written, allows counties to provide a tax credit to seniors who are eligible for Social Security and who owns their home, use it as their primary residence and are required to make tax payments on that home," commented Mathis.

Under SB 190, qualifying seniors would be exempt from increase in the amount of property taxes they owe based on when they first became eligible for Social Security.

"We realize the financial burden increased property taxes can have on some senior citizens and we are not opposed to looking at options that could address this issue," stated Mathis.  "However, it is important to also recognize that our school district relies on property taxes as a significant revenue source.  Reductions in this important revenue source can lead to negative impacts on our students and teachers," continued Mathis.

"The amount of property tax credit shall be equal to the difference between the real property tax liability in the given year minus the real property tax liability on such homestead in the year in which the tax payer became eligible tax payer." Mathis said.

There are still many questions about the implementation of this legislation and the definition of some terms used in the new law, but here is what you need to know about its impact on each school district.

Mathis had several good questions regarding the new bill and asked Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Treasurer/Collector.  Speakman was unable to answer some of the questions because the new law is not clear on many items.

According to the Missouri Tax Commission, the County Collector would be required to calculate the credit based on the tax liability for the homestead when a qualifying individual first became eligible for Social Security benefits, which might have occurred a few or many years in the past.

Generally, under provisions of the Hancock Amendment, taxing jurisdictions (like school districts) can adjust their tax rate to make up for lost revenue.  However, SB 190 does not provide th option for school districts to adjust their tax rates to recoup (e.g., recover) lost revenue, which will lead to an overall reduction in the amount of property tax revenue a school district will receive.

"Property tax funding provides a tremendous amount of the total operating revenue for our districts," commented Presiding Commission Greg Mathis. "If there is a major decrease in tax collections with no option for recoupment, we could be forced to ask our voters to approve a tax rate increase.  This places the burden of additional taxes on our non-Social Security eligible residents.

Scott County will host a regional meeting for elected officials and anyone interested on October 11, 2023 in Sikeston at the Minor Convention Center.  It starts at 9 a.m. and they do break for lunch and go until 3 p.m.

SS/SB 190 Property Tax Credit

This act authorizes a county to grant a property to eligible taxpayers residing in such county, provided such county has adopted an ordinance authorizing such credit, or a petition in support of such credit is delivered to the governing body of the county and is subsequently submitted to and approved by the voters, as described in the act.

Eligible taxpayers are defined as residents who 1) are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits; 2) are the owner of record of or have a legal or equitable interest in a homestead; and 3) are liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead. 

The amount of the property tax credit shall be equal to the difference between the real property tax liability on the homestead in a given year minus the real property tax liability on such homestead in the year in which the taxpayer became an eligible taxpayer.

A credit granted pursuant to this act shall be applied when calculating the eligible taxpayer's property tax liability for the tax year.  The amount of the credit thrall be noted on the statement of tax due sent to the eligible taxpayer by the county collector.

The amount of property tax credits authorized by a county pursuant to this act shall be considered tax revenue actually received by the county for the purposes of calculating property tax levies.

In the coming months, the Stoddard County Commission will be monitoring this issue to see if the state legislative re-visits the approved legislation that was subsequently signed into law in order to correct concerns that have been raised," stated Presiding Commission Greg Mathis. "Also to see if any lawsuits will be filed regarding the approved law."

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

There are a lot of open ended issues/questions out there," stated Speakman. "The Missouri Associations of Counties has formed a task force to address concerns of their membership."

"Reasons I have reservations, it doesn't address new construction on a home is just one and the law doesn't define the residential vs the areas surrounding the home," continued Speakman.   "There will be a major financial impact on the schools in Stoddard County."

"Just to implement this with the software change is going to cost the county $25,000 plus a person to come in investigate all the parameters of the tax credit," continued Speakman. "We will need a uniform procedure for eligible recipient to provide the necessary documentation to verify eligibility and that will cost the County dollars."

"I don't want to see it go to the ballot yet due to the verbiage of the bill," Speakman said of the SB 190 Bill.  "It needs to be hashed out in one more session of congress. It will be very challenging to implement this bill."

Aaron Mathis, representing the Dexter School Board asked if there was a way to determine how many homesteads in Stoddard County that are 62 years of age or above.  Speakman said that it would be quite difficult to figure that out.

Mathis opened the floor to the superintendents, etc in attendance.

Anytime you can get a tax break that is great and we do respect our seniors, but we do have to take care of our schools and the budgets going down the road," Brad Botsch, Superintendent of Bernie Public Schools. "I agree with what Mrs. Tripp said, that we are "pitting" our children against our seniors."

Gavin Miller, Asst. Superintendent of Dexter Public Schools, "As we move forward in education we are having to adjust to many budgetary cuts, funds are going away and we are required to hire more people.  The Tyson closure is going to affect our schools as well, especially at Dexter.  I would love to see seniors have tax breaks, I have in-laws that would qualify, but again I agree with others here we have to maintain our budgets,"      

"At that point the Stoddard County Commission will move forward to hear from all affected parties and then make a decision as to whether we as a Commission draft an ordinance to be voted on by the people and approved or do nothing and allow the question to be placed on the ballot via a petition by concerned constituents.  Implantation would not go into effect until the 2024 tax cycle," stated Mathis.

Motion to accept the minutes from September 18, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed session minutes from September 18, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to move into closed session at 11:00 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commission meeting began with Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

Water District #4 - Board members present Clarence Smith and Oscar Tallmage, Water Superintendent David Tarkington and concerned citizen Randy Long (former board member)

Randy Long, customer and concerned citizen, had put in a second request of $253,000 in ARPA funding in April while he was a board member.

"The original water lines were put in around 1974," commented Long.  "We are trying to replace all the old water lines, a new pump house and a well.  We applied for a USDA loan in March 2021 and had $1.57 million available.  The original pump and well went up in price in the two years it took the USDA to get the loan to us.  In order to finish the 6"  water lines on AD we need that money.  If we get this $253,000 will get us pretty close to doing all of AD."

"We contacted your engineer, John Chittenden, Waters Engineering, on Tuesday during a work session," commented Mathis. "He told the Commissioners that the water district did not need that $253,000 so we cut agreed to cut that ARPA money and give to others."

Clarence Smith, President of Water District #4 Board, stated, "Our board disagrees and John didn't have the authority to take away what we as a board asked for, not him."

Commissioner C.D. Stewart also commented,  "As we looked to make cuts and kide of distributed the money across the county and I think each water district got some monies and I think we have distributed the money fairly."

Water District #4 did get previously approved for $247,000, but are not approved for their second request of $253,000 in ARPA funds.

The Commissioners made other cuts as well during their work session as over 7 million in requests were made; however they only have 5.2 million in APRA funds to distribute.  The funds were distributed based on their decision and need and not in the order the requests were made over the past two years.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

Castor Township - Dale Moreland came in and signed the contract, still need the Commissioners' signature on the contract now.  He brought in bid specs, advertisement twice in the paper, meeting minutes to accept Causey Asphalt.  The ARPA funds approved were for $200,000.

Motion to sign the ARPA Funds contract between Castor Township and the Commission made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell. All voted yes and motion passed.

"Duck Creek Township has all their paperwork in order as well," stated Lambert.

Motion to sign the ARPA Funds contract between Duck Creek Township and the Commission made by Commission Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All voted yes and motion passed.

Dave Wyman, City of Dexter

"We brought the change of the agreement last week to the meeting and a letter would need to be drafted showing that we are not bidding out the meters, but utilizing a sole source procurement," stated Wyman.  "The city is still honoring their commitment to the hotel project and will be paying for the water and sewer project out of the city's finances."  

The city did review the plans for the hotel, all 100 pages and found them to be in good order.  Lambert from the BRPC did send the letter to the attorney and it is sufficient for the sole source procurement.

Wyman is taking the city of Dexter contract to the Mayor Banken to get his signature, now that the Commissioners have signed it as well.

Motion to allow the City of Dexter to change their ARPA request from the hotel water and sewer project to the purchase of ultrasonic water meters in the amount of $800,000 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

City of Bell City - David Scherer

" According to Ray Patterson, the original owner, he had the tanks removed and the dirt tested and the area refilled," stated Scherer.  Scherer is waiting on the paperwork to show proof it was done so they can build on top of it.

"We took $50,000 off the Bell City ARPA request during our work session on Tuesday," stated Mathis.  "This now takes your request down to $203,170.00.

Motion to approve a request for the Bell City Fire Department for $203,170.00 in ARPA funds made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Scherer stated he would get the process started by putting bids in the paper and getting with Mrs. Lambert to start the procurement process.

Water District #5

Paperwork for $15,864.00 of requests from the ARPA funds was submitted by David Cooper to Mrs. Lambert last week.  

Motion to approve the payment of $15,864.00 request for Water District #4 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Water District #2 - Bill Knoderer, Donnie Wondel, and Dan Schlosser

Water District #2 requested $115,460 in ARPA funds.

Motion to approve the approval of $115,460.00 in APRA funds for meter replacements for Water District #2 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Mr. Knoderer will get with Mrs. Lambert on the procurement procedures.

City of Essex

Motion to approve the funding for $50,000 in ARPA funds to the city of Essex for their street project by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

EMA

There was $428,000 in ARPA funds were originally requested by his predecessor.  There were certain radios that were being needed.  "We have discussed decreasing the funds to only a few radios distributed throughout the county.  Advance bought enough for their city, Dexter and Bloomfield also have some radios as they are $6,800 a piece basically," stated Stewart.  

Motion $62,981.59 and not the $428,000 originally requested in ARPA funds to the Stoddard County EMA to purchase radios made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion was passed.

City of Bloomfield 

No update on where the city of Bloomfield is at the current moment.  They have requested $450,000 to replace water lines.

City of Advance

Motion to change in scope for the city of Advance from the Annexation to their Infiltration and Inflow Project made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The contract for the $714,000 in ARPA funds requested was made available and the Commissioners are signing today.

Beau Bishop, EMA Director Quarterly Update

The EMPG 3rd Quarter Grant claims for the operating period of January 1, 2023 thru march 31 2023 were submitted and approved.  On March 8, 2023 were reimbursed $8,170.57 for this claim.

The EMPG 4th Quarter Gran claims for the operating period of April 1, 2023 thru June 30, 2023 were submitted and approved.  On August 21, 2023 were reimbursed $8,828.98 for this claim.

The reimbursement received from he FY2022 EMPG Grant Cycle (EM Salary, Benefits, Operating Expenses and Equipment) totaling $30,678.70.

FY2023 EMPG Grant was submitted July 26, 2023 with a projected Federal reimbursement of $36,882.17.  We are currently waiting on Application approval.

Stoddard County has provided COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting services at multiple buildings owned by the county, to help protect the citizens and employees from the spread of COVID-19. From August 2022 thru December 2022, the county paid $14,523 for this service.  From January 2023 thru May 11, 2023, the county paid $11,443.00 for this service. Stoddard County emergency Management filed for FEMA Public Assistance under FEMA - 4490 - DR-MO, which was made available to help recover costs for such activities.

For the August - December, 2022 period, we were reimbursed $13,070.70.

for the January-May 11, 2023 period, we were reimbursed $10,298.70

HMPG Siren Grant Update: Currently working through the States Procurement Process.

HMPG Generator Grant Update: Grant approval was received.  Grant agreements have been signed by appropriate parties with original signatures on file at Stoddard County Emergency Management and SEMA.  Beginning the Procurement Process.

June 7th - 9th Bishop attended the 2023 Central States Hazmat Preparedness Conference in Kansas City.  As a direct result of the conference, currently working with the Bootheel LEPD to obtain a list from the Missouri Emergency Response Commission, of all registered Tier 2 facilities within the 8 county LEPD coverage and incorporate those locations into a mapping software for better situational awareness during a possible emergency situation that might impact those locations.

On August 1, 2023 we transitioned to NWS Chat 2.0 on the Slack Platform.  NWS Chat is used by Emergency Managers, Law Enforcement, Fire, Media, etc. for direct communication to the National Weather Service during severe weather.  the old NWS Chat was a stand alone product that was becoming old and outdated.  The National Weather Service upgraded to the Slack platform which is web based and more robust than before.  Another added benefit is the availability of the Slack app for mobile phones, so users can now have access to it from anywhere, not just a desktop or laptop computer.

Mr. Bishop will be attended the August 22nd - 25th Missouri State Emergency Management Conference in Columbia, Missouri and then August 30th - September 1st he will be attending the MFSMA Annual Conference at the Lake of the Ozark.

Motion to approve the August 14th regular meeting minutes made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes an emotion approved.

Motion to enter in closed session at 10:56 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All there voted yes and motion passed.

The Commissioners will be back in session on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Government building in Bloomfield.

The Stoddard County Commission meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county.  All three commissioners were in attendance.

Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

Water District #6 - All documentation is done for the water tank improvements for Water District #6.  They are requesting $136,050.00 and it was approved by the previous commission. The previous commissioners had agreed in an earlier meeting not to pay for the logo/graphic on the water towner.

Motion to release $136,050.00 to Water District #6 for the water tank improvements made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Lambert said she is still waiting to hear from the legal team who is reviewing the pending agreement between the county and GoSEMO Fiber for the Puxico Broadband Project.  Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asked Lambert to let him know when she heard  from the legal team.  At that time the appropriate item will be placed on the commission meeting agenda to move the agreement forward.

Mold Update at the Justice Center

Commissioner Mathis stated that they had a meeting with Jeffry Faust, with Environmental Consultants, LLC, office holders and  the employees of the Justice Center.  We are looking at possibly adding units for air filtration.  

They cleaned the back unit on the east side of the building on Friday.  They have started cleaning the air conditioner units on Saturday and then the front lobby over the weekend.  There was air quality testing on the inside and the outside to compare.  The duct cleaning has started also over the weekend.  They had all the vents hooked up to the air hose to clean.  This should be about a three week process to clean everything.  Eagle Systems is the company cleaning the duct work in the Justice Center.  They start mobilizing around 4:00 p.m. each day and work during the evening.  Dehumidifiers have been added to each office in the Justice Center as well.  

One of the things that Mr. Faust emphasized was that they caught it very early, much earlier than what happened in 2011 when they had a tremendous amount of mold.  They also want to figure out what the root cause is and how to rectify that with possibly buying other types of units to cool the Justice Center.

Water District #4

Randy Long, board member with Water District #4 resigned his position on the board effective immediately.  He resigned due to the fact his daughter is a paid employees of the water district and there is a state statute on nepotism. 

Assessed Evaluation of Stoddard County by County Clerk Cecil Weeks

Stoddard County Clerk Cecil Weeks said the assessed valuation of the county was $487 million in 2020, $521 million in 2021, $579 million in 2022, and $608 million in 2023.

"This speaks well of the county showing continued growth in our county," commented Weeks. "New homes and construction of commercial property have increased our assessed value."  

Commissioner Mathis asked at what level does the county go from a Class 3 to a Class 2.  Weeks responded that we would have to have an assessed value of $774 million and maintain that for five years before that would happen.

Joe Pulliam with Pulliam Surveying Company

He is going to survey the area that the Stars & Stripes Museum has asked for from the county.  The county donated the barn that sits on the property to the Stars & Stripes Museum with the stipulation that the barn never be torn down or moved off the property.  The museum has been renovated.  The Stars & Stripes Museum has asked for 7 acres to expand and build another building.

The Bloomfield Assistance League a Non-Profit Foundation recently attended the Commissioner meeting and had also requested land for the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.  Pulliam will survey that ground as well near the Poor Farm.

Other Business:

Motion to appoint Dan Seger to the 911 Board made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes for July 24, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Closed Session minutes were not available to approve. Commissioner Mathis made them available this morning to be typed up and approved next Monday.

Motion to enter into closed session at 10:58 a.m. made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All voted yes and the motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commissioners began their meeting as they do every week with the Pledge of Allegiance and a special prayer over the county.

Commissioner Carol Jarrell was absent today due to her husband being in the hospital.  Prayers for his speedy recovery are most appreciated.  

First thing on the Agenda was to amend the agenda as Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis stated they needed to have a special meeting at 10:30 a.m.  to go over a Mold Sampling Report for the Justice Center.

Katelyn Lambert - Bootheel Regional Planning Commission and ARPA Updates

Duckcreek Township - Payne Contracting LLC has began construction on the bridge on County Road 420 and are requesting $50,800.00 out of the ARPA funds. They have also requested reimbursement of $61,268.27 for replacement of culverts, rock needed for rip rap and repairs to road, signage for road closures, truck hauling expenses and rental equipment expense.

Motion to release $61,268.27 to Duck Creek Township out of the ARPA Funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to release to Duckcreek Township a total of $61,268.27 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

New Lisbon Township - This is their second and final request for ARPA Funds.  All the documentation is completed according to Lambert.  They are requesting $51.58 for the advertising reimbursement for the bridge work on County Road 249 in the local newspaper.  They are also requesting $60,000 to go to Payne Contracting LLC from the ARPA Funds. 

Mathis stated that there would not be a motion today.  The Commission will reimburse New Lisbon Township once the project is complete.  At that time they and Payne Contracting LLC will be paid from the ARPA funds.

Castor Township - "I do not have any signed paperwork or invoices," stated Lambert.  Mathis did ask for information from Dale Moreland.  Lambert had additional paperwork that needs to be signed by Moreland.

Bill Knoderer - PWSD #2 along with Dan Schlosser, Board Member

Knoderer was attending the meeting to see where the Commission was on his request for ARPA Funds. More than $115,000 was requested by Water District #2 to replace meters.

 "Your request is hanging out in the abyss. We ran into a couple of issues last week. We hope to have a work session this week to go over ARPA funds.  We are just kind of hanging this week and clear up a few matters," stated Commissioner Mathis.

"We do need to replace all of our meters and get that done by winter," stated Knoderer.  "We appreciate the consideration."

Dan Schlosser, Ditch #17 Drainage District

Schlosser attended a Commission meeting in October of 2022 and talked with the Commissioners who were here at that time.  "I am referring to Ditch #17 northwest corner of Stoddard County," commented Schlosser. "There is a deficit to our district and it is difficult to get a tax increase. We need to get the ditch mowed and timber removed again.  We try to do this about every four to five years. We would most definitely have to get bids to get the timber out and the mowing done.  Last time we did that was $38,000 for mowing and dredging. I hope to keep it way under that since we aren't doing the dredging"

According to Commissioner Mathis the Commissioners will get with Mr. Cecil Weeks, County Clerk and Mr. Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer and see what happened before and just huddle together and see what our options are for doing this.  There is one total fund for drainage districts; however some ditches do not bring in enough tax revenue to cover their own costs of dredging, mowing, and timber removal.

David Scherer with Bell City Fire Department

"We are requesting $250,000 in ARPA funds for a building in Bell City."  commented Scherer. "I have one bid and am trying to get two more bids."

Commissioner Mathis stated, "You have given us an estimate not a bid.  You will have to go thru the formal bid process by placing int he newspaper and have a bid opening meeting before we can proceed."

Bell City had also applied for a CDBG grant with Bootheel Regional Planning Commission in the past and was turned down.  "I didn't know if we were required to apply again or could we just request ARPA funds from the Commission only to complete this project," stated Scherer.  "We need a fire department built and a safe room."

Lambert stated,  " If they tear down the old Shell station and build, in order to receive the grant there will be an environmental mitigation and that could cause delays in getting the grant or possibly be turned down.  You can request up to $500,000, but it will be at prevailing wages."

The window to apply for the CDBG grant is in the fall of 2023.  They may not be awarded the grant until the spring of 2024 if there are no hiccups along the way with the environmental study.

Loyd Rice with GoSEMO Fiber

Rice provided a draft of the Broadband Request for APRA funds that was approved by the previous Commission in the amount of 1 million dollars for broadband expansion in the Puxico School District in rural Stoddard County.   "It is ready for legal eyes on your side to look at," stated Rice. 

"I don't have any question at this time and read over it and I would like you to come in at the next meeting," stated Commissioner Mathis.

Sean Vanslyke, CEO of the GoSEMO Cooperative, "It has been a long time coming and the cooperative it committed to the area.  We are seeing the benefits now. We launched GoSEMO Fiber in 2017 and we have come a long way.  We have made a significant investment into the community. I just wanted to say thank you"

Other Business

Motion to close the 2023 Board of Equalization for Stoddard County made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  Both voted yes and passed.

Motion to Open the 2023 Board of Appeals made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  Both voted yes and passed. Board of Appeals shall be open for a minimum of two weeks.

Motion to accept the regular session meeting minutes from Monday, July 17, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  Both voted yes and passed.

Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes from Monday, July 17, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  Both voted yes and passed.

Special Meeting for the Mold Sampling Report in the Justice Center at 10:30 a.m.

"In 2011 we had mold in Justice Center.  It was nothing short of a disaster," commented Presiding Commissioner Mathis. "In 2017 we checked it again."

"Update to present time in 2023 and now having issues again, but looks as if they have caught it early.  The ducts need to be cleaned about every 10 years."

Commissioner C.D. Stewart and Commissioner Carol Jarrell gave Commissioner Mathis via phone calls the go ahead to and hire someone to get this cleaned before it became a huge problem.  It was an urgent matter and could not wait until the meeting on Monday.

Mathis had Environmental Consultants, LLC come in and do some testing in the Justice Center.

"We received the report on Thursday, July 20, 2023," sated Mathis.

Presiding Commissioner Mathis provided the report today during the meeting.

"Do we need professional cleaning and the answer was yes," commented Mathis.

Serve Pro is coming on Tuesday to get an idea on the building itself and timeframes to section it off etc.  They will be cleaning all the duct work and the individual cooling units in the Justice Center.

"Mr. Jeffry Faust, owner of Environmental Consultants, LLC will be here on Wednesday, time to be determined to discuss with the employees how they will be cleaning as well as to answer any questions anyone may have.," continued Mathis.

"There is no immediate health risk to the employees or people who enter the building," stated Commissioner Mathis. "We caught it early and we will get it cleaned this week."

Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer

Tax Sale is being published next week.  The sale is August 28th at 10 a.m. on the steps of the Old Courthouse.  They will have to fill out an affidavit prior to the sale.

Motion to enter into closed session at 11:06 a.m. by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  They both voted yes and motion approved.

The Stoddard County Commissioners opened their regularly scheduled Monday morning meeting with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Mathis stated, "We have a full house today!"  There were more than 20 people in attendance for today's meeting.

Doug Lowery, Duck Creek Township

Lowery asked if there are any rules in Stoddard County about placing speed limit signs in the townships or if the Commissioners have anything to do with that directly.  Commissioner Mathis said he did not think the Commissioners had anything to do with that and that it was up to each individual township to post signs on rural roads within their township.

Katelyn Lambert - Weekly ARPA Update

Duck Creek Township - They have a bridge they are working on and there may be some addition cost.

New Lisbon - They are waiting on the specs to pay on bridge 249

Castor Township - They are still needing a Distribution Agreement and several documents including bid procurement.

City of Dexter - Lambert is going thru the paperwork and is getting procurement paperwork from Crystal Bishop.

New Lisbon Township - Lambert is waiting for the bridge specifications on County Road 249 in order to proceed further.  

Broadband/Internet -  Lambert suggested sending the broadband project agreement to the county attorney for review.  This agreement was brought in by Loyd Rice, GoSEMO Fiber and was for the Commissioners to look at as it and review.  

Mark Crisel - Business Owner in Puxico and President of the Puxico Improvement Corporation said that the city of Puxico had been dealing with the internet or lath of internet for six years.  He said the CDBG grant fell through and probably rightfully so due to the issues with the grant.  He also said that the $1 million in ARPA funds ear marked for the broadband should be given to still earmarked for broadband.

"People in Puxico area are unable to conduct business from their homes," stated Crisel.  "They must make drives into the city of Puxico to serve their customers or in the case of doctors they can't even make virtual calls from their homes."

"I would rather take this money and get everything out of it that we can vs waiting another three to five years in the future for any other grant/BEAD money and hope that someone bids on that project," continued Crisel.  "Just on my county road there is one doctor, two insurance agents and three businesses. No other internet service provider has stepped up, not Sparklight, BPS, Windstream or even AT&T to help with this area."

Logan Lowery - Owner of Lowery Farms - "We can't even use our current internet to conduct online business or even run credit/debit cards sometimes because the available internet is such poor quality.  Our kids will need internet and access to do their homework.  We just want to get the ball rolling on getting internet!"

Steve Crisel - Puxico School Board Member - He asked about the map of the proposed broadband coverage for rural Puxico that was having on the wall in the Commission chamber by Loyd Rice with GoSEMO Fiber.  Rice explained that the map was the 40 miles of which GoSEMO Fiber would provide coverts a s part of the 1 million dollar project.  Rice said originally it was let to believe that there was an additional 30 - 35 miles that would also need broadband.  This was from Conexon, the engineers for the CDBG grant; however he said he was hard pressed to find an additional 10 miles.  he said this would provide serve to nearly the entire rural area. and would be a 12 month project once shovels are in the ground.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis said this was the first time the Commission had seen the map and said details with this project are being updated weekly.  Which means what the commission can and cannot approve keeps changing.

Loy Rice, GoSEMO Fiber, informed the Commission that he was asked by his board of directors to start moving toward on an agreement with the County or they would need to pivot and move on to another project.  

Linda Roberts - Concerned Citizen - She asked if the $1 million was not spent on the broadband where would it be spent.  Mathis said they only considered that move due to another grant being available.  It is called the BEAD grant.  The $1 million could go towards other projects yet to be identified.  Commissioner C.D. Stewart said that the BEAD grant was considered because the Commission thought there would be monies available to cover the expense of the project.  They were not just going to pull the money for no reason; however the BEAD Grant may not be available for two or more years. "I work remotely from home and some days can't get internet and AT&T just doesn't help us.  We need good internet, stated Roberts"

Commissioner Mathis asked Rice to get a final agreement from his board detailing what they would do or not do.  Rice agreed and said it would be signed by him and his CEO.  There was not space on the agreement for 12 signatures of the board.  Mathis stated that was fine.

Peter Coutavas - Puxico City Alderman and Industrial Development Association (IDA) Director - "We have received a letter from GoSEMO Fiber with a commitment to wire up the city limits of Puxico."

City of Essex - The city of Essex has now requested ARPA funds for street repair within their city.  They have been turned down the last two years for CDBG grants.  The lowest project was a match of $75,000.  They are requesting $50,000 in ARPA funds.  Commissioner Mathis stated your request is in the hopper, but there no guarantee at this point and he could make no promises.

Bell City Fire Dept - They asked for ARPA funds in January 2022 and were asked by the previous Commission to obtain other funding such as a CDBG grant from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.  The representative, John Scherer said a new station would give them room house all of their equipment in one place rather than run around town to multiple buildings to gather equipment.  Their first attempt to get a grant failed and they are attempting agin; however they were wondering if the money would still be available as they would not know until 2024 if they received the grant or not.  Also was it worth it to go after that grant at prevailing rates and the project cost more or have to be scaled back.

There request was for $253,170.00 for the fire station and a safe room.

Lambert stated that on Friday, July 14th that the city of Dudley had provided a request for ARPA monies on October 7, 2021.  They are not on the current spreadsheet created by Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.  The County is ok on the money thus far for paying out ARPA funds; however going forward if they paid out all requests they would be negative $669,135.76.  They have received more requests than funds available.  Lambert provided the Commission with an updated lists of requests and those that had been approved and paid out.   The total amount of ARPA funds was $5,637,766.00  They have received /the Commission has earned $130,038.80 in interest from placing funds in money market accounts.  Funds requested are at $6,436,940.56.  They have paid out $799,856.17 thus far.

Beau Bishop - Stoddard County EMA Director

He passed out two funding proposals for ARPA Funds.  The first was for the outdoor warning siren upgrade.  He said this proposal intends to extend the life of the sirens.  Total cost of the proposal is $78,000.

The second was the MOSWIN Radio funding proposal.  This proposal intends to provide MOSWIN Radios to the county fire departments and emergency medical responders as they provide public safety duties to the citizens and travelers in Stoddard Count.

He said, "If everybody got on board with this project it would open additional channels for easier communication.  The project budget is $423,500.  However this amount may be lowered because Josh Speakman, county collector stated that these radios have already been purchased for the city of Advance.  This purchase was made independently from the proposal the EMA Director prepared.

Other Business

Peter Coutavas - IDA - "The Wildflower has opened and it is a beautiful boutique.  The store next to it will be a coffee shop."  Also on North Prairie Street I have been working with Amy Haas, President of the Bloomfield Chamber and there will be a new business as well."

The Commission will close the Board of Equalization on Monday, July 26, 2023.

BRO Bridge Update - Mathis stated there were 7 bridges picked and Stoddard County was not chosen to have a bridge replacement.

Motion to accept the regular minutes from July 10, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the Closed Session minutes from July 10, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the Closed Session minutes from July 3, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to enter into Closed Session at 12:17 p.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.