The Stoddard County Commissioners' meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis.

Duck Creek Township

Doug Lowery was asking about the ARPA monies and in need of a bridge repaired. " We have three families that have built homes just past the bridge," stated Lowery.

"We had to cut some folks when we discovered an error.  We have about $188,000 available, but we are not committing to anyone at this time until we see where we are," stated Mathis.

Clarence Smith, President of Water District #4

"We were turned down for some funds earlier and since there is $188,000 available and we would like to put our name in the hat if there is a hat available," stated Smith.

"We have an urgent need for a computer and are desperately in need of replacing our computer," continued Smith. "We still have a few problems, but we are fixing leaks as they occur."

"No decision will be made on how to allocate these particular ARPA funds until after the first of the year," stated Mathis.

Williams Dowdy, Stoddard County Maintenance

"We counted existing phones throughout, but we did not count phone jacks as they were unoccupied.  The reason for this was the number of licenses needed.  Fast forward to now we have added people and now we have maxed out and we need to expand the system.  We have to buy a license for each data card and each card covers a certain number of extension lines.  The phone system was put in about three years ago.  We need to expand this system," stated Dowdy. "The cost from SEMO Technologies would be  $2,671.84 for about 24 lines to be added to the buildings."

Update on the County Courthouse Clock

After texting the owner of S&N Clock Repair, the owner stated they were scheduled to come on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  This has been an ongoing process for almost three years to get the clock repaired.

We have been a tough time to get down there, but we are scheduled to be down there on Thursday and I will book some time all next week to get everything done.  I have the wiring and the motors done and just need to pick up a relay and it should be striking by the end of the next week.  Set a completion date of November 3, 2023. S&N Clock owned by Sean Barnes put in a quote of $5,000 on October 26, 2021 to repair the clock and then annually $800 to maintain the clock each year.  This was voted on by the previous Commission.

Also the roof has some issues with the rain.  Mathis said this a process that will need to be bid out as the only quote received was from R.L. Persons Construction at a cost of $120,998.00.  

Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer

"It is tax season a said due to the number of people coming in we have added some part time staff," stated Speakman.  "Signs for the 30 minute parking to be placed in the front of the building, Probably the first week of November and then again in December to help people being able to park close to the building"

"I think we can send out a mass email to the employees not to park on the east side of the government building and along the west of the building and in front of the building"

We implemented a new program/tool in the Collector's office called ENGAGE, so if a taxpayer calls in and can't pay by coming in we can send a text alert to their phone with a link and then they can pay.  They can pay online, debit/credit card or come in and pay," continued Speakman.

There were no minutes available at the moment for the October 16, 2023 meeting for open and closed.  The Commission should have available next week.

CERF Annual Contribution Election 2023

Effective January 2, 2002, an additional 4% of compensation was required on behalf of employees hired on or after February 25, 2002, to be directed to CERF.

Motion to accept the CERF Annual Contribution and everything will be the same through the 2024 year made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted and motion passed.

Motion to move into closed session made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Jarrell at 10:47 p.m.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

The Stoddard County Commissioners opened their weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for the community, Israel, and Mrs. Jarrell's husband, who is ill.  

Commissioner Carol Jarrell will not be attending today as her husband is under the weather.

Katleyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

Water District #5 requested additional approved funds in the amount of $5,563.23.  Mrs. Lambert stated that all the paperwork was in order.   They have $50,724.87 left of their approved ARPA funding.

Motion to pay PSWD #5 $5,563.23 for reimbursement on ARPA Funds for Project 1 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Mathis.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

Updated spreadsheet available to the Commission.

According to the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission the Stoddard County Commission has available $188,943.04 not allocated to anyone.  This is due to some interest and other projects that were not approved.

Daniel Kingree, Project Manger/Water with Horner Shifrin 

"Just wanted to introduce myself as the Project Manager with Horner Shifrin," stated Kingree. "We would like to be able to help in any way we can to assist on projects."

They have had an office since 2012; however have never bid on any Stoddard County projects that anyone could remember.  There are three engines and about 150 employees.  They work with water, waste water, and road repair projected.

Issue with Speeding on Northveiw Drive in the County

Northview Drive is located on the east side of Country Club entrance off Three Mile Road and they have had an issue with speeding in the area. for quite some time.   

Mr. Mark McMillion is the spokesman for the group who attended todays meeting.  He is a resident of Northview Drive.  Also four other families were in attendance.  "We have spoken to people up and down the street and are concerned about our children and pets.  We have about 15 or more homes on Northview St.  In my opinion these folks are speeding in excess of 50 - 60 mph."  The current speed limit is 25 mph.

One of the families on the street has spoken to this particular family that seems to be doing the majority of the speeding.  We have spoken to Sheriff's office including Hunter Davis on May 10th and I spoke to a MO Highway Patrol Officer Arron Grainer on July 6th.  We have a few videos of the speeders and a verbal discussion with the people," continued McMillion.

"We have asked about us putting in our own speed bumps with Liberty Township, but then we would be liable for any accidents.  Liberty won't put them in because the snow plows and emergency vehicles have issues with the speed bumps.

Retired Marine Veteran and citizen that lives on the street stated, " Yes there is a danger to children and pets.  My front yard is like a strip at Nascar.  It is dumbfounding to see what is going on up there and in terms of quality of life it is not good.  People are flipping us off and a particular family is racing down the street.  You are on the edge of a drag strip and it's part of their daily entertainment and they don't care.  I am trying to do something for our community.  A change has to be made and this is an opportunity to fix."  

There are signs, but they ignore them according to McMillion.

Andy Holden, Sheriff's Department stated, "As far as speed bumps go and emergency vehicles I don't think that is an issue and we will navigate those.  Sounds like to me as a neighborhood has done what I would have done."

"We don't have radar guns and have never had them," continued Holden. " We can stop them and ticket them for C and I, but we can't write them a speeding ticket; however Highway Patrol can do that.  We can put out a patrol car there, but the county is large and if they have to respond to another call then they do have to leave.   It is with a very nice neighborhood and I will try to help you in any way I can."

The residents of the area presented a petition to address the speeding in their residential neighborhood outside of the city limit:

The residents of Glenwook Hills, specifically Northview Drive in Dexter are writing to express our deepest concerns regarding the ongoing issue of speeding in their residential area.  Despite the clearly posted 25 mph speed limit signs, we have observed numerous instances of vehicles exceeding the speed limit, endangering the safety and well being of our community.  We believe that immediate action is necessary to address this problem and ensure the safety of our neighborhood.  We are particularly concerned about the safety of our children, pets, and elderly people who reside in our neighborhood.  The presence of speeding vehicles poses a significant risk to their well-being.  Our neighborhood is home to numerous families with young children who often play outside, ride bicycles or walk.  Additionally, many residents have beloved pets that they walk or allow to roam within designated areas.  The current speeding issues puts these vulnerable members of our community at an increased risk of accidents, injuries or even death.  We strongly urge immediate action to ensure the safety of our children and pets by implementing the aforementioned measures to address speeding in our residential area.

We kindly request your support and assistance in implementing the following measures:

1. Increased police presence

2. Decreasing the speed limit

3. Traffic calming measures

4. Additional Signage

Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk

"It is hard to find anyone to do county audits, last year we bid it out in November.  I would like to put that out for bids to find an audit firm soon," commented Weeks. "Daniel Jones is currently performing our 2022 audit."

Motion to give Cecil Weeks, County Clerk, permission to bid out the financial single audit for the 2023 year made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to except the minutes from the open session on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart 

A request by Sawyer Smith it enter into Closed Session requiring personnel at 11:35 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis.  Both voted yes and motion passed.

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.