Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the regular Monday morning Commissioner meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for all Stoddard County citizens.
Motion to approve the August 12, 2024 regular session minutes made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the August 12, 2024 closed session minutes made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed. No voting was done during closed session.
Peter Coutavas, City of Puxico Alderman
Coutavas talked about the 77th Annual V.F.W. Puxico Homecoming. "The event went very well," commented Coutavas. " We had good weather and a tremendous amount of people came out and participated in the many events including the 5K Goat Run, Pageants, music, square dancing, the carnival, the Owl Calling contest, tractor show, car show, class reunions, and the parade.
Colter Gaebler, Smith & Co. Engineers
Bridge County Road 752 - "Will be replacing a pipe during the construction and raising the road," commented Gaebler. "We have had zero success getting on to the property to get the easement. We can't get in touch with the owners." Mr. Gaebler is going out there after the meeting.
"If we replace the guardrail the cost is about $5,000 - $10,000 on the top end. The Commissioner would be responsible for 11% for a soft match," explained Gaebler.
Commission Stewart asked about the width of the bridge so that farm equipment could cross. "I think we will be able to make it wide enough," Gaebler stated. "I think they can get a combine header over the top of the guard rail, it's maybe 24" off the ground."
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asked Mr. Gaebler to touch base with the Elk Township Board members since this bridge is in their area, especially if there are going to be any changes.
"We have never had any issues like this before, it is odd." stated Gabeler. "If we get this signed today it would be at least 6 weeks before we could get started. I am sure all the bridge contractors are pretty busy, but we will have to bid this out."
Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector/Treasurer
Speakman spoke about the SB190 Senior Tax Credit as he is receiving applications for the tax credit. This will not affect the 2024 taxes; however it will go in effect for the 2025 tax season. The new application form will be on the Collector's website this week.
"I attended the summer board meeting for Missouri Association of Counties (MAC). The big topic was the solar panels and MAC is developing a resolution to get things rolling on the solar panels," commented Speakman.
Tax Sale Auction is Monday at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Old Courthouse.
Public Hearing Tax Levies Hearing Opens at 10:00 a.m.
Motion to enter into the 2024 Public Hearing Tax Levies Session made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 1 Reformed at $1.50 per acre made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 7 at $1.00 per acre made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 13-33 set at 10% Maintenance Levy w/a $10.00 minimum made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate for Drainage District No. 14 10% Maintenance Levy w/ a $10 minimum made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate for Drainange District No. 17 at 10% Maintenance Levy made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to set the tax rate Drainage District No. 19 at $2.50 per acre made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
In addition, a Public Hearing to set the 2024 Tax Levy for the Stoddard County SB40 Board.
Public Hearing Senate Bill SB40
"The building project at the Stoddard County workshop is about mid-way," commented Devin Miller, administrator of the Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop. "We definitely do not want the tax levy lowered."
The Sheltered Workshop has 24 employees and operating a recycling service for five counties. They also fulfill contracts with Allen Wire and DeWitt out of Sikeston, Missouri.
Miller stated his concerns about having the Sheltered Workshop having to "beg" or "ask" for monies that are already designated to go to the Worship through a tax.
Do you submit a budget to the SB40 Board and ask for "X" amount of dollars to get through the year," asked Commissioner Jarrell. "Do you have to ask at each meeting for money for a project?"
"We do receive a monthly check from SB40 only covers one part of a month of payroll. I do a budget based upon what they send us each month as per the contract. If we do projects then we can ask for money," explained Miller. "But at the end of the day, if we did not have the Sheltered Workshop, we would not have the tax."
Brad Hubbard, Stoddard County Workshop Board Member, stated he can't get an answer as to how the Sheltered Workshop receives their money from the SB40 Board.
According to the most recent audit stated that the SB40 had roughly $297,089 on hand in their bank account. It is estimated they will receive approximately $487,000 this year.
"The Commission's job is not to tell the SB40 how to spend their monies; however it is our job to appoint board members and set the tax levy for the SB40 Board," stated Commissioner Mathis.
Motion to leave the SB40 2024 tax levy at .094 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to enter back into regular session at 10:45 a.m. made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management Director
"The teams that came in after the declaration was accounted and have gone door to door, talking to people especially those registered online for the FEMA assistance," commented Bishop. "They were on the ground for two weeks and have now left the area. They were very enthused that everyone was very nice."
"SBA and SEMA have been in town meeting with people at the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission building. They have averaged about 7 people per day about 85 people so far in total. They are available Monday - Friday and even on Saturday," commented Bishop.
"We had a debriefing where all the road districts and townships were invited to see if they had any unmet needs, five attended, Duck Creek, New Lisbon were two of the townships who came and have also asked for ARPA Funds from the Commission," stated Bishop. "Dimension Church on Business Highway 60 has also reached out and have filled out paperwork for assistance."
The Hazardous Mitigation Grant has opened up and right now at application time it is a 75/25 grant, but could move to be a 90/10 grant. Bishop would like to add three more weather sirens in northern Bloomfield, Aquila and Advance areas. Notice of Interest will need to be submitted by September 6, 2024 and then will be in for that grant cycle. If the County isn't chosen for the grant then the notice of interest is on file for two years.
Motion to approve the EMA Director to proceed with Application of Interest for three additional storm sirens made by Commission C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Alan Hedrick, Stafford and Stafford Insurance of Dexter
"We had discussion last week on Property Insurance and how we are going to proceed with finding the best property insurance quotes available," stated Commissioner Mathis. "We typically do this every four years."
"We are currently unaware of any issues or problems maintaining the insurance with the County," commented Hedrick. "We meet at least once a year with Cecil Week's County Clerk to see if there is anything the County needs. We also go to the markets each and every year and make sure your rates are viable and strong even though you all don't bid out but every four years."
"What I would really like to do is make my point to the fact that hopefully you will see the importance in our insurance agency and myself and how much we have vested in Stoddard County," continued Hedrick. "We aren't just a local agency, but we are tied to professional insurance group and I am a professional insurance agent. I continuously stay up on the issues and everything I can for you as Commissioners. Your account is extremely important to you and we want to be there to help you now and in the future."
"We don't need to close our eyes to everyone out there," stated Commissioner Stewart. "I would be more interested on where we are on price. Part of our obligation is to represent the whole county and get the best deal for them, to get the best price and what comes along with that. We need to open it up to everyone."
"As long as I have been here you have done and excellent job," stated Commissioner Jarrell. "You were around when no one would insure us and Traveler's was the only company that would take us on and that is when we changed to Traveler's. Our loss ratio was higher at that time. I like that you are local and we should shop local. I like it that I can come down to your office and speak to you eyeball to eyeball and not get someone on the phone on the other side of the state."
"We will vote next week on moving forward to seek qualifications for a broker/agent," stated Mathis.
Other Business:
On September 2nd the offices will be closed due to the Labor Day Holiday. On September 3rd the Commission will meet at 9 a.m.
Mathis spoke to Chuck Kasting at Stoddard County Ambulance District and thinks he has everything he wanted so he may not use the ARPA funds. Total was about $8,000.
The Commission is aware that the clock is no longer working again at the old courthouse. The maintenance person who repaired the clock has been contacted.
Motion to adjourn at 11:52 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Mr. Greg Mathis, Presiding Commissioner. He thanked the poll workers during the election as well as all the candidates who put their names in as well as those elected.
Mary Ann Williamson Letter
Mathis passed out a letter received from Mary Ann Williamson of Williamson Family Farms. She stated that she had a very positive experience that she had with the EMA Director, Beaut Bishop, during a very difficult time that many Stoddard Countians faced on the May 26th with the tornado damage. Their farm in Essex took a direct hit from the tornado that Sunday morning. The tree and debris situation was overwhelming. She reached out to Beau, who responded by coming to the farm to discuss with her what to expect in terms of help, timeframes, etc. Beau coordinated with a volunteer church group from Cape Girardeau to come out and assist them. They successfully removed a tree from a building as well as cleaned up as much debris as possible. The group was profession and very supportive in attitude. Beau was present during their work and she appreciated the hands-on attitude he displayed. Special thanks to Beau Bishop for all his help during this time.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
"The small business administration is available along side FEMA," stated Lambert. "We had a lot of the public come in on Friday. They have also been going out to the people's homes to let them know they are available in the gym at the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission if any one has questions or needs assistance due to the tornado damage."
ARPA Funds Update:
"I have contacted just about everyone on the list of open projects," stated Lambert. "Here are a few items that are still out to be addressed."
Water District #2 does have a request to draw down $4,894.35. Replacing meters and getting them up to date.
Motion to pay $4,893.35 out of ARPA funds to Public Water District #2 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Water District #5 has the computer system in place, but the meters are not correctly reading just yet and were a little off. Dave Cooper, president of Water District #5 won't pay anyone until it is working perfectly.
She has called SCAD several times and no one has come in. Mathis will go directly to Chuck Kasting to find out why they have not returned her calls and not put in for the computers he asked for almost two years ago with ARPA funding.
Bell City Fire has signed the Procurement Letter for the sidewalk and concrete area.
Bernie Water Basin has selected a contractor and know they have to use prevailing wages.
City of Advance has been using the new sewer camera and they finally made a decision on which areas to hit with this project and have a map now. Once finalized they can go out to bid.
Bloomfield Wastewater are in their 2nd stage of a CDBG hearing so we will know something soon.
City of Essex - CDGB application submitted and should hear by the end of the year. They could use the $50,000 on the streets if they do not get the grant as they have been turned down twice before.
Dudley Special Road District - They can go ahead and get the gravel. They have done the procurement as well.
Water District #6 needs to replace their meters and need $150,000 though there is not that much left in the ARPA Funds. I am just letting you know and we are looking at other grants as well.
Stoddard County received $5,637,766.00. By putting this money into money market accounts they have accumulated $249,257.73 in interest.
"We need to get Beau in here and nail down the money distributed to the Townships for gravel that was washed away in May," stated Mathis.
Lambert also stated that the Full Board Meeting and Community Meeting for the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday to discuss what Grants available. This meeting is open to only County and City employees, Annual dinner to be finalized in October as well.
SB40 Board Member Vacancy
SB40 Board and recently appointed Patricia Holloway to the board and she is going to resign that position.
Motion to place an ad in the paper for a board member for the SB40 Board made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The deadline is Monday, August 26th to apply for the SB40 Board.
New Business:
Pater Coutavas, IDA
"I have a discretionary fund of $40,000 that I can give to individuals throughout the county," commented Coutavas. "I Distributed $100 to Ghost Cafe' for their BBQ Bash in the Park and $400 for a mixer. I gave Wildflower Boutique $471 for a hat and shirt press machine to help with her business."
$35,000 towards to the Bloomfield Improvement Corporation loan to a person to purchase a building and will refurbish the building and rent it out. This was a loan and will be paid back.
$22,900 to the Bloomfield Improvement Corporation to Townsend for a work-out gym
$750,000 for the hotel group and that went to the city of Dexter
MoDOT Scenic By-Way Update
Presiding Commissioner Mathis emailed a Letter of Intent to Jennifer J. Hall, Outdoor Advertising Manager for the Missouri Department of Transportation in Springfield, MO office stating that Stoddard County Commission has an interest in the scenic by-way. All the information will be gathered and there will be a public hearing at some point.
"We just want more information on the scenic byway and in no way shape or form are we endorsing this project," stated Mathis.
Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk's Office
Mr. Weeks passed out a voucher from Roper Excavating for work performed on Ditch 13-33 and Ditch #14 totaling $105,000.
Motion to pay Roper Excavating $14,117.65 for excavation and ditch work on Ditch 13-33 and Ditch #14 Draining District 13-33 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All there voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to authorizes payment to Roper Excavating $77,293.31 out of Ditch #14 funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to authorize payment to Roper Excavating in the amount of $13,589.04 out of General Revenue fund for excavating of Ditch #13-33 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Election Information
Election turn-out is usually about 30-35 % for the primary which is about the norm in Stoddard County. 6,078 total voters casted their ballots.
"We hope to have everything certified today as we have had folks out of the office," commented Weeks.
Mathis questioned about people not being allowed to vote because they have become an invective voter because their mail was returned. According to Weeks there were only two county wide with that issue.
Blue Provisional Ballot - If you do not have a photo ID you can vote Blue Provision Ballots. Then the resolution judges will verify signatures in order for the vote to count.
Yellow Provisional Ballot - Not in the voter registration system,the poll judge can't find their name. Legitimate reason to remove is that you didn't vote in two general elections. There was only 6 yellow provisions ballots cast in the county.
Inactive Voter - Election mail will not be forwarded as it is the law. If they have moved or canceled their P.O. Box their mail will be returned to the Clerk's office. They have to keep their address up-to-date. If they don't they will not be able to vote and the polls, but will have to come to the Clerk's office and update their address.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell and Statement About the Election
Commissioner Carol Jarrell thanked her Lord and Savior for giving her a good 16 years as a Commissioner for Stoddard County. She thanked her family for standing beside her and supporting her.
"I want to thank the voters for 16 years of faith and trust," commented Jarrell. "I congratulate Mr. Wes Howard and feel he will serve the county well. it has been such a prevue working with all the elected officials and employees. We have a very strong county and proud and passionate about this county. You, Greg, are the best presiding commissioner I have worked with and you serve the county well. It doesn't matter what color hat you wear. It's been an honor to get to know you handiwork along side of you, referring to C.D. Stewart. You are a great commissioner of your district. Thank you Mr. Smith and Miss Dee for your continued coverage of our government. God closes one door, but opens another and I just appreciate all of you and thank you very much."
US Small Business Association -
Declaration in the State and the county has been included, FEMA and Small Business Administration. FEMA is short term and SBA long term and offers loans...two types of loans property damage and economic disaster loan for for small business for any expenses they may have like payroll, water, etc.
Deadlines - September 23rd for physical damages.
Make sure that people are aware of these deadlines.
Re-bid the Property Insurance
"I know the gentleman from Higgenbottom came in and introduced himself. I am assuming if we choose to bid this out we would do a bid to place in the newspapers." commented Mathis.
Weeks stated that there were only about three insurances that would cover counties with county jails. At least that is what he had heard.
"We will put this on next week's Agenda to discuss placing a bid for either insurance for property or brokers," commented Mathis.
Old Business:
Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from Monday, August 3, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the July 2024 Ads and Abates from Collector Josh Speakman made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith needed to enter into closed session at 1 p.m. ; however he needed to move that up to an earlier time.
Motion to enter into closed session at 11:17 a.m. made by Commissioner C. D. Stewart, seconded by Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission held their regularly scheduled Monday morning, July 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
New Business
Missouri Veteran's Cemetery via the Bloomfield Assistance League of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Inc. gave the County easement to the 40 acres owned by the County. A document was filed by Mr. James R. Tweedy, Attorney, Bloomfield for a Deed for Easement. The letter of the Deed for Easement was received by the Commission to be filed.
"The Dexter Veterinary Clinic has not received a check for the treatment of the K9 officer for the Sheriff's Dept and I would like approval to reissue the check," stated Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis. Motion made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commission C.D. Stewart. The amount of the check was $950.81 which included a prior balance.
There was some discussion on the Districts and how they are divided in Stoddard County. In a township form of government the districts have to be divided by townships and not a line by population.
District 2 includes Elk Township and Liberty Township. District 1 is all other townships in Stoddard County, Missouri.
Board of Appeals opened last week and will close next week by state statute according to Mathis.
No Excuse Absentee Voting begins on Wednesday, July 23, 2024 at the Stoddard County Clerk's Office from 8:30 - 4:30 Monday - Friday and the only Saturday before the election from 8 a.m.- Noon.
Judge Brad Jarrell Requesting Some Updates to Courtrooms
Judge Jarrell stated a lady in the courtroom slipped and fell from a chair with casters in Courtroom C where they do not have carpet. "This courtroom is not conducive for rolling chairs," commented Jarrell. "It would be good to have carpet in that courtroom."
Also the carpet is in bad shape and ripping in Courtroom A and Courtroom B and needs to be replaced. "We could go ahead and add carpet to Courtroom C," commented Jarrell. "We will take the casters off the chairs and put them in the jury boxes. and take those chairs and move to the courtroom areas. That will help keep the chairs from moving and prevent future issues."
Other Business
Motion to accept the minutes from July 15, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the minutes from Tuesday, July 16, 2024 of the Board of Equalization made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Greg Mathis. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"There was a meeting set for August 5th to discuss the Scenic Byway and I don't think we are at this point yet and no need for the meeting yet," stated Commissioner Mathis.
The Commission has decided not to publish the three Johnson Board openings in the local newspaper. "I will contact those and see if they want to stay on the board," stated Mathis. "There is no need at this time to publish the board opening." The three people on the Johnson Board terms expired on December 31, 2023.
Motion to enter into Closed session for personnel issues at 11:03 a.m. made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell at 11:03 a.m., seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the weekly meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for our community, former President Donald Trump and the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the rally.
Katelyn Lambert, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
Lambert updated the spreadsheet for the ARPA Funds. The interest is not up to date on this spreadsheet; however it is up to date as of June 30, 2024. The Interest from the ARPA funds totals $249,257.73.
"I am going to ask Beau Bishop to come in next week to see if there are any federal funds coming down from the Governor," commented Mathis.
Dudley Special Road District received three bids for gravel. They had requested approximately $40,000 Lambert told the Commission.
The bid process has started for the Bernie Water Basin with regards to ARPA and they will not be using prevailing wages. There was a final rule to not use prevailing wages if it is sole source funding
Tuesday, Annual Foundation Board Meeting for the IDA
Peter Coutavas, Director spoke to the Commissioners about the IDA
There will be the Annual Foundation Board Meeting for the IDA.
"I established a Special Allocation Fund two years ago," commented Peter Coutavas, Director of the IDA. "It is a special fund of $40,000 to give to businesses at my discretion. This year I have only spent $11,000."
This Special Allocation Fund is in its second year and has been very successful. Monies distributed to help businesses in the form of signage, A/C repairs, replacing rotted vent pipe, furnace repairs, support art club, washing machine, bakers mixer, BBQ BASH sponsor for a city park, theatre support, food truck, ARC Christmas party sponsor Dexter Mother's Day lunch, Puxico Weekly Presss office improvements, gravel and drain pipe, Eagle Days, and Fire Dept Tanks. These monies go to supplement items that are needed by businesses.
"If I can help in a ny way with giving a little money then I have the power to give a few hundred dollars here and there," Coutavas said. "It really does help a struggling business or bringing in a new business, or even a charity trying to raise money. Each city has a $5,000 fund I can use at my discretion and it is working. This year I only spent $11,000."
"Our landfill receipts for this fiscal year have been received," commented Coutavas.
Totals for the year are 1st Quarter - $85,060.98, 2nd Quarter - $79,904.01, 3rd Quarter - $74,836.46 totaling $239,801.45 thus far with 4th Quarter still to be received.
The 1/2 million dollar grant fund has been distributed this fiscal year have been sent to Dudley $ $31,857.50Puxico $50,000, Bernie $45,000, Bloomfield $50,000 and Puxico $18,585 which goes to their Improvement Corporations to help struggling or new businesses inter communities.
Income comes from the landfill, $1.50 for every ton that goes into the landfill....it is a tipping fee per Mathis.
"We are also assisting with the hotel fund with the sewer and water fund for $750,000 to the city of Dexter," continued Coutavas.
Mathis asked if there was an Enhanced Enterprise Zone Committee? No one was for sure there was a board for that. More investigation into the committee will be performed prior to the next Commission meeting.
Air Conditioning Issues in the IDA Building and the Wildflower Boutique
Motion to seek bids to replace the HVAC and Heating unit in the IDA Building made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
SB190 Senior Citizens Tax Credit Application by Josh Speakman, County Collector/Treasurer
"I don't want to make it a hinderance this year, but want to make sure it is the person applying for it and not someone else," commented Speakman.
Motion to authorizes Speakman to adopt the Tax Credit Application to use the last 4 digits of the social security and to have the document notizarized was made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"This is something new and a key point you made earlier is that we may have to make some changes in the future to this document," stated Mathis.
The Collector/Treasurer's office will have employees who can Notarize the documents. Application process will begin September 1, 2024.
Update on the Clean-Out of Drainage Ditches #13-33 and #14
Commissioner C.D. Stewart has looked at the drainage areas that need to be cleaned out per their previous bid. This was not in the original bid process, but really needs to be completed. The ditches nor of Highway 25 will cost an addition $800 and the ditch along Highway C will cost an additional $6,000 and other areas will cost an additional $7,950 totally $14,750.
Motion to extend the clean-out of ditch clearing and clean out on ditch #13.33 north of Hwy 25 in the amount of $8,750.00 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
"We have the money to do this and will be taken out of general revenue because they don't have the money," stated Mathis. "This is a 25 year clean-out and I am not going to let $15,000 keep us from doing this. We have the money in general revenue."
Motion to extend the clean-out of ditch clearing and clean-out on Ditch 14 extending to County Road 208 in the amount of $6,000.00 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion regarding Change Order #1 and Change Order #2 Stoddard County Commissioner authorizes to use General Revenue Funds if funds are not available in those Ditch accounts made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded Commission Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Scenic Byway
"I think we need to get a meeting together to let folks know," stated Commissioner C.D. Stewart.
The Commissioner decided to make August 5th a date that citizens can attend the Commission meeting and discuss the Scenic Byway.
Board of Equalization Closure
On Tuesday, July 16th the Board of Equalization will close at 10 a.m. As of today no one has made an appointment. The Board of Appeals will open at that time.
Johnson Grass Board
The Dept of Agriculture usually sends a letter out. Mathis has a letter from April 2024 and needs to update the three board members. Their term expired in December 2023. Mathis and Stewart will get with those three board members to see if they want to serve another 3 year term. The Commission decided at this time not to advertise the positions.
Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department
A deputy wrecked a car and the insurance will be paying, but they haven't heard if the vehicle is totaled yet, but sure looks to be totaled. Sheriff Hefner is requesting to go ahead and replace the car with a truck.
"Our trucks seem to be holding up so much better than the SUVs we have currently," stated Hefner. "The radio equipment was salvageable and that's about all."
The Sheriff's department already had a state bid available from Lou Fusz, an authorized dealer in St. Louis.
"We have 8 vehicles and they all have 200,000+ miles on them," stated Hefner. "We got a little behind trading them out."
"The deputy was injured and so with the canine officer," but not too bad," continued Hefner.
Motion to order the new vehicle for the Stoddard County Sheriff's Dept to replace the wrecked vehicle in the amount of $51,400 F150 Truck Super Crew with police package made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Other Business
Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 8, 2024 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to approve the Bid Opening Meeting minutes from July 8, 2024 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to end the meeting at noon made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis opened the regularly scheduled Commission meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the 1221st Transportation Unit who lost one of their own, Mr. Landewee, his family, the county employees and emergency management and first responders.
Josh Speakman, Stoddard County Collector, Agreement with Puxico Tax Collections
"The City of Puxico reached out to me a few weeks ago" commented Speakman. "Bloomfield, Essex and Bernie have already done so and I presented to them the ability to collect taxes for the city.
"The governing body of both the city and the county have to bless this agreement before I can move forward," continued Speakman. "The city of Puxico voted yes at their last meeting and now I am asking the Commission to agree to the arrangement."
This is an agreement between Josh Speakman, acting as Collector and the City. He would receive a 1099 at the end of the year and the County receives 1% to go to general revenue.
Motion Stoddard County Commission accepts the agreement between the Collector and the city of Puxico made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Drainage District with Clean-up on #13-33 and Ditch 14
"We are asking that MoDOT divert or consider diverting the water from the swamp low lying area down the north size of Hwy 25 going southwest to ditch 13-33 and 14. The highway ditch is already established, but would need excavated deeper to make this happen," stated Speakman.
"This area of issue, along Hwy 25 has been an existing issue for some time now, with water levels consistent and on the edge of the road that seems to remain and higher than normal levels of rlonger than normal periods of time."
Stoddard County has invested nearly $100,000 dollars on the ditch cleanup project on the north end of the county.
Speakman is spearheading this request. This would be in Little River Drainage system. No motion was made today.
SB190 Tax Credit for the Elderly
"I had two questions about the application," commented Speakman. "One is whether or not to put the Social Security number on the application and if it has to be notarized or not. The ball is in your court (referring to the Commission) as to the decision on these two matters."
Mathis stated they would look at the application and decide next week.
Cecil Weeks, Stoddard County Clerk - Election Update
Only 11 people have voted in the office thus far for the Primary in August. Absentee voting began on June 25th.
"In the last Presidential election the turnout was low for the August primary," commented Weeks. "Only 7,032 people voted in Stoddard County, that's only 36% turnout."
July 24th is the last day to request an Absentee Ballot by mail. You can come up to the government building in Bloomfield and get an Absentee Ballot.
The Saturday prior to the Primary the County Clerk's office will be open all day and on Monday, August 5th will be open until 5 p.m. so people can come in and vote.
Johnson Grass in Liberty Township
Mr. Mathis had received a call from a citizen regarding Johnson Grass in Liberty Township. He contacted someone on the board and they stated that they had already sprayed once and have some additional chemicals on order. They are behind due to picking up the limbs from the storm damage in May.
Dee Loflin, owner of the ShowMe Times asked about the Johnson Grass Board. There are three members on the board and their terms expired in December of 2023. The Commission appoints the board members and typically the Dept of Agriculture sends a reminder letter. No further action was taken at this time.
Scenic Byway Update
All Commissioners have looked over the information and letter received. Mathis said they can possibly get a public meeting set for July 19th.
Peter Coutavas, City of Puxico Alderman, stated that the city will discuss at their regular meeting next week on Thursday, July 18th at 6 p.m. He will discuss the byway coming through Puxico.
Air Conditioner at the IDA Building, owned by the County
Presiding Commissioner Mathis said that the IDA paid $900 to put freon in and there is still a slow leak. He has spoken to Alisha Trammell, Treasuer and Peter Coutavas, Director of the IDA. During the Commission meeting he stated that he has spoken to William Dowdy, Maintenance, who will get some specs on the unit. This will need to be bid out since it will be over $12,000.
The Community Center in Bloomfield, Missouri Grand Opening
Kerri Standley attend the meeting on behalf of the city of Bloomfield and invited everyone to attend a ribbon cutting. The city of Bloomfield received a $2 million dollar CDB Grant to building the new Community Center next to the city park.
On Friday, July 12th there will be a ribbon Cutting at 5 p.m. and then an open house from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Center is located at 808 S. Prairie St. Refreshments will be served.
10:00 a.m. Bid Opening for Transport Van Insert
Motion to enter into Bid Opening at 10:22 a.m. by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Then only bid that was presented was from Public Safety Upfitters in the amount of $19,224.00 out of Fenton, Missouri for the vent adapter and insert of the transport van.
