MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 16, 2021, REGULAR SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING FOR THE CITY OF BILLINGS, MISSOURI

HELD IN PERSON / VIA ZOOM

AT

7:00 P.M.

 

Motion made by Alderman Gold, seconded by Alderman Kucera to Amend the Agenda for Thursday, September 16, 2021, to move New Business Item B. before Public Participation.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE.

Cloud                    Present

Fender                   Present

Brown                   Present

Gold                     Present

Kucera                   Present

Huffman-Bailey    Present

 

Present in City Hall were Mayor David L. Rauch, City Attorney, Darlene Parrigon, Chief of Police, Jody Hays, Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Terry Danley and City Clerk/City Treasurer, Chris M. Hopkins.

 

Guests were Richard Verch, Jessie Coker, Melissa Venable, Konrad Antczak and Chris Turben.

 

Mayor Rauch asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS, MEMORIALS, PROCLAMATIONS AND ORDINANCES

 

  1. Mr. Richard Verch addressed the Board of Aldermen regarding the city’s decision to turn

the maintenance of a city-installed sewer grinder pump on his property to him.  The city

engineer contends that Mr. Verch’s sewer service line was installed to deep to allow

satisfactory gravity flow into the approximate five foot sewer main.  Though the city

installed and has maintained the Verch grinder pump since 2017, it contends it did so to

help the Verch’s out, and that grinder pumps are typically the responsibility of the

homeowner.

 

Mr. Verch contends that the need for the grinder pump was due to the city’s poorly installed

sewer main.  Further, he claims that the only time there is a need for the grinder pump is

when the sewer main and close by lift station are overwhelmed by infiltration, resulting in

the backing up of sewer into his home.  Therefore, Mr. Verch claims that the maintenance

of the grinder pump should continue to be the responsibility of the city until the infiltration

problems are resolved.

 

Mr. Verch asked for clarification regarding when the sewer mains above his property were

relined to help control infiltration, as major infiltration continues.  The city agrees that the

Mt. Vernon Lift Station continues to be overwhelmed with excess water in that area of

town, and that it continues to work on alleviating this problem.

 

Mr. Verch stated if has to pay the electric bill for the grinder pump, he wants it taken out.

Motion made by Alderman Huffman-Bailey, seconded by Alderman Brown to go back to the Board of Aldermen minutes of March 2017 to review and bring up this matter at the October 21, 2021, meeting.  The mayor is also to discuss this matter with the City Engineer.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

 

No one spoke at this time.

 

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

 

  1. Alderman Kucera made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud to accept the 4th Bid of $ 2,500.00 received from Joseph Thompson to Repair the Billings City Library which includes replacing expanded metal and stucco along the base of the North and East walls, repair any cracks as necessary; exterior painting of the whole building with choice of color; removal of all construction debris; replacement of window sill that has suffered water damage from leak as well as resealing window and repair/replacement of metal framing in the drop ceiling. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey. Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Fender made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to accept Resolution No. R-2021-02 for inquiry of the Lagers Retirement program. This notice will be posted for 45 days for public to review.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None. No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Gold to participate in a virtual meeting with NCR Online Payments for Water/Sewer Utilities for the City of Billings.

No cost to the city for a three-year contract (that can be broken if the situation changes), however transaction fees would be passed on to the user.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold received some information from Show Me Christian County with budget projections. He will try to narrow the scope needed.  He told the Board we need to work on the budget earlier this year.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion to postpone, seconded by Alderman Kucera in order to get additional information on the price difference clarifications of the two bids received either to repair 1 window only and caulk 7 windows or re-seal (7) window frames and glass. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Cloud stated we were waiting on Blevins Asphalt for paving Commercial Street and that the Creek project has been cleared out of branches and roots and seed and straw has been placed on the banks.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud to postpone action until the next meeting regarding repairs and/or demolition of properties on Hwy 60 and Garrison Street. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold made a motion, seconded by Huffman-Bailey to postpone reinstating Martin Luther King Day, adding Juneteenth Day and approving the revision to Item 9 of the Police Department to the General Policies of Employment. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold made a motion, seconded by Alderman Kucera to create a Utility Committee to continue exploring the option of selling the Water/Sewer System. Committee consists of Aldermen Brown, Gold, Cloud and Mayor David Rauch.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS, MEMORIALS, PROCLAMATIONS AND ORDINANCES

 

  1. Motion to accept the Public Hearing and Consent Agenda as presented from August 19, 2021, was made by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Kucera. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. This item was moved up and addressed before Public Participation.

 

  1. Alderman Fender made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to approve the closing of Commercial Street if needed for the Fall Merchants Fair and the use of the lot next to City Hall. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Fender to accept the appointment of Melissa Venable to the Billings City Park Board to complete Nicole Browning’s term from 9/16/21 to 12/31/21. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey. Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Gold to accept the appointment of Marvin Woods to the Board of Adjustments Commission. Term would be for one year 9/16/21 to 12/31/21.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Brown to accept Street/Water/Sewer employee Tyler Essick resignation from the City of Billings effective September 21, 2021, and include12.0 hours unused vacation time on his last paycheck. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Fender to engage with Bert Bond of Clean Stream Enterprises, LLC on a month to month proposal of $1,000.00 per month and $ 85.00 per hour for additional assistance for Operator Assistance for the City of Billings. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

Alderman Kucera made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud that the Billings Police Department will assist with Animal Control with dangerous dogs as needed on a temporary basis.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Mayor Rauch is to obtain bids for repair to Maple and Monroe Street.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Kucera to approve the repair for Utility Truck #100 not to exceed $ 2,500.00 from Jimmy Mitchell Ford in Aurora. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to set up a committee to review the fees and inconsistencies in the City of Billings Ordinances and Land Development Book. Committee suggestions were David Kucera, Tim Wood, Larry Wiles and Randall Whitman.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Kucera made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud to install 3 No Jake Brake Signs to be purchased by local businesses and the signs will be installed by the city. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to seek bids for repair of Inglewood Street due to water line repairs, deterioration damage and pot-hole damage. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None. No Abstentions.

 

  1. Chief Hays discussed the need for outdoor security Camera at City Hall and the need for additional lighting and electrical outlets in the Police Garage. Mayor Rauch gave permission to pursue these improvements as costs to stay under $ 750.00. No motion needed for these improvements.

 

  1. Alderman Kucera made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to approve the Take Home car that was discussed in the hiring interview for Lt. McConnell. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Fender to pay the Southern Uniform invoice for new Officer Lt. Chad McConnell of $ 797.89. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. City Attorney Parrigon addressed the Board of Aldermen about an inconsistency in Section 400.910 requiring a quorum of 4 for the Board of Adjustment meetings to approve variances and that 400.890 states a quorum of 3 is needed. A discussion is needed with the Board of Adjustment and the attorney will draft an Ordinance to correct this inconsistency to reflect the strict standard to adhere to action on matters brought before the Board of Adjustment Commission.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Kucera to have City Clerk Hopkins look into information about Use Tax, Online Sales Tax, Motor Fuel Tax and/or Law Enforcement Sales Tax for the City of Billings. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. City Clerk Hopkins told the Board that a memorandum was received from the Secretary of State that the Municipal Filing Period for Municipal Office has been shortened and will begin at 8:00 a.m. December 7, 2021, and close at 5:00 p.m. December 28, 2021. This was and FYI for the board.

 

  1. Alderman Brown made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud to appoint a committee to review prospective projects for the city to pursue when the ARPA Funds are received. The committee will consist of Aldermen Brown, Huffman-Baily, Gold, Kucera and City Clerk Hopkins.  All meetings will be posted when this committee meets.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Gold made a motion, seconded by Alderman Huffman-Bailey to open an Interest-bearing account at the Bank of Billings for the ARPA Funds. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman- Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. City Clerk Hopkins told the Board that the October, November, and December transfer to Bond payment reserve account for the 4th Bond payment needed to be made this month to meet the $ 66,672.50 that was due by September 27, 2021. No motion was needed for this transaction since this was an already budgeted item to be paid.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Kucera to ratify the purchase of $ 1,550.00 emergency sewer saddle on the main repair at 507 East Hamilton by Roto Rooter. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. Alderman Huffman-Bailey made a motion, seconded by Alderman Cloud to approve the wages, expenses, bills, statements, and other expenditures for the month of August 2021. Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

  1. CLOSED SESSION

 

No Closed Session was required.

 

 

  1. ADJOURNMET

 

No further business.

 

Motion to adjourn meeting at 11:30 p.m. made by Alderman Huffman-Bailey, seconded by Cloud.  Voting “Aye” Cloud, Fender, Brown, Gold, Kucera and Huffman-Bailey.  Voting “Nay” None.  No Abstentions.

 

 

                                                                                       ________________________________

David L. Rauch, Mayor

 

 

ATTEST

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

Chris M. Hopkins, City Clerk

Minutes from Thursday, September 16, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting