With just 15 days under his belt, new City of Dexter Administrator, Dave Wyman, attended his first city council meeting on Monday, February 6, 2023. 

Mayor Jason Banken opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building by reviewing and voting on the approval of the previous month's minutes January 3, 2023.

Citizen's Input:

1. Bobbi Kay Parker has a business on the south side of Stoddard Street in downtown Dexter and came to discuss a solution to remove snow/ice in front of her business.

2. Ray Rowland said he and his son own Monarch Building and he wants to purchase some additional property next to that property.  He has offered to pay $3,800 to the city for the purchase of that property.  Mayor Jason Banken stated they would take it under advisement and discuss. He was glad to have the map of the land from Rowland and that he completed the first step in the process.

Ordinance #5078 was duly passed.  This ordinance was to accept CR Contracting, Inc's Bids of $410,950.00 for construction of water line and sewer line extensions along Arvin Road; authorizing the Mayor to execute such contract or agreement with CR Contracting, Inc. to complete the projects, authorizing the City Administrator to execute any and all other documents necessary for this project; providing for an effective date hereof.  This was the lowest and best bid.

Ordinance #5079 was duly passed.  This ordinance was to amend schedule II of Title III of the Dexter city code to provide for the erection of stop signs on the eastbound and westbound lanes of Houston Street at its intersection with Forrest Street.  Any person, persons, firm, or corporation violating this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined, not less than one dollar ($1.00) nor more than two hundred twenty five dollars ($225.00).

C.P.A. Eddie Cato presented the financial report for December.  The report showed the city had nearly $9,982,000 in cash and investments.  This amount is up from previous meeting due to property tax collections. 

Ordinance #5080  was in regards to January 2023 disbursements.  It was noted that in December 2022 there were three pay days and that made it look like more money had been paid out.  This usually happens twice a year because of their Friday payroll disbursements.  Total was $626,585.15 including accounts payables, payroll, health accounts, etc.

Police Chief Hank Trout reported the department received a $10,000 block grant for safety equipment.  He also attended the Public Safety Committee meeting prior to the city council meeting and is now asking that Josh Benton and Jonathan Hall be re-hired back to the Dexter Police Dept.  Mayor Banken asked for a motion and all alderman were in favor by raising their hands.

Fire Chief Don Seymore reported since the cold weather/ice storm hit last week that they have had numerous calls regarding frozen sprinkler systems and accidents.  

Street & Sanitation Superintendent Jeremiah Robinson reported his department has been very busy with lots of extra hours clearing ice.  They are very ready for spring weather.

Assistant Park & Recreation Superintendent Rob Ward reported that new equipment was installed at Lucy's Dog Park, also concrete had been poured at the fish pond and that Boon Park will soon be seeing construction.

Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jim Overall stated that there had been a lot of leaks in the city including 4" and 6" pipes breaking due to ice and movement of the ground.  They will have some inspections from DNR set for February 22nd and March 1st.

Librarian Jordan Myers reported that First Impact Program will be held February 16th.  Also he has ordered new flag and flag rope as the old one came down.  So far no complaints and that's good, but he is working on getting the new flag put up.

City Engineer's Report by Mr. Rich Cochran.  He stated that he was glad County Commissioners shifted the ARPA funds and that the contractor was ready to hit the ground running.  he also stated that equipment would be available next week to get rid of the sludge from the lagoon.

City Administrator's Report by Dave Wyman.  He stated that there was still a debris field, from the tornado, in the creek near Dexter Queen.  He couldn't find anyone to clean it out and he appreciated the city's employees for cleaning it out as it looked very good.  He also stated that he was in contact with MoDOT and that they are going to replace two bridges on Highway 114. These projects will begin in January 2025 and will create a road closure on Highway 114.  Senator Bean's office had contacted him and invited anyone who wanted to attend his capitol event on February 15th to let Wyman know and he would make sure they could attend.  Wyman congratulated the Dexter Bearcats on their Bloomfield Christmas Tournament win and the SCAA Tournament win.

Mayor Jason Banken stated that Dexter One Mile Phillips 66 requested a liquor license.  A motion was made and all aldermen raised their arm in agreement to approve the Liquor License Application.

Alderman Aslin noted that GoSEMO Fiber was finishing up on the south and west of town.  They do plan to come to Dexter in the summer or early fall of this year as they want to offer an alternative internet option in the city of Dexter.

Alderman Bryce Matthews suggested a school crossing on Grant Street as there are numerous kids crossing on that street.

Meeting adjourned into closed session.

The Dexter Board of Aldermen met in executive session immediately following the regular Board meeting on Monday, February 6, 2023.  The following actions were taken:

Gary Williams hired as part-time building/zoning inspector.

Vincent Hill hired as full-time street/sanitation department.

Josh Robinson hired as full-time water/wastewater department.