Puxico City Council Meeting - June 22, 2023 - 6 p.m.

Meeting opened with a call to order, roll call, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Present were Patti McLean, Alderwoman, Travis Stafford, Alderman, Peter Coutavas, Alderman, Candy Williams, Alderwoman, and Mayor Rick McLean.

Mr. Coutavas announced that he found out about a program to help low income people pay for their internet.  He will get more information.

Agenda was approved and accepted with the modification to address the additional guests who have attended the meeting.

Motion made to approve the May 18, 2023 minutes by Alderman Peter Coutavas, seconded by Alderman Travis Stafford.  Motion passed.

Motion made to approve the Special Meeting held on June 1, 2023 by Alderman Coutavas, seconded by Alderwoman Candy Williams. Motion passed.

Motion to approve the payment of bills made by Alderman Coutavas, seconded by Alderman Stafford.  Motion passed.

Henson Trash - Trash Service Contract

The new contract $13.80 plus .50 is total charged to customers in the city of Puxico for trash service.  It is a 5 year contract with a $1.00 increase each year.

City Wide Clean-up provides for two receptacles for each household.  This would be the same for the next five years.  There are several free receptacles that the city receives for free. 

Motion to accept the 5-year contract with Henson Trash made by Alderman Coutavas, seconded by Alderwoman McLean.

Loyd Rice - GoSEMO Fiber/ Internet

He was in attendance to update the Council on the continuing project on the fiber installation in the Puxico city limits area.  Rice presented a map of the layout of the fiber and how it will be covered throughout the city streets.  Around August they hope to have a presence in Puxico to help people sign-up for internet.  They will also have a booth at Homecoming.  Internet is coming to Puxico!

Jim Grebing, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission Director

Grebing explained that a bill sent to the city of Puxico included engineering and administration fees to the tune of around $114,000 was what the city owed for accepting the CDGB grant for broadband.  

“Tiffany is out of the office, but she has been working on this,” stated Grebing.  “I believe but am not sure that is about the “preliminary” vs the “actual work done.  I will have to check on this.

The total amount of the grant was for $748,000 and the city was going to contribute another $75,000; however due to the fact the city would own the fiber for five years and the work to be done had to be at prevailing wages ($60-$70 per hour) they are discussing not accepting the work.  The city also did not receive any bids during the bid process.  The city would have to scale back the project as well as try to get an internet provider to bid.  GoSEMO Fiber has opted to come into the city without any additional resources such as the CDGB grant.  It is likely the city will not utilize the grant and just let GoSEMO continue their project with out grant monies.

The question now is since the city is a member of the Planning Commission and pays yearly dues how much are they going to owe Bootheel Regional Planning for their administration fees.

Grebing stated that bill came to $37,000, but he is not sure if that is the total with the grant in place or not.

The Planning Commissioner’s role is to procure engineering services for a grant.  They bid this out and Conexon entered into a contract with the Bootheel Regional to perform work once the grant was accepted.  They only did a preliminary report.

Bootheel did extend $9,600 to the city of Puxico during the process and if they choose not to accept the grant that will be paid back to Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.

There will have to be a formal close-out on the grant if the city so chooses not to accept the terms of the grant.  With no one bidding on the broadband installation it seems reasonable that the grant is not going to take place.  

Grebing offered another option to reduce the scope of the project and then go after another bid; however due to prevailing wages the bids would come in so high that there would not be enough grant money to cover the expenses.  This is what happened at the County level with Ozark Medical group who bid on the rural Puxico area.  They were $900,000 over what grant monies were available.

“I could say for sure that there is not any additional money available to build the initial project,” commented Grebing.  “However there is BEAD (Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program) money possibly available in the 4th quarter of 2024 and could be distributed in 2025 to help with broadband projects.”

“We are still having discussion with the County on scoping the project back,” stated Grebing. 

However during a recent Commission meeting, according to the Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis, “The County isn’t interested in being an owner of the fiber for five years and also bidding out to a lease purchase agreement to an internet service provider.”

I will get a letter about the close-out on the CDGB Grant is de-obligated,”  

“I will need to have a vote on the resolution from the city council indicating that you are not interested in the grant at this time due to the fact of pre-vailing wages and owning the fiber for five years. I will also get a letter about the close-out on the CDGB grant as a de-obligation,” Grebing stated.

Jean & Company - Review/Approve FY2023 

Motion to approve the FY2023 made by Alderman Coutavas and seconded by Adlerman Stafford.  All voted yes and motion passed.

Jean & Company - Amended Budget & FY2024 Budget

Motion to accept the Amended Budget and FY2024 Budget made by Alderman Coutavas and seconded by Alderwoman McLean.  All voted yes and motion passed.

Department and Board Reports

A. Maintenance

1. Basketball goal has been ordered for Houck park.

B. Police

1.  City is seeking a reserve officer.  Alderman Stafford made a motion to accept the applicant and seconded by Alderman Coutavas.  All voted yes and motion passed.

2. Had one dog in the pound that had to be on hold and observed due to the fact it bit a child and was not vaccinated for rabies.

3.  One animal theft reported

4.  9 times out to Mingo Residential

5.  Crown Vic had some repairs 

6. Put new tires on the Explorer 

C. Animal Control

1. Have three dogs in the pound currently

2. One dog had bit a child so they are keeping in quarantine.

There was a question about the cat population in town.  The city of Puxico is not set up to maintain a building to take in cats.  

D. Fire

1.  Tanker truck has a crack in it and needs a new pump.  Cost would be $1,000 plus freight. 

Motion to repair the tanker truck made by Alderman Stafford and seconded by Alderman Coutavas.  All voted yes and motion passed.

2.  Had one fire call and four medical calls since last meeting.

3.  It was asked if John 3:16 people could come in and perform volunteer work on the fire station.  

Motion to allow John 3:16 people to help with work on the fire station made by Alderman Stafford and seconded by Alderwoman Williams.  All voted yes and motion passed.

4. Application received to add a volunteer fireman.

Motion to accept the applicant as a volunteer fireman made by Alderman Coutavas and seconded by Alderwoman McLean. 

5. Motion made by Alderman Stafford and seconded by Alderwoman Williams to appoint Larry Doublin at permanent Fire Chief.

E. Library - Elevator Repair

The quote on the repair of the elevator of the library decreased because they are coordinating the travel with having another repair in the area.  Also they have the hydraulic fuel already purchased in storage.  Table the elevator decision until the next meeting.  Alice Patrick will check on the warranty and more details of the contract.  

F. Historical Museum

The museum are wanting to purchase a computer.  The cost is over $300 so they need city council to approve the purchase.  The request was approved to purchase a desktop computer.

CDGB Grant for Fiber Optic Grant

Tabled until the next meeting.  Alice Patrick will contact CDGB for further information on the fees associated with the grant. Also waiting for Jim Grebing to produce the correct bill as well as a letter to de-obligate the city from the grant.

New Business

Repair of Community Room Ceiling/Roof Quotes

Sheetrock issues is buckling and splitting.  To fix it correctly would be to in support boards the full length of the conference room.  

Table it for the moment and look at it again in the early fall.

Motion to adjourn at 8:33 made by Alderman Coutavas and seconded by Alderman Stafford.

The Dexter Elks Lodge is having a Meat Smoke Sale on June 29, 2023; however you need to get your orders in by Friday, June 23rd.

Boston Butts are $30 and ribs are $15.

This is a fundraiser to be used to repair the Elks Lodge.

Contact the Elks Lodge at (573) 624-2450 or any Elks Lodge Member.

The Elks Lodge is located at 325 N 2 Mile Rd, Dexter.

The Stoddard County Commission opened the meeting with The Pledge and a prayer.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis stated that no one from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission would be here today to update us on the ARPA funds.  He did drop off the documents left by Terry Bates, New Lisbon Township.  Someone would take a look at them this week.  Bates had requested ARPA Funds to repair bridges he discussed at a previous meeting.

Puxico Broadband - Chad Payne with the Puxico School District

He was present representing the Puxico School Board.  He felt the million dollars could be better spent on other projects than giving to GoSEMO Fiber for the rural broadband.  The Commissioners are considering overturning the previous commissioners vote to give GoSEMO Fiber 1 million dollars for broadband expansion in the rural areas of Puxico School District.  

One project the Puxico School is looking at is on the south end of the parking lot as they are seeking monies to put in a crosswalk.  They could use ARPA monies to complete that project.  About 10 - 12 students cross Highway 51 twice a day. They have contacted MoDOT about getting a crosswalk; but the school needs to connect to sidewalks on either side and then connect to the school district before MoDOT will complete the crosswalk.

SB40 Board Update

Motion to appoint Don Abner from Bell City to the SB40 Board made by Commissioner C.D.Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Josh Spearman, Stoddard County Collector

Stronghold Data would be available to do cyber security training on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.  Any office holder can attend the training. 

County Health Insurance Issue Update

An employee turned in a bill for lab work last week.  Mr. Mathis received a call from John McCarty during the Commissioners Meeting.  The bill will be resent via email and Mr. McCarty will take a look at it  Depending on what type of lab work the employee received and how it was coded will determine how much of the cost is covered.

It was also mentioned that the Commissioners signed a one-year contract for health insurance and it was time to start looking at 2024 health insurance as it takes a few months to get a contract together.

Closure of County Road 527A Update

Donnie Foster is wanting to put a gate on the east side of the bridge and close the road.  Castor Township was going to perform some addition work to the bridge. Mr. Huel Benton is also a property owner in the area and submitted a letter to the Commission that he has no objection to the Stoddard County Commission closing a portion of that road that intersects with property owned by Donnie Foster.  He understands that he has no obligation for maintenance of any type on the county road including gravel, ditching, or bridges that are on said road.

Motion to close a portion of County Road 527A east of the bridge that goes into the property owned by Donnie Foster made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and the motion passed.

Other Business

Mathis will not be here on Monday, July 26, 2023 for the Stoddard County Commission meeting.

Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes from June 12, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to accept the closed meeting minutes from June 12, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

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

Construction of the first phase of the U.S. Route 67/Future I-57 project in Butler County continues with reconstruction of the existing ramp at the intersection of the Route 160/158 interchange south of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

The interchange will be reconfigured with two roundabouts in place of the current loop ramps in the northwest and southeast quadrants.

As work continues, northbound traffic exiting to Routes 160/158 will be rerouted to the East Outer Road, and Route 67 will remain minimally impacted. Traffic on the Outer Road will be two-way, so motorists should use extreme caution through the area.

This traffic change is expected to begin on Monday, June 19th.

Completion of the overall project is anticipated Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, weather permitting.

This phase of the project received funding through Governor Mike Parson’s cost share program.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

The Stoddard County Commission meeting opened with a full house of citizens.  Presiding Commission Greg Mathis had everyone stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and then said a prayer asking for rain for the farmers!

Terry Bates, New Lisbon Township

He had bids for bridges to be done within the New Lisbon Township.  He has requested ARPA Funds to repair those bridges at a previous meeting.

Commissioner Mathis will hand deliver the documents to Bootheel Regional Planning Commission as they are in training today and could not attend the meeting.

Doug Lowery, Duck Creek Township

Mr. Lower stated that fiber optic crews have caused damage on several roads in the area including County Roads 420, 481, 336, and 490.  Loyd Rice, GoSEMO Fiber, was also in attendance and will make sure the company they have contracted with gets in touch with Duck Creek Township today.    

Donnie Foster, property owner on County Road 527A Update

Mr. Foster went to the Castor Township meeting on June 6th and they have agreed to abandon the county road.  As far as the two culverts they will repair it with concrete and then he will take over the maintenance of the road.

Foster asked if the Commission would close east of the bridge on County Road 527A as soon as possible so he can lay some gravel and work on building his home.  Mathis will have it on the agenda for next week on Tuesday, June 20th as Monday is a holiday.  

Lucille Mullins - Mayor for the City of Dudley

According to Mayor Mullins, the citizens of Dudley received a letter from the Stoddard County Clerk's office that they will no longer be able to vote in the city of Dudley and will have to travel to Dexter in order vote.  Only 19 people voted in the April election.

Commissioner Mathis asked for Cecil Weeks to come into the meeting and explain.  "We have a shortage of poll workers.  Each poll must have a Democratic judge and a Republican judge and in some years more than one of each depending on if it is a national election.  The issue at hand seems to be not enough Democratic judges available to work the polls," commented Weeks.

There were only 19 people from the city of Dudley that voted in the April election.  Every two years the Clerk's office evaluates the number of polls in the area and judges to work the polls.

"It is unfortunate and I am sorry, but this is the only way to fix the issue.  If no one steps forward and declares to be a Democrat and is willing to work the poll then we just have to close it," stated Weeks.

"What can Stoddard County do for the City of Dudley," asked Mullins.  "I thought the Commission was provided broadband for the county."

The answer is no, the County is not providing broadband for the Dudley area.  Loyd Rice with GoSEMO Fiber explained that broadband is coming to Dudley area, but it is GoSEMO Fiber performing the work etc. and not the County.

Another issue that was brought up was the tipping fees.  The Industrial Development Board overseas the tipping fees for the County.  She is on the board, but had issues with how the tipping fees were distributed and wanted input by the Commission.  WW Wood Products paid $176,000 a month to bring their trash to Bloomfield landfill.  Each of the cities receives tipping fees based on the number of residents in each city.  Dudley only has 102 citizens, but has one of the largest contributors to the landfill and she felt they do not receive their proper share of the monies.  

"It is not equally distributed," commented Mullins.  "I'm on the IDA Board, but I do not feel our town receives enough money.  How is a small town going to survive, we aren't as big as Dexter."

Mathis said he would contact Peter Coutavas, Director of the IDA, and find out how the tipping fees are handled and distributed throughout the county. 

County Health Insurance Issue

An employee turned in a bill for lab work.  The insurance handbook said the employees do not pay for lab work and the insurance broker, John McCarty, has not responded to his email requests.  Mr. Mathis will get in touch with him and try to resolve the issue.

Broadband Project Bid

Motion to accept the bid from Ozark Physical Medicine for the CDGB Grant Broadband Project.  There was no motion to accept the bid. 

Motion to decline the bid from Ozark Physical Medicine for Broadband Project made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell.  Commissioner Stewart seconded the motion.  All three voted yes and the motion passed. 

Presiding Commissioner Mathis will contact Jim Grebing, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission Director, to see if anything else needs to be voted on or discussed with the Commissioners on the CDGB Grant.  The Commission does not wish to proceed with this grant.

Mathis will send an email to Mr. Greene and Ozark Physical Medicine to notify them.

Loyd Rice, GoSEMO Fiber

Rice readdressed the opportunity of receiving the 1 million dollars of ARPA funds for internet/broadband in the rural Puxico area.  Rice addressed the previous Commission in 2021 and asked for ARPA funds. The previous Commissioners voted to dedicate 1 million of the ARPA funds for broadband in the rural Puxico area and school district.  Today's proposal was just another offer as to how the monies would be used to adequately serve those people who do not have internet or have poor quality internet in the Puxico School District. 

Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency Director

He updated the Commissioner on the Stoddard County Emergency Radio Group (SCERG).  This group of individuals want to have a communications system available to the citizens of Stoddard County in the event of an all-out outage.  They believe every citizen in the county should have a voice during an emergency or disaster within Stoddard County.  

An FCC license is required to operate the GMRS system.  Licenses are issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license.  GMRS Licenses are granted to individuals and are allowed to be used by their immediate family members.  Citizens of Stoddard County would be introduced to this process through monthly meetings for the public.  The citizens would bear the cost of their own radio equipment.  Additional information would be shared with the Citizens about powering up their radio equipment without power at meetings.  During an emergency, the Citizens would be able to make contact with our group and in turn we would relay to the appropriate agency.

They are asking for additional equipment though donation. At the present there are three repeaters which are all owned by the members.  They would like to eventually have two additional repeaters or one high power repeater to be used in conjunction with the present repeater covering 90% of the County. 

The request is for $6065.00.  They have also developed some rules for those wanting to use the radios etc.

The Commission will review the information and decide on the donation at a later date.

William Dowdy, Maintenance Supervisor for Stoddard County Buildings

A Standard Service Contract Agreement proposal for $3,936.00 by Advance Systems Technology out of Indiana to have the annual inspection for the control panel for the Juvenile Detention Center was given to the Commissioners at a prior meeting.  Advance Systems Technology has proprietary rights to the equipment etc and are the only ones that can work on the control panel.  

Motion to accept the Standard Service Contract Agreement from Advance Systems Technology in the amount of $3,936.00 made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and passed.

Other Business

Motion to approve the May 2023 Adds/Abates from County Collector Josh Spearman made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to accept the Minutes from Monday, June 5, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart. Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and passed.

Motion to accept the Closed Meeting Minutes from Monday, June 5, 2023 made by Commissioner Stewart.  Seconded by Commissioner Jarrell.  All three voted yes and passed.

Custodial Help: Daytime cleaning for the various Stoddard County Government Buildings.  If anyone is interested in applying they can send a resume to P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, MO 63825.  The ad will also be placed in the Dexter Statesman.

Letter from Garrett Payne who is currently serving on the SB40 Board.  He has resigned as a member of the board and thanked them for allowing him to serve the last three years.  If anyone has interest on serving on the SB40 Board please contact a County Commissioner or send a resume to P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, MO 63825.

Motion to enter into Closed Session RSMo Section: 610.021 (13) Personnel at 11:39 a.m. made by Commissioner Jarrell.  Seconded by Commissioner Stewart.  All three voted yes and passed.