CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE
March 19, 2018
Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, April 2, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council room of the Municipal Building at which time and place the following were present:
Mike McGraw (Absent) Mayor
Takella Motton City Clerk
Lawrence Dorroh City Counselor
Tony Jones Sergeant at Arms
Duckworth Councilperson
Bullington Mayor Pro Tem
Cartee Councilperson
Rittenberry Councilperson
Hood Councilperson
Merideth Councilperson
Grantham Councilperson
Rodgers Councilperson
The number of members necessary to consider a quorum being present, the Mayor Pro Tem called the meeting to order and announced the meeting was in session for the transaction of business.
The first order of business was the approval of the March 19, 2018, regular session minutes. Councilperson Merideth motion to approve, second by Councilperson Hood with all in favor.
Councilperson Duckworth motion for approval of March 5, 2018, closed session minutes, second by Councilperson Hood with all in favor.
Councilperson Cartee motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Hood
with all in favor.
The next order of business was a presentation of petitions, letters, and other communications; J&M Displays sent their yearly contract for the payment for the July 4, 2018 fireworks in the amount of $6,000, which has been budgeted for. Councilperson Cartee motion for approval, second by Councilperson Hood, which resulted in the following vote:
Duckworth Yes Cartee Yes
Rittenberry Yes Hood Yes
Merideth Yes Grantham Yes
Rodgers Yes
Unfinished business; an Abatement Order of Consent by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been issued because of the City’s violation of the Missouri Clean Water Law. There was a fish kill in the drainage ditch adjacent to the Waste Water Plant. There was a rupture in the force main
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caused by an excavator. Missouri Department of Conservation determined the fish kill to be 351, resulting in $4,960.01 in damages for the incident. Penalties for the violation of the MCWL can go up to $10,000 per day per violation. The City will pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $2,500. Councilperson Cartee motion to approve the AOC, second by Councilperson Duckworth, which resulted in the following vote:
Duckworth Yes Cartee Yes
Rittenberry Yes Hood Yes
Merideth Yes Grantham Yes
Rodgers Yes
Police report; Chief Jones reported that there was a shooting on the 700 block of W. 4th St., the suspect was caught early Saturday morning and is in custody.
Fire report; Fire calls from March 5, 2018, through April 2, 2018, are as follows: 3/5/18; Fire alarm sounding on S. Ward, 3/7/18; Structure fire on Sycamore St. in Holland MO, 3/18/18; Fire alarm sounding at the Middle School, 3/18/18 Structure fire on W. 11th St., 3/25/18; Mutual aid to Kennett for a structure fire on Berry Dr. Training for the month of March was a Pre-Plan of the Presbyterian Church.
The Animal Shelter report; There were 18 dogs and 3 cats from March 1, 2018, through March 3, 2018, Intake; 14 dogs and 8 cats, Owner’s pick up 2 dogs, Rescue; 7 dogs and 10 kittens, Deceased; 2 dogs and 3 cats, Food; 50lbs. for dogs, wildlife; 31 dead squirrels, 15 dead rabbits, 32 dead skunks and 18 trapped, 19 dead opossums and 6 trapped, 2 snakes caught, and 1 bird caught.
Street & Sanitation; Terry Rushing reported on the continued cleanup of the riverfront, and the daily pick up of leaves, debris, and junk. The department put up 30 street signs that had blown down, and Rushing met with contractors about seal coating City parking lots. Councilperson Duckworth reported on the Mooreland Dr. Bids, with Froanbarger Concreters having the lowest bid for concrete in the amount of $287,364. Kluesner Concreters had a bid of $265, 084.65 for asphalt and $289,572.75 for concrete. R. L. Persons Construction had of a bid of $287,422 for asphalt and $335,309.50 for concrete. The Street Committee decided on Froanbarger for the concrete being the superior product over asphalt, and the City has worked with the company before. Councilperson Duckworth motion to accept the bid from Froanbarger, second by Councilperson Cartee, which resulted in the following vote:
Duckworth Yes Cartee Yes
Rittenberry Yes Hood Yes
Merideth Yes Grantham Yes
Rodgers Yes
Chief Charlie Jones reported that in the event of a tornado, the safe rooms will be open at the Elementary and Middle Schools. Temporary signs will be up directing residents where to enter into the buildings. The Middle School entrance will be off Ward Ave. going between the school and the Administration building hallway.
Code Enforcement; Sonya Fuller reported talking to several residents informing them of code violations and as to what is a violation and what is not. Ms. Fuller will be working with the Police department this week issuing citations. Those that have not abated the nuisance from December up to the first of March who was given an extension will be receiving a citation. There were also 15 additional letters sent out this week.
Park & Recreation; Wes Deere reported that the roof has been completed the leaks over the pool area have ceased. The pool heater was out of commission and was fixed today. The batting cages are going up, and baseball and softball practices are underway. The women’s league volleyball will be on Wednesday nights after the men’s volleyball league is over. The Easter Egg Hunt at French Park was a success; 2000 eggs, 200 baskets, and 12 to 15 bikes were given out. Thanks to John Buchanan for his dedication and hard work.
Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that an initiative from the American Library Association “Models for change transforming communities by fostering conversation and leading change within the community.” There were 25 libraries selected from small and rural communities to attend a meeting in New Orleans. The Caruthersville library was selected and given a stipend to attend.
Water & Sewer; Paul Shaw reported that tap was done on 6th and Highland last week and the normal everyday duties were done.
Insurance report; Josh Rittenberry reported that the bid process is coming to a close; 5 bids were turned in with one being the current carrier. There will be a meeting April 10, 2018, 5:30 p.m. at the Library. The agents will have an opportunity to discuss their proposals; recommendations will be made by April 16, 2018.
Business from the floor; Tanesha West alleged that Mayor McGraw had offered her M&M’s and said she would have to give him neck neck moving back and forward in the presence of others. Counselor Dorroh stated that the matter was under investigation. The Police department referred the matter to the Sheriff’s department which will be doing the investigation.
Mr. Jefferies wanted to know if Mike McGraw could be mandated for a psychological review. Counselor Dorroh stated that only thing that could be done is a commitment through the Circuit Court, which is usually only done when there’s some danger to the person or another individual.
Introduction to bills; An ordinance to increase the salaries of Mayor, City Marshal, City Collector, and City Treasurer. Mayor Pro Tem Bullington asked for any discussion concerning the proposed ordinance. Councilperson Cartee stated that salaries were an issue with revenues going in the opposite way. Increasing expenditures at a dramatic increase on a few at once and not looking across the board for everyone as has done in the past is also an issue. City Marshal hasn’t had an increase in 5 years, and the Mayor and City Collector has been at the same rate for years. Cartee recommended instead of doing a one-time $1,000 increase for the Mayor to do $1,000 for the year and another $1,000 in 2 years.
City Collector rate is $16,337.12/year and the proposed rate is $22,000 and $2,000 the following year, the suggested rate is $1,000 for the year, which can be revisited in 2 years. The City Treasurer current rate is $1,236/year and the proposed rate is $2,400/year, the suggested rate is a one -time $500 or $1,000 rate if they wanted to go across the board. Elected officials rates can only occur before elections not during their term in office.
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The City Marshal proposed rate is a $1,500 increase for the year with increments for the next 3 years. The suggested rate is $1,000 for the first year, with the same being in 2 years, and then
revisited. Mayor Pro Tem Bullington stated that the increases should be consistent across the board. Councilperson Rodgers stated with the City Marshal being a hazardous position compared to the other positions being looked at, $1,500 should be considered for the rate. Councilperson Duckworth stated that $1,500 should be considered for the Mayor also, to attract young and enthusiastic candidates with a wage that can support them. Councilperson Rodgers motion for the revisions, second by Councilperson Duckworth, which resulted in the following vote:
Duckworth Yes Cartee Yes
Rittenberry Yes Hood Yes
Merideth Yes Grantham Abstain
Rodgers Yes
Counselor Dorroh left the Council room to restructure the ordinance, and upon his return
Councilperson Duckworth motion for the first reading, second by Councilperson Rittenberry as follows:
BILL NO. 2018-02 ORDINANCE NO. 2018-02
AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE COMPENSATION FOR THE OFFICES OF MAYOR, CITY MARSHAL, CITY COLLECTOR AND CITY TREASURER OF THE CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE, MISSOURI, TO BE EFFECTIVE FROM AND AFTER TUESDAY APRIL 3, 2018
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE, MISSOURI AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The compensation for the office of Mayor of the City of Caruthersville is hereby set effective as of April 3, 2018 as set forth below and shall be implemented in increments as follows:
For the period from April 3, 2018, through March 31, 2020, the Mayor’s salary shall be $19,500.00 per year.
From and after April 1, 2020, the Mayor’s salary shall be $21,000 per year.
Section 2. The compensation for the office of Collector of the City of Caruthersville is hereby set at $17,377.12 per year from and after April 3, 2018.
Section 3. The compensation for the office of Treasurer of the City of Caruthersville is hereby set at $1,736.00 per year from and after April 3, 2018.
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Section 4. The compensation for the office of City Marshal of the City of Caruthersville is hereby set effective as of April 3, 2018, as set forth below and shall be implemented in increments as follows:
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For the period from April 3, 2018, through March 31, 2020, the City Marshal’s salary shall be $56,000.00 per year;
From and after April 1, 2020, the City Marshal’s salary shall be $57,500.00 per year.
Section 5. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby expressly repealed.
Section 6. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval.
READ TWO TIMES, PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 2nd DAY OF APRIL, 2018.
ATTEST: __________________________________
Mike McGraw, Mayor
_______________________________
Takella Motton, City Clerk
Councilperson Duckworth motion for the second reading of bill No. 2018-02 by title only, second by Councilperson Rittenberry. The question before the Council is now will Bill No. 2018-02 to be known as Ordinance 2018-02 pass and become law, which resulted in the following vote on said question to wit:
Duckworth Yes Cartee Yes
Rittenberry Yes Hood Yes
Merideth Yes Grantham Abstain
Rodgers Yes
There was a question as to why Ward 1 voting poll had changed, someone had mentioned that they couldn’t get enough participants for Ward 1 voting poll at Sacred Heart therefore it was changed to the Court House. Mayor Pro Tem stated that the County Clerk would have the answers.
With no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Merideth motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Duckworth with all in favor, the meeting adjourning at 5:53 p.m.
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Mayor Pro Tem
_______________________________
City Clerk