CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE, October 1, 2018
Be it remembered the Council of the City of Caruthersville met in regular session Monday, October 1, 2018, at 5:00 pm. in the Council room of the Municipal Building at which time and place the following were present:
- Sue Grantham – Mayor
- Takella Motton – City Clerk
- Lawrence Dorroh – City Counselor
- Tony Jones – Sergeant at Arms
- Bullington – Councilperson
- Lyons – Councilperson
- Rittenberry -Councilperson
- Grable (Absent) – Councilperson
- Hood – Councilperson
- Merideth (Absent) – Councilperson
- Rodgers – Councilperson
- Duckworth – Councilperson
The number of members necessary to consider a quorum being present, the Mayor 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 regular session minutes of September 2 4, 2018, Councilperson Duckworth motion to approve, second by Councilperson Lyons with all in favor.
Councilperson Hood motion for approval of reports and bills, second by Councilperson Duckworth, with all in favor.
Jim Atchison spoke on behalf of the American Legion and acknowledged Barbara Merideth with the Daughters of American Revolution in support of the upcoming 100th anniversary of World War I Armistice Day. Mr. Atchison is asking the community to get involved with the ringing of the church bells on the 11th month, 11th day, at the 11th hour of 2018. The hope is to have a celebration along with education of the event with 21 solemn bell tolls symbolizing the nation’s honest honor. Governor Parson has adopted a Resolution for the State of Missouri proclaiming November 11, 2018, as Armistice Day. Mayor Grantham stated that she would like to work on a Proclamation for Armistice Day with the American Legion for the City of Caruthersville.
Councilperson Duckworth spoke on behalf of the Humane Society’s past partnership with the City of Caruthersville, and how beneficial it was for both entities. Councilperson Duckworth stated that a lot of the calls that he receives are animal related, and hopefully a plan with the City and the Humane Society could help with animal control. Carol Wilcox with the Humane Society spoke on how a partnership could provide a way to help with the animals by way of adoption, grants, vaccinations, and compliance. Councilperson Bullington motion for Mayor Grantham, the Humane Society, Matt Duckworth, and Counselor Dorroh to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Humane Society with final approval by the Council. Councilperson Hood second the motion, which resulted in the following vote:
- Bullington Yes
- Lyons Yes
- Rittenberry Yes
- Grable Yes
- Hood Yes
- Rodgers Yes
- Duckworth Yes
Chief Tony Jones stated that one of the officers was willing to take on the responsibilities as Humane Officer with the ability to write citations which is a plus. Chief Tony Jones also reported that there was an attempted robbery in Caruthersville at the car wash and the subject shot into the vehicle. The department is aware that the subjects are out of Arkansas, and look to have an arrest soon. There was not a robbery at the Casino or Jiffy Jim’s.
Fire report; Fire calls from September 26, 2018, through October 1, 2018, are as follows: 9/26/18; Fire alarm sounding due to burned food on West 3rd St., 9/26/18; Fire alarm sounding due to steam from a bathroom on Bushey, 9/27/18; Vehicle accident on Hwy DD south of Cottonwood Point. The training for the month was “Intruder Training”, which was taught by Jerry Hudgens with 16 firefighters attending, and next week is fire prevention week. Councilperson Lyons wanted to know if the Caruthersville Fire Department got reimbursed for answering fire calls when a closer Fire department to the incident didn’t answer the call. It was explained that Fire departments weren’t obligated to answer fire calls out of their jurisdiction. Chief Charlie Jones stated that he tries to collect payment from the insurance company, but most people limits are $500, which usually leave a balance that doesn’t always get paid. Non-subscribers can be taken to small’s claims court for non-payment but the cost has to be weighed whether it’s beneficial to do so. Mayor Grantham gave thanks to the Police and Fire departments for their support at the funeral of Mike Wright.
Street & Sanitation/Water &Sewer; Paul Shaw reported that potholes had been filled last week; with rain occurring the cold patch couldn’t be applied so gravel was put down. The City Clerk will be the LPA agent for the grant process through MODOT. There will be someone in the evenings just before closing to assist with lift assists to the dumpster at the Maintenance yard and the area will be tidied up. There is also a plan to pick up debris by rotation of Wards. Councilperson Duckworth commended the Mayor and Paul Shaw on picking up and leading the way with Terry Rushing’s departure. Paul Shaw attended a Water & Sewer Emergency Response Class last week, the attendance and training was successful.
Code Enforcement; Sonya Fuller reported sending out several letters, and will be issuing 2 complaints on properties to the Police department. There are a total of 3 volunteers that are working alongside City employees, and they have been doing a great job. Councilperson Bullington wanted to know whose responsibility is it to keep the Carroll property mowed. There’s a lien on the property and Counselor Dorroh will be checking the status on the property as to whether it’s been sold.
Library report; Teresa Tidwell reported that October was birthday calendar month and they’re trying to get the names for the 2019 calendar which cost $2.00 and lasts forever. They also welcome ads which is $50.00 each for all year long; the calendars are free. The Library will also be offering online resources for the following: Hobbies & Crafts, Home Improvement, Small Engine Repair, and legal information with forms and health directives. All is required is a library card and the resources can be printed off at your convenience from anywhere.
Mayor Grantham recognized and commended Ms. Mecca for volunteering to trim the shrubbery on 3rd St. The Mayor entertained a motion to go into closed session. Councilperson Bullington motion to go into closed session for personal matters, and real estate, second by Councilperson Hood, which resulted in the following vote:
- Bullington Yes
- Lyons Yes
- Rittenberry Yes
- Grable Yes
- Hood Yes
- Rodgers Yes
- Duckworth Yes
Upon returning from closed session, and with no further business to come before the Council, Councilperson Duckworth motion to adjourn, second by Councilperson Rittenberry with all in favor, the meeting adjourning at 6:58 pm.