Council considers budget requests

The El Dorado Springs City Council met in regular session Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Mayor Nathan Murrell led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present were Mayor Nathan Murrell, Mayor Pro-tem Nick Bland, Council Members Jim Luster, Brett Entrikin and Cory Gayman.

Personnel present were City Manager, Bruce Rogers, Kandi Baldwin, City Clerk, Brian Koger, Street Superintendant, Joe Robison, Utilities Director, Riley Julian, Building and Grounds Director, Bob Floyd, Fire Chief, Tom Gough and JR Stroer, Fire Department and Jarrod Schiereck, Police Chief.

On a motion by Entrikin, seconded by Gayman, the Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 31, 2020 regular meeting.  “Yes” votes were Luster, Entrikin, Murrell and Gayman.  Bland abstained.

During Reports or Written Communications, Rogers presented the Council with the Police and Fire reports for July and August.

Peggy Snodgrass, Chamber of Commerce, was present during Public Forum.  Snodgrass explained the Chamber was looking for permission from the Council to put flags up on the poles along Highway 54.  The flags would be 3×5 and the initial purchase is $41 per flag, which includes the poles and the hardware for 24.  The flags would run about $23 to replace.  The flags would be placed on the same poles as the Christmas decorations that are put up.  Snodgrass also said she had spoken to Joe Robison about replacing the Christmas decorations and having the City put in for half of the cost, which is $5000.  The Chamber would raise the other $5000.  Entrikin made a motion to agree to put $5000 towards the decorations for Highway 54, Luster seconded the motion, the Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.  “Yes” votes were Murrell, Luster, Entrikin, Bland and Gayman.

Rogers presented the Proposed budget to the Council.  Koger reviewed requests for the Taxi and Street Department.  Robison then covered the Electric, Water, Wastewater and Water Projects Departments.  Julian then highlighted needs for the Recreation, Park, Pool, Golf and Cemetery Departments.  Floyd then discussed the budget for the Fire Department.  Schiereck went over his budget request for the Police, Animal Control, and Emergency Management budgets. 

During Floyd’s presentation of the budget, he mentioned the Volunteer Fire Department was hosting the Jr Firefighters Day October 3, 2020 from 11 am-1 pm.  They will be serving hot dogs, chips and water.  It will be held in the Shopko parking lot.  Floyd mentioned last year the City donated money to help with expenses and asked if the City would be willing to help out again this year.  Floyd was asked how much did they need, he responded around $3000.  Gayman made a motion to fund the whole project fund up to $3000.  Entrikin seconded the motion, the Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.  “Yes” votes were Murrell, Luster, Entrikin, Bland and Gayman.

Rogers asked if there was any questions, Rogers stated he will get the budget balanced and operating budget complete, then he will make a proposal to the Council on what he recommends.  Rogers did recommend a 1% cost of living increase for employees.

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 20-27; A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR BALLISTIC VESTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT,  Rogers explained bids were taken and the low bid was accepted by Southern Uniform & Equipment for $8119.92.  Murrell read resolution 20-27.  On a motion by Luster, seconded by Gayman, the Council unanimously voted to approve the motion.  “Yes” votes were Murrell, Luster, Entrikin, Bland and Gayman.

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 20-28; A RESOLUTION APPROVING TAX COLLECTION CONTRACT WITH CEDAR COUNTY COLLECTOR AND COMMISSION,  Rogers explained how the County is going to collect the taxes for the City and will be more convenient for the taxpayer.  The City taxes will all be paid to the County and not at City Hall.  Murrell read resolution 20-28.  On a motion by Gayman, seconded by Entrikin, the Council unanimously voted to approve the motion.   “Yes” votes were Murrell, Luster, Entrikin, Bland and Gayman. 

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 20-29; A RESOLUTION APPROVING LEASE FOR BAILING HAY ON CITY PROPERTY, CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 20-30; A RESOLUTION APPROVING LEASE FOR ROW CROPPING ON CITY PROPERTY, AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 20-31; A RESOLUTION APPROVING LEASE FOR BAILING HAY ON CITY PROPERTY, Rogers explained bids were taken for leasing of the City properties.  Three people bid for 5 tracts and only one tract did not have a bid.  Murrell read resolutions 20-29, 20-30 and 20-31.   On a motion by Entrikin, seconded by Luster, the Council unanimously voted to approve the motions.   “Yes” votes were Murrell, Luster, Entrikin, Bland and Gayman. 

CONSIDERATION OF FIRST READING OF BILL 20-06, ORDINANCE NO. 1931; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS IN ALL FUND OF THE CITY OF EL DORADO SPRINGS, MISSOURI.  Murrell read the first reading of Ordinance No. 1931 Bill No. 20-06.  On a motion by Luster, seconded by Entrikin, the Council voted to approve the first reading.  “Yes” votes were Entrikin, Luster, Bland, Murrell and Gayman.

CONSIDERATION OF SECOND AND FINAL READING OF BILL 20-06, ORDINANCE NO. 1931; AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE 2020 CITY TAX LEVY AND PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION THEREOF.  MURRELL read the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1931 Bill No. 2020-06.  On a motion by Bland, seconded by Gayman, the Council voted to approve the ordinance.  “Yes” votes were Luster, Entrikin, Bland, Murrell and Gayman.

During the City Manager report, Rogers said the chlorination was going well.  The samples that the City is getting are testing good.

Rogers told the company that installed the transformer would be coming to look at the leak on Wednesday at 7 a.m. 

Rogers mentioned MoDot conducted a traffic count at the intersection of First Street and Highway 54 and they would not be making any changes at this time.

Rogers informed the Council there would be a Planning and Zoning meeting Sept. 29 at 10 a.m.

Rogers told the Council he does not know of an opening date for the new O’Reilly’s at this time.

Rogers informed the Council that the City would be conducting a Tax Sale Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

There was no Mayor Council Report

At 9:15 p.m., on a motion by Luster, seconded by Bland the Council voted unanimously to go into Executive Session to discuss Real Estate matters.  “Yes” votes were Luster, Bland, Murrell, Entrikin, and Gayman .

At 9:25 p.m., on a motion by Luster, seconded by Gayman the Council voted unanimously to adjourn.  “Yes” votes were Entrikin, Luster, Bland, Murrell and Gayman.