CITY OF AVA, MISSOURI

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

February 9, 1998

Present: Alderman Herman Davis
Alderman Delmar Guthery
Alderman Oren Alcorn
Alderman Don Davidson
Marilyn Alms, City Clerk
City Attorney, Carl Smith

News Media: Keith Moore, Herald Publishing; Art Corum, KKOZ

Guests: A visitor's sheet was passed around for those in attendance to sign.

CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order by President of the Board of Aldermen, Herman Davis.

ROLL CALL: Upon call of the roll, the following aldermen were present: Herman Davis, Delmar Guthery, Oren Alcorn, and Don Davidson.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of January 26, 1998, meeting were provided to Aldermen for their review. Motion made by Oren Alcorn to approve minutes. Second to the motion by Delmar Guthery. Motion carried. All in favor.

Motion made by Oren Alcorn to delay the appointment of a Mayor until a later date. Second to motion by Delmar Guthery. Motion approved by vote of all ayes.

Alderman Alcorn explained the motion of delaying the appointment of Mayor. There seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether there would be another appointment after the election of aldermen in April, if a Mayor is appointed tonight. By delaying this action this allows time for board to deliberate with forethought.

AVA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Joe Corum, past President, and Karen Mendel, Executive Director of Ava Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke to Aldermen about solidifying effort of City and Chamber of Commerce to move Ava forward - Chamber of Commerce to be salesman of Community. He spoke of partnership of City and Chamber, and presented a prepared "agreement" for term of one year beginning January 1, 1998, until lists tasks to be performed by Chamber of Commerce on behalf of City. This proposal is a slight increase over last year's contract. The Chamber office has added since last year a part-time employee, Peggy Baird, and figures their office has handled an average of 1,300 phone calls per month last year. Mr. Corum asked aldermen to continue the contract with Chamber:

$12,040 - last year's contract

$14,025 - this year's proposal

Aldermen asked several questions. One question asked was how much is Chamber of Commerce membership fee. Karen said average small business pays $50 per year annual membership fee. Chamber has increased by 35 members over last three years.

Alderman Guthery said we have got to keep something like this going. Alderman Davis said Board will have to determine if City is financially able to expend these monies. In short-term City has to recover from last years $350,000 expenditures to renovate manufacturing plant.

Motion made by Oren Alcorn that City approve agreement as presented by Chamber of Commerce. Second by Delmar Guthery. Motion approved by vote of all ayes.

Karen mentioned that there is on-going work in connection with Fox Trotter's 50th Anniversary celebration this fall.

CATHY THOMPSON - PARK/RECREATION COMMISSION: Cathy Thompson asked Board about consideration of Athletic Co-ordinator.

Alderman Alcorn said when Comprehensive Plan Co-ordinator was hired, the Aldermen and Planning & Zoning Commission met to review applicants. Aldermen asked Cathy to pre pare information from other communities on what their procedures are.

Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at 2:00 P.M., between Aldermen & Park Board for discussion on Athletic Co-ordinator. Three applicants will be interviewed, and City will hire someone at that meeting, according to Alderman Alcorn.

CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Aldermen are still reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan.

SWIMMING POOL: Alderman Guthery said there has been discussion about not opening swimming pool this year. There are complications about a valve.

Cathy Thompson talked about cost cuts - cutting hours of operation, increasing fees, asking for volunteers, etc. A man attending the meeting said it's difficult to get accountability from volunteers.

There was discussion about 1/4 cent sales tax election - Park Commission requests this to be put back on ballot in November 1998.

CITIZENS' COMMENTS: Billie Leonard spoke about a fence, across from her house, owned by Gorman Dye, Jr. This is on road to sports complex and school system keeps their grounds immaculate. Along fence line is grown up & road is narrow. Mrs. Leornard asked if City would condemn 10' or 12' of that property and make the road wider. She also mentioned a barn that is falling in on the Dye property. Aldermen said they doubted they could condemn this property. Alderman Davis said there are a lot of complications in condemning anyone's property.

The elevation of sewer line serving Mrs. Leonard's house was discussed.

Aldermen asked City Attorney for his opinion. He said he would talk to the property owner, Mr. Dye, about giving land to widen road.

John Sutton said Mr. Dye has given him approval to demolish the barn. Mr. Sutton leases this property.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:Aldermen reviewed the accounts payable. During this time, Shirley Fleetwood said they wanted to speak to Board about bridge over creek on N.E. 10th Street - street is so narrow. Board told Mrs. Fleetwood they would have the street department superintendent look at this.

Motion made by Oren Alcorn to approve accounts payable as presented. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved by vote of all ayes.

RESOLUTION #98.2 - AVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGREEMENT:A Resolution Authorizing and Approving City's Entering Into An Agreement To Pay Ava Area Chamber of Commerce For Services and Expenses For Promoting The Community Development/Betterment of City and Surrounding Areas.

Resolution read by City Clerk. Motion made by Oren Alcorn to approve and accept Resolution #98.2. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor. Record of vote: Alcorn, aye; Davidson, aye; Davis, aye; Guthery, aye.

POLICE DEPARTMENT CAM CORDER:Motion made by Oren Alcorn to authorize the purchase of another cam corder for use in police cars, and instruct officers to use cam corder at all stops. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

Aldermen said they would like to meet with all police officers. It was suggested to meet on municipal court date, February 20th.

Board authorized Clint McFarlin to get prices and information on cam corder with remote microphone.

Motion made by Oren Alcorn to adjourn meeting. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

Meeting Adjourned.