March 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 & Acting Mayor, 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 February 23, 1998, meeting were mailed to Aldermen for their review. Motion made by Delmar Guthery to approve minutes. Second to the motion by Oren Alcorn. Motion carried. All in favor.

CITIZENS' COMMENTS:
Chamber of Commerce/Karen Mendel: Karen Mendel said they had received some inquiries about cost of bridge at park - had been asked if it cost $90,000. She was advised that actual cost was $14,000 - with 50% grant - cost to City would have been $7,000.

RESOLUTION #98.4:A Resolution By The Board Of Aldermen Of The City Of Ava, Missouri, Authorizing The Acting Mayor To Sign Commitment To Lease With Ava Alumni Foundation, Inc., On Real Estate In Ava City Park For Purpose Of Constructing A Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility.

Resolution read by City Clerk. Motion made by Oren Alcorn to approve Resolution #98.4. Second to motion by Delmar Guthery. Motion to approve. All in favor.

SHELVING BID: Bid received from Schwegman Office Supplies for $528, for four sets of metal storage shelving @ $132 each set, for City Utilities.

Motion made by Delmar Guthery to approve bid from Schwegman for $528. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor

Herman Davis said he did not realize how many different places we had records stored - they are scattered in several different buildings. He recommended they consider using at least half of the Fire Station building across from City Hall to get all stored records in one place.

COMPUTER SYSTEM: City Treasurer, Peggy Porter, submitted proposal on computer system - our system has been under warranty for 10 years, but IBM is phasing out the model of computer required to run the programs we use.

Aldermen said we would need to advertise for bids. Herman said, since City's fiscal year ends June 30, ideally it would be best to have new system installed by that date.

FIRST RESPONDERS: Fire Chief Woods spoke to Board about the ambulance donated to First Responders for use, instead of taking the fire truck on medical-assist calls. When asked what it's use will be, Tom clarified it will not be used to transport victims. It is awkward to take firetrucks with tanks of water in winter weather to medical emergency - water in tank might freeze. Decals for identification would be around $100, quoted from Sharp Signs - put decals on instead of repainting unit. To make it ready for use would cost approximately $1,000 for two batteries, supplies, etc.

Motion made by Oren Alcorn to authorize Fire Chief to spend $90 to $100 for decals from Sharp Signs. Second by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

SANITATION COLLECTION: Alderman Alcorn spoke about tipping fees at landfill. January 1998, fees were $28 per ton. Average amount per year - $5,500 per month.

1. Recycling is cost effective in our community.

2. Need to generate enough to cover tipping fees, operating costs, etc.

City has 1,200 residential customers @ $6 per month brings in $7,000 per month. Last year City lost $26,000 - can't continue to lose money in this department. We are providing service - don't have to make profit, but need to cover costs. Need to look at our method of collection. The proposed increase in the long-run will save customers money, as opposed to contracting out to a private contractor.

One alternative would be, instead of a monthly flat residential charge, to charge per bag, if a method to account for number of bags at each residence were used, such as providing bags with identifying printing.

Karen Mendel said at Town Meeting on March 19 & April 2, at Community Center, this question will be addressed.

Aldermen mentioned City overhauled motors in two trash trucks this year. Delmar said if it goes to a private contractor, we would be losing about five employees locally.

A citizen in attendance asked about curb-side recycling. Oren said the recycling center would have to be able to handle the volume - have to be careful not to swamp the center.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Accounts payable were presented to Aldermen for review. Motion made by Delmar Guthery to approve accounts payable as presented. Second to motion by Oren Alcorn. Motion approved. All in favor.

Herman Davis asked for approval for D.A.R.E. officer, Clint McFarlin, to attend a school: Basic School Resource Officer Training Course from April 27-May 1, 1998, at Jefferson City, MO. Cost for the 40 hour program is $450 - hotel $47 per night. Motion made by Oren Alcorn to approve the school for Clint. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

CLOSED SESSION: Motion made by Oren Alcorn to move into closed session for discussion on personnel pursuant RSMo 610.023 (3). Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

During closed session a stop made by City police officer was discussed. City Attorney emphasized that City provide cam corders in police cars.

Discontinuing the sale of fuel at the Ava Airport was discussed. Aldermen agreed a definite decision needs to be made.

Appointment of Mayor was discussed. Salary was discussed and it was consensus of Aldermen to retain salary that Mayor Norman received, with no change. Meeting was scheduled for Friday, March 13, 1998, to review applications submitted.

OPEN SESSION/ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Oren Alcorn to move to regular open session. Second to motion by Don Davidson. Motion approved. All in favor.

Operation of airport had been discussed in closed session. Airport Manager, Bud Miller, is paid $500 per month. He has administration building open and sells fuel. Motion made by Delmar Guthery to talk to Bud Miller and ask him if he can close by the end of this month - do proper notification, etc. Second to motion by Oren Alcorn. Motion approved. All in favor.

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

Meeting Adjourned.