May 15, 2008

Administrators had nothing new to report on the status of the Sho-Me Power rate increase and the City's on-going effort to find alternative sources or answers to the recent hike in electrical rates. Administrative Director Peggy Porter said options are still being researched through a host of venues including legislators in Jefferson City; however, no viable solutions have been forthcoming at this time. Mayor Leon Harris noted storm clean-up was well underway with city employees diligently working to clear remaining debris and tree limbs. Harris reported 151 loads have been taken to the city farm, and crews are still gathering loads for disposal. Right now the Mayor said he was uncertain how many poles had been replaced, or how the city would dispose of them but it was likely damaged poles would be burned at the Ava airport site. The board of aldermen approved the purchase of a 2007 Chevrolet truck, a demo diesel with 11,000 miles. The service vehicle was purchased for the electric department. Mayor Harris reported the truck presently used by the department is eight years old and has recurring transmission problems. Following recent storms, Harris felt it was important for the City to have good equipment in sound working order, and for each city department to be ready to handle any disaster. The accepted bid was submitted by Global Rental Co., of St. Joseph, Mo. and the price for the 2007 diesel truck was $71,000. However, with the city's trade-in vehicle, the final cost was $49,500. According to Global Rental, the purchase price for a new service truck, chassis and unit, is $85,678. During executive session, the aldermen hired Clint Clubb as a police officer for the City of Ava Police Department. Clubb, who recently graduated in the top of his class from Drury Police Academy, is the son of Daniel and Chris Clubb, of Squires. According to Chief Larry Smith, Clint and his family have returned to Ava from Washington state. The council agreed to out-source pool concessions for this summer season by entering into a contractual agreement with Jessica Ross, of Ava. Ross, a kindergarten teacher at Ava elementary, will be responsible for the pool concession stand and oversee it's operation. A roster of summertime employees was also approved. An ordinance allowing loft apartments or residential living areas in buildings located in the central business district of Ava was passed and approved Tuesday evening. The new ordinance allows for residential use in the downtown district as a secondary purpose. The bill reads "street level shall be retained for commercial purpose and store front shall maintain a commercial atmosphere." Commercial utility rates will be charged at all downtown locations regardless of zoning designation or use. A group of city residents appeared before council to express a dire need for a drainage system in their neighborhood. The property owners presented a series of photo¬graphs which depicted the inadequate drainage area and how the flow of water creates standing pools, flooding and debris buildup in their yards, driveways, and on some occasions, near the entrance to their homes. Residents said the flooding problem has been a battle for four years, and continues to get worse, a concern that may be attributed to new construction in the area. Mayor Harris acknowledged he was aware of the flooding situation, and that part of the problem might be alleviated if a box culvert were installed on the north side of the area. Harris said he would discuss the problem with the supervisor of the city street department and make an assessment of what could be done to help eliminate the flooding. Administrative Director Peggy Porter informed council members the architect's plan for the proposed city hall building had been final¬ized, and the next step was to re¬quest building specs for the bidding process. Council members Burrely Loftin and Judy Lovan expressed opinions that the timing for this project was wrong as both felt it was inappropriate for the city to be considering a new city hall building project while Ava was being hit with negative factors. However, councilmen David Norman and Ric Engelhardt were opposed to letting the project drop at this time. Both men cited the fact the City had spent money to create the plans and it would be a waste of money to put the project aside. Norman and Engelhardt also felt it would be beneficial to go ahead and garner projected costs, as that information would help council members determine the feasibility of the project. All concurred and agreed to move on with the next step, and see what costs the building project will require. Monthly bills were approved for payment. Aldermen attending the meeting were Burrely Loftin, Judy Lovan, David Norman and Ric Engelhardt.