The Gallatin Board of Aldermen held a meeting on August 26th, approving two new ordinances and discussing several city matters.
One ordinance addressed the banning of lead in public and private drinking water plumbing. City Clerk Crystal Dorrel stated this updated ordinance is a requirement from the Department of Natural Resources. It mandates that any new construction or updates to water lines, whether private or public, must not use lead materials.
The second ordinance involved vacating and discontinuing a section of Lee Street. According to Dorrel, the vacated portion was the very end of Lee Street, which was not a through street. The property owner now holds ownership of both sides of this street section.
The board also approved a new water rate for the Daviess County Public Water Supply District Number 2, setting the rate at $14.72 per 1,000 gallons. This rate will become effective on October 1st.
Dorrel discussed the potential to apply for grants through the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) for various safety items, including fall prevention gear, lights, a gas detector, and tools. The total cost of these items is $5,372.80, with the city’s portion being $1,343.20. The board approved applying for the MIRMA grants.
An updated actuarial valuation packet from the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) was presented by Dorrel. The board approved starting the 45-day public disclosure process. The city is awaiting a reply from LAGERS to set a precise date for the disclosure period to begin. The information will be available at city hall.
Street Supervisor Jeff Johnson proposed selling the distributor truck, which is no longer in use. The board agreed to take the truck to the B and S Equipment Auction. Johnson also mentioned the potential purchase of a new tractor and dump truck for the street department. The board requested additional information and plans to discuss this during upcoming budget talks.
Discussions on a tiny home ordinance continued, with Dorrel presenting examples from other cities. The board requested further information and will revisit the topic in the next meeting.
Regarding a building permit for the BTC Center, Dorrel clarified that the permit costs are associated only with exterior updates, not interior renovations. She will provide the board with updated estimates from contractors.
Board Member Dan Lockridge suggested updating the employee manual. He proposed that the mayor appoint a couple of board members to review the manual and recommend changes.
Reports were also given by various city staff:
- Water staff: Collaborated with an engineer on a water line project, checked and replaced meters, addressed water leaks, and managed water plant issues.
- Wastewater staff: Addressed water leaks, coordinated with a contractor on lift station maintenance, power washed, and began constructing a ramp and porch at city hall.
- Electric staff: Worked on straightening poles, completed multiple locates, installed a new pole at a residence following storm damage, power washed, and initiated work on the city hall ramp and porch.
- Street staff: Continued mowing, conducted ditching, filled potholes, picked up brush, and assisted with water leaks.
The meeting concluded with the board entering a closed session.
