The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved a few purchases Monday evening. One was for the purchase of skid load tracks from Terry’s for $1,485 each. Another was for flame-resistant t-shirts for $55 each, since the purchase was budgeted.
Public Works Director Mark Morey reported the quotes received for the purchase of a valve exerciser were out of budget. People Service has a machine that can be rented for $70 per hour if the valves have been located and cleaned. People Service recommended the city budget for a certain percentage of the system each year to have the valves exercised.
The board approved John Whitfield be removed from all bank signature cards and the addition of Board President Carol Walker to the cards for the City of Gallatin accounts.
City Administrator Lance Rains submitted Gallatin’s video and application for HGTV’s Home Town Takeover contest. The board agreed to publish the video on Facebook and YouTube.
Rains reported the State Emergency Management Agency/Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the sewer plant clarifier replacement increased from $210,000 to $630,922.5. The city will be required to match 25% of the total cost of construction to obtain the grant funds.
Rains was to meet with Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association Representative Jeff Arp for an annual review. Rains anticipated a better score than last year because the safety manual and employee handbook were updated this year. He said MIRMA is changing its policy on hydrostatic pressure relief valves.
The board discussed the closing of the food pantry and the need for the pantry in the community. Sasone Group is the new realtor for the Shopko building. Public Water Supply District Number 2 requested audits, rate studies, and budgets for the past several years in regards to a recent rate increase. Rains attended Great Northwest Day in Jefferson City last week. Morey reported the new vacuum trailer is being completed and should be delivered soon.
Ross Construction was at the water plant Monday completing some outstanding punch list items.
Morey stated his concerns regarding the ending support for the MVRS Itron Meter Reading System.
Police Chief Mark Richards said a vehicle stop was attempted on suspects regarding a report of counterfeit money being passed in Gallatin and Winston. The vehicle reportedly failed to yield and attempted to flee from officers by going south on Highway 13 and east on Route M. It stopped in Breckenridge after losing control on snow and hitting a power pole.
Richards said the driver ran from the vehicle and was arrested a block away by deputies, while the counterfeit suspect and another woman were taken into custody at the accident scene. The Gallatin Police Department received assistance from the Daviess County and Caldwell County sheriffs departments and the Highway Patrol.
The board went into a closed session for employee matters.