Water lines are now being installed in Hamilton
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Hamilton met on April 13th. All members of the board were present along with City Attorney, Robert Cowherd, Acting City Administrator, Allen Gentry and Mayor Winford Gilliam. Old business was reviewed and Ordinance #1597-2 was read: “An ordinance declaring the results of the Municipal election for the City of Hamilton, Mo. held on April 5, 2016.” Ordinance #1597 was then read accepting the results of the April election.
In regular session the board began by administering the oath of office. Incumbents Sherria Kavanaugh and Fred Moss were sworn in for another term of office. The board appointed Sherria Kavanaugh as Board President.
Proposed changes to the pool construction were reviewed by the board. Family passes were changed to “Resident” passes to accommodate mixed families living together at the same residence. Also the number of lifeguards at a pool party was changed to a minimum of five to cover the new slide. It was decided to keep the pool open longer by allowing it to remain open through Labor Day weekend. Also the pool would stay open longer on weekdays changing the hours to 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., with regular hours on the weekend. The pool suggestions were approved by the board.
Steve Guthrie, Regional Manager of People Services, addressed the meeting with an update to the city’s water/sewer improvements. Guthrie said they are researching the best options to cover the clarifier. The backwash valve replacement project has had some complications; isolation of the water plant from the distribution system has been a problem. He talked to Allen Gentry about possibly having a valve cut, which would cost roughly $6,000. Suggested improvements by Guthrie to consider in the future included replacing the main valves on all filters (yearly budgeted item), purchasing high service pumps and motors which would amount to cost savings in the long run, covering the clarifiers, and building a spare parts inventory, which they are currently doing with the maintenance fund.
Chief Ron Faulkner introduced the department’s new part-time police officer, Jason Sackrey.
Allen Gentry gave the Public Works Department report. The department is spending more time working with contractors on the new water line project and with the pool contractor, answering their questions and providing assistance when needed. One of the department’s employees will be leaving at the end of this week so Gentry said they will be shorthanded for a while.
On the subject of water line replacements, S. Davis, N. Prairie, E. McGaughy (and the alley north), E. 8th Street, W 6th Street and N. Ewing are the streets that are being worked on in this first phase. Harry Burdg agreed that the city could set up a project sign on his property at 36 Hwy and 13. The 6” water line may be completed by today, placement of all the new fire hydrants will be completed by the end of this week, and the majority of water valves have been placed. The crews will begin making system connections after the new water lines have been completely installed. After the system connections are completed, the lines will be flushed and pressure tested, coordinating with the city’s public works people. The crews then will begin making service connections to all the houses and the new water lines, working with the city to notify homeowners in the areas where the connections will begin. Meters that need to be replaced will be replaced at that time. A change order has been proposed for a section of a 4” water line starting at the corner of N. Prairie and E. Samuel. There are about three homes in that area that have very poor water pressure that need immediate relief.
Pool renovations are coming along nicely. A change order was issued to cover more demolition, excavation, reinforcing, pouring new piers for the slide, replacing concrete that had settled and adding more drainage. Another change order will be issued as the pool also needs another water blast and cleaning, patching, painting and sand added for traction. The shade area that was constructed was not acceptable to the city and Gentry said he met with the contractor and architect about getting estimates to make the area larger.
The lowest bid for the sidewalk project was $95,531.50 and this was for construction only. This is higher than the city originally planned to pay and Gentry was working with MoDOT to see if the city could get an additional grant to get the cost back in line with what was originally projected.
The in-town walking trail is in doubt as the Coalition is in disagreement whether it is needed. The city is still going to get some money from the Health Dept. (approx. $7,800), but it will have to be used for an activity. Areas of suggestion were: playground equipment; resetting of the basketball goal; tennis court; or putting in a volleyball court. Gentry is asking for thoughts on how to use the money.
Gentry thanked voters for passing the half cent sales tax proposition.
The Planning and Zoning Board has a vacancy open and Dr. Ted Rights would like to fill that position. The board approved the appointment.
The warehouse expansion by MSQ has started and will probably continue until December. The city collected over $12,000 in fees so far and issued 29 permits this year. Stephanie Morgan is working on abatement issues on properties within the city, and there are issues pending to go to court next Wednesday. Gentry stated that 78.98% of the 2015 property taxes have been collected and 90% of 2014 taxes have been paid. For Real Estate taxes, 98% of 2014 and over 94% of 2015 have been paid.
Ordinance #1598 was passed by the board authorizing the City of Hamilton to enter into a cooperative contract with the Hamilton school for use of the ball fields and the swimming pool.
The board received a letter from the library requesting approval from the city to fill positions on the library board. Those chosen were Jackie Wallace and Cathy Maudlin.
North Missouri Solid Waste Management is asking the city to appoint a member to their board and also an alternate. Dean Hales would be agreeable to serve in that position and it was approved by the board. Alderman Trosper agreed to be the alternate.
City Attorney, Robert Cowherd, said he received a request from the county to submit a bid for legal services for the Water Commission that is being set up for Little Otter Creek. He wanted to check with the city first and get their consent. Some work that could come up with the Commission, if it had to do with water, could be a conflict of interest with the city. Those particular issues would have to be handled by a different attorney. The board made a motion to allow Cowherd to submit a bid to the Commission.
Tyson Claypool was appointed by the board to fill a vacant position on the Park Board.
