The Cabool City Council voted to increase the pay of one of its top positions and heard city updates during a meeting Monday, Oct. 21.
CITY MARSHAL PAY RAISE
Conway Hawn, city attorney, discussed a bill with board members that would raise the city marshal’s pay. Ron Scheets, administrator, stated that he, Mayor Danny Cannon and Police Chief Jerald Sigman met to discuss the bill. The ordinance would set the pay for the city marshal at $68,000 if they have more than 20 years of experience and $58,000 if they have less experience. It would also allow them to get paid overtime for working grants.
“This puts Jerald near what area chiefs’ salaries are and allows him to work grants and get paid a little extra,” said Scheets. “Jerald puts in a lot of time and gets no additional compensation for it.”
Members did a first and second reading of the bill, approving it as an ordinance. The rate increase will take effect after the April 2025 election.
QUARTERLY REPORTS
Sharon Monter, YMCA, presented a written financial report and activity update to the board. She also discussed the first year of the YMCA running the city pool. She would like to make some changes and repairs. She also reported that fall sports programs have begun.
Janet Roberts, chamber, outlined the chamber’s activities in the previous months, as well as upcoming events. A “Trunk or Treat” event will be held Thursday, Oct. 31 on Main Street, with a costume contest at 5:30 p.m. followed by a parade and trunk or treat until 7:30. The Christmas parade is at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, with a “Christmas movies” theme. A “Christmas on Main” event will be held the following day. The event has twice as many vendors as last year, officials said. Roberts also reported that the chamber has hired a new director – Scarlette Smith.
Becky Scott, senior center, presented a financial report and stated that SeniorAge has cut the grocery budget, forcing the senior center to pay the difference. Scott stated that area businesses have helped sponsor several months. She also reported that the “Meals on Wheels” program now delivers six frozen dinners at a time on a weekly basis.
Other reports included a written report from the Cabool Historical Society, a brief update on the Cabool Development Foundation and an update from Chris Owen on the YMCA building project.
OTHER MATTERS
- Alderman John Williams asked why payments from the fire department budget totaling about $20,000 had not been brought before the board. The purchase order process was also discussed, and the board voiced a desire for it to be done correctly.
- Janet Roberts asked about the status of the cleaning of a property on Rogers Avenue. Scheets stated that Spectrum Properties owns it, and the city has not received a response from them. Alderman Brad Roberts asked if the city could clean it and attach a lien to the property. Scheets stated there is a process, and Alderman Roberts stated that the process should be started. He also requested that the city stays ahead of developers at new subdivisions so they are not waiting on the city.
- Williams questioned the status of the cleaning of properties on Hickory Avenue and McCubbins Avenue.
- The city is considering contracting with a company to create a website and app that would allow the chamber, YMCA, school and city to disseminate information.
- Scheets attended the annual South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG) meeting. SCOCOG handles about 90% of the city’s grants. He also attended a Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) meeting, with some discussion about discontinuing coal usage and future costs.
- The council approved the purchase of a drone for the police department using forfeiture account funds. Sigman hopes to eventually have four officers licensed to operate the drone.
- Scheets stated that the city is waiting on an engineering report to be approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and to receive supplies for the U.S. 63 and YMCA sewer projects.
- A meeting with BrightSpeed to discuss fiber internet in the city was delayed. It will take place soon.
- The city had its first meeting with a representative from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union for contract negotiations before the meeting.
- Scheets reported that a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an airport consultant only had one response – Lochner & Associates – who the city has used in the past. The council approved Lochner & Associates as the engineers of the airport project. This is the same airport grant that has been ongoing for several years. Each year, money is released to be used within a certain time frame.
- The water and wastewater departments have been working to turn in information for a lead and copper inventory. A hydro-excavator was rented to help determine lines leaving meter pits. Scheets reported that the city has received a good response on lead and copper surveys.
- About a dozen trees have been planted at the lake, Roberts Park, Veterans Park and Gazebo Park. The trees were awarded through the Frisbee Golf project. They range from Maple to Tulip trees.
- Scheets also reported that a house at 825 Main St. has been torn down and the property has been cleaned. He reported that the Gentry Residential Treatment Center is adding a fence to its property and has received complaints from neighbors. Potholes at the Highway 181 railroad crossing have been patched.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. The next regular meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at city hall.