Meta aldermen at last Wednesday’s meeting decided to forgo further requests for qualifications from engineering firms for its drinking-water system because Bartlett & West has already provided services to the city, and already has done the background work.

“Unless there’s a huge reason we don’t want to work with them anymore, we already have what we need,” said Alderman Ivie Helton. “We already have them under contract for these kinds of things so we can reach out to them.”

Mayor Harold Libbert said he had to prepare the system for chlorination years ago and everything is still viable.

Aldermen last month decided to solicit RFQs from several firms but Helton noted there was no need to proceed with interviews.

“So what you’re saying is we already have the wherewithal to hook up to chlorination,” Alderman Otto Wankum said to the mayor. “What we need is an engineering group to come in and say that’s what we need?”

Libbert confirmed that is the case, noting the system was put in place two years ago.

One question is the size of the storage tank the city will need to employ, which can be determined with help from Bartlett & West.

“I just don’t see the point of going through this entire process when we already have someone under contract, which we would have to get out of if we want to go with somebody else,” said Helton.

Alderman Lawrence Hoffman agreed it would be easiest to remain with the Jefferson City engineering firm.

City Clerk Deidra Buechter asked if the agreement with Bartlett & West would cover the construction of the retaining wall near City Hall.

“Anything you ask them to do is part of their service as the city’s engineer,” said City Attorney Nathan Nickolaus, noting the city always has the option to hire a different firm. “You’re not locked into (Bartlett & West) but it’s simpler to continue to use them.”

Nickolaus added that he was told by the engineering firm that chlorination may not be the best solution for the coliform problem. “It may be the way the water is moving around the system,” he explained. “You might want to ask them if chlorination is the answer, and if so, then ask for a plan.”

“If we didn’t have to chlorinate, that would be great,” said Alderman Steve Sherrell. “But if DNR is saying chlorinate I don’t know what we can do.”

Helton said that if an alternative is presented, it might be accepted.

Libbert noted that testing is the likely culprit but Wankum said the city will need proof to satisfy the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Nickolaus agreed, adding that DNR would only listen to qualified engineers when it comes to this kind of system problem.

Libbert told aldermen that the system he manages at St. Thomas has two water-holding tanks while Meta's system has only one.

“There’s no place to put a second tank in,” Wankum said.

“I know, and DNR wants us to put in a smaller tank than what we got,” Libbert added.

“One of the things we all have to come to grips with is that we have to take care of the water system, and our relationship with DNR because quite frankly if we don’t, we’re screwed,” said Wankum.

Aldermen agreed to stay with Bartlett & West, and Sherrell asked if timing is a factor. “We have to get this done for DNR,” he added. “Is there a deadline to get this done?”

“Not an official deadline,” Wankum replied. “But if we drag our feet it will become an official deadline. For the benefit of the system, let’s just stay with Bartlett & West and save everybody a headache.”

In other business, aldermen gave Buechter permission to submit a request for pre-approval of equipment to broadcast meetings for those who cannot or choose not to attend in person to the Osage County Commission. If approved by commissioners, funding would come from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Buechter told aldermen she had spoken with Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to ensure the equipment would meet CARES standards. The list includes audio and visual components, along with a laptop and interactive LED display screen, all of which totals $5,920.97.

* Aldermen approved a quote for six cameras from Remote Computer Services (RCS) for $1,759.93 plus labor, estimated at $550. RCS installed the camera at the ballpark and it is working well.

Buechter said video is recorded to a DVR and data can be transferred to another device as needed.

There was a discussion about adding a monitor but aldermen agreed it wasn’t necessary.

* Aldermen approved a notice of filing for the April 6 election, during which the mayor and two aldermanic seats will be decided. The filing period for the election will open on Dec. 15 and close on Jan. 19, 2021.

* A holiday greeting ad was approved for publication in the Unterrified Democrat.

* Aldermen approved the placement of a lien against a resident who has not paid a water bill since May, which now totals $260.22.

* Additional records were approved for destruction.

* In his report, Nickolaus said he is working on the city’s ordinances and will pursue code enforcement once he receives information from Buechter.

MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Aldermen decided to suspend part-time employment for Chris Wieberg and Ely Wieberg for now, though they will officially remain employees. It was noted that while they don’t have any hours, they are not being terminated, and could be recalled for special projects before next spring when the city will consider bringing back part-time employees.

“I think they both did a great job but right now, I don’t think we have a need for both of them,” said Wankum. “I think the number of hours for (Mitch Stumpe) and (Kenny Loethen) need to be controlled and utilized to the best of our ability.”

Wankum added there is no grass to cut right now and the streets are looking better, so there’s not much work that can’t be done by Loethen and Stumpe.

* Wankum told maintenance crews that since the streets have been cleared, it’s time to weed-eat the sides of the road and clear away the last of the brush. He added that alleys need to be addressed as part of regular maintenance as well.

* Maintenance employee Kenny Loethen confirmed the city is in good shape with salt and cinders for winter weather.

WATER UPDATE

Buechter reported 746,997 gallons of water were pumped during October, with 326,886 gallons sold, 13,500 gallons used by the fire department, and 311,300 gallons of water lost, or 12.76%, due to a leak.

* A total of $2,884.63 in water sales were recorded, with $1,078.40 collected for trash service, $100 in late fees, $60 in reconnect fees, and $101.63 collected in sales tax. Total charges were $4,224.66 with a previous balance of $626.23, and payments received in the amount of $3,819.60, leaving a balance due of $1,031.29.

FINANCIAL NEWS

* In her regular monthly financial report, Plassmeyer noted income/deposits totaled $23,458.32 and debits of $104,388.61 for a balance on hand as of Oct. 30 totaling $287,301.97; the money market balance was $140,043.89; the escrow account totaled $910; and two certificates of deposit totaling $52,558.96 and $123,627.92, respectively, giving the city total funds on hand of $604,442.74. A total of $103,865.12 in expenses were paid in October. The biggest expense totaled $90,199.11 to Cahill Construction for the maintenance building.

* The next meeting of the board will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9.