Meta aldermen continue to develop a list of projects to include with an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Alderman Otto Wankum noted that some projects will have to completed even if the city does not get the grant.

In that case, Alderman Lawrence Hoffman said, the idea would be to contract for those projects that are absolutely necessary.

Wankum agreed, noting that it may not be cheap but some of these issues create a hazard and need to be done.

Wankum said grass-cutting and weed-eating on side streets continue with the hope of dressing up the city. He noted some of the equipment needs to be serviced. “If it’s worn out, we can come back to the board and see what needs to be replaced,” Wankum said.

He proposed checking the state of Sugar Creek once a year to see if it needs to be cleaned out. He acknowledged there are limitations to what the city can do because of permits regulating the distance into the creek from each crossing.

Buechter asked the Corps of Engineers to attend a meeting to explain these limits but has not received an reply.

In maintenance news, employee Kenny Loethen said he put the cable across the new driveway at the park. Someone was parked in the grass, he noted.

* Loethen added he has received salt and is still hoping to get cinders for the winter season.

Alderman Steve Sherrell suggested getting cinders as much as possible this year because it may be more difficult to get them next year.

* A special meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 30 to review statements of qualification from four engineering firms. While interviews are not required, Buechter said she was told to document everything as the city prepares to enter an important agreement.

* Aldermen approved a request from Comm-Unity Ambulance to waive a late fee on the organization’s water account. Treasurer Lois Wankum submitted a letter explaining the check for the September payment was thought to have been placed in the city’s dropbox but it was not. Aldermen agreed that because the ambulance service is a non-profit, waiving the fee was appropriate.

* A business license renewal was approved for Southwestern Bell, which obtains two licenses per year at a cost of $250 each.

* Aldermen reviewed and agreed to a few changes to a resolution approved last month to authorize the following city officials and employees to use a credit card with Mayor Emily Sommerer and Buechter allowed a $3,000 limit each, and maintenance employee Kenny Loethen and a second maintenance employee a limit of $500 each.

Buechter said the changes were minimal, and the city clerk and treasurer were named as purchasing agents.

* A resolution to enter into a low-income household water assistance program supplier agreement with the Family Support Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Buechter said she was encouraged to participate because the program provides funding for those who cannot afford to pay their water bills, which takes pressure off the city in terms of collections. She added that the limit per customer is $750 and the program was put in place due to the pandemic.

The agreement signed by the city will be effective until Sept. 30, 2023.

* Aldermen approved a resolution to enter an agreement with Missouri Rural Services Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust at a cost of $200 per year. 

City Attorney Nathan Nickolaus said it’s late in the year to begin the process to purchase insurance and recommended soliciting bids for all insurance policies next year.

“You need to go through your assets every year,” he added.

* A budget line-item adjustment was approved to show funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and how they are expended. Aldermen agreed this is the best way to track these funds as every penny has to be reconciled per government regulations.

WATER/TRASH SALES

* A total of $4,121.63 in water sales were recorded, with $1,110.40 collected for trash service, $110 in late fees, and $150.69 collected in sales tax. Total charges were $5,492.72 with a previous balance of $1,492.60, and payments were received in the amount of $5,676.42, leaving a balance due of $1,308.90. 

* Buechter reported that 531,857 gallons of water were pumped during October, with 322,177 gallons sold, 5,000 gallons leaked, and 2,653 gallons used by the fire department, leaving 202,027 gallons of water lost, or 37.99%. She told aldermen that Rueben Wieberg would investigate a few locations that might be leaking.

Buechter said she is not convinced the master meter is functioning correctly, and said that a representative from Midwest Meters plans to visit soon to check it out.

FINANCIAL NEWS

* In her regular monthly financial report, Treasurer Mary Plassmeyer noted income/deposits totaled $18,942.67 and debits of $24,502.60 for a balance on hand as of Oct. 31 totaling $324,241.66; the money market balance was $140,323.46, and certificates of deposit totaling $53,885.29 and $124,866.76, giving the city total funds on hand of $643,317.17. Checks written last month totaled $19,734.31.

* Remaining business will be presented next week.