META  — Meta aldermen cut five locations from the stormwater project developed in December 2021. Last month, the city agreed to commit $73,000 in matching funds to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to complete improvements at nine locations in town.

However, City Clerk Deidra Buechter explained that when Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) entered the grant application, it was learned that Meta’s census figures determined the city was eligible for $375,000 instead of the $500,000 aldermen anticipated.

“Since we’re only eligible for that amount, we didn’t want to commit the same amount we were going to contribute since we’re not getting as much,” Buechter said.

Alderman Otto Wankum examined each location to determine the impact on the number of residents in selecting the list of improvements.

“That was my major criteria,” said Wankum, adding he wasn’t sure how else to decide. “The ones that are cut affect the least number of people.”

Some of the locations impact only one, two, or a few people, Wankum noted, while others had a much more significant effect.

Second, Third, Fourth, and Schriefer streets and the North Railroad ditch will remain in the grant application at an estimated cost of $299,000.

Sixth, Cherry and Nathan streets and the South Railroad ditch were cut from the overall project.

Aldermen approved a resolution amending the scope of the project to decrease Meta’s contributions to $60.787 in cash and $7,450 in in-kind services.

In other business, City Attorney Nathan Nickolaus prepared an ordinance outlawing the smoking of recreational marijuana in public.

“If somewhere down the line we’re fortunate enough to get a dispensary in Meta — which is not likely — we could look at other ordinances and impose an additional sales tax of three percent,” said Nickolaus. 

Aldermen will review the ordinance and make a decision next month.

• Mayor Emily Sommerer swore in Treasurer Karla Buechter. In related news, aldermen approved a resolution establishing control protocols for gaining access to the safety-deposit box and accounts at Mid America Bank. The list includes Mayor  Sommerer, Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence Hoffman, Clerk Buechter, and Treasurer Buechter.

• Alderman also approved a resolution to enter a membership agreement with the Missouri Rural Services Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust.

• A business license was approved for Southwestern Bell for Jan. 1 through June 30 for $250.

• In his report, Nickolaus said he would continue to track down property owners regarding violations of the nuisance ordinance.

• Clerk Buechter asked Nickolaus how the city could collect past-due balances from people whose meters have been shut off and locked. He suggested the city could file a lawsuit, but it’s not generally worthwhile because the amount being sought is so low.

“I’m fine with writing a stern letter, but many of these people leave town and figure they won’t have to pay anything,” said Nickolaus.

Anyone still living in town must pay their past-due balance before a new account can be started. Nickolaus said he would send letters demanding payment.

• Sommerer thanked everyone for helping make Meta’s second annual Christmas parade a success.

In maintenance news, Wankum said the cost to put running boards on the city’s truck is $350 from 4-Wheel Parts Plus in Jefferson City. He said getting into and out of the vehicle becomes challenging when plowing snow. Aldermen agreed to the purchase.

WATER/TRASH SALES

• Meta recorded a total of $5,127.47 in water sales, with $1,179.98 collected for trash service, $200 in late fees, and $169.25 collected in sales tax. Total charges were $6,736.70, with a previous balance of $1,350.46. Payments were received in the amount of $6,179.49, leaving a balance due of $1,907.67.

• Buechter reported that 477,344 gallons of water were pumped during November, with 281,522 gallons sold, 10,000 gallons flushed, 30,000 gallons leaked, 7,000 gallons used by the fire department, and 148,822 gallons of water lost, or 31.18%.

FINANCIAL NEWS

• Treasurer Buechter’s regular monthly financial report showed income/deposits totaled $34,058.36 and debits of $17,040.06 for a balance on hand as of Nov. 30 of $401,329.15; the money market balance was $140,743.78, and certificates of deposit totaling $55,245.10 and $125,334.31, give the city total funds on hand of $722,643.34. Checks written last month totaled $17,234.79.