Morrison aldermen at their meeting last week reminded residents to avoid flushing certain items after a recent inspection led to sewer system issues.

Heather Johnson of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in St. Louis recently performed a routine compliance inspection of the Wastewater Treatment Facility to view the lift stations and lagoon and to take samples.  

A sewer grinder pump at 794 Main St. had burned up due to four feet of wipes in the system. ESA was called to replace the pump, which was installed new two years ago. Reliable Plumbing was also called to flush the system.

In addition to replacing the unit, aldermen will order alarms for all lift station pumps, and letters will be sent to sewer customers who are serviced by this lift station pump with a list of “do not flush” items from ESA.

In other business, the city was to receive a check for $34,471.25 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recovery Plan funds from the Gasconade County Commission on Aug. 17. 

• Aldermen requested a visit with the Gasconade County Sheriff to discuss service issues.

• Mayor Melissa Strope reported that two water leaks had been repaired by Water Operator Danny Kirsch and Mike Nolte near the community center and 630 Main Street. 

• Kirsch is looking for parts for the MFA meter and the fire hydrant at Main and First Steet. 

• The sidewalk at the bottom of the Main Street hill still needs repair, and the city is awaiting a bid from Aaron Hackmann. Aldermen agreed it needs to be done soon since heavy rain recently changed the rock slide.

• Alderman Rick Penrod noted that trees need trimming along the hill on Main Street. 

• The Missouri Department of Social Services approved Morrison’s participation in the Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program, but MOCA had not received an updated list of suppliers.  

• Information was received from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about ordinances for Historic Building Preservation and Demolition by Neglect. The hope is to have someone attend a meeting to explain the ordinance to the board.

• Alderman Jason Koenigsfeld will cut the grass and weeds at the former city dump and clean up trees in the middle.

• A fence will be built around the reservoir in September or October.

• City Clerk Doris Rost sent delinquency notices to five customers with overdue water bills, and two made payments. Letters were sent to five former residents and property owners with balances due. 

• Treasurer Saundra Hartge’s report showed expenses of $6,592.57 in July and income totaling $5,372.12, with $38,914.50 in checking, and $20,778.22 in savings, for a total of $59,692.72 in available funds. 

• The next regular meeting will be held on Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.