Qulin News

City of Qulin
Board of Alderman
Workshop Meeting
January 21, 2010

 The City of Qulin, Board of Alderman met in an open session at Qulin City Hall on Thursday January 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm. Those in attendance were Linda Johnson, Sherry Goff, Otto Griffin, Gary Long, Barbara Head and Art Fisher. Citizens in attendance were Chuck Jordan, Don Goff, Jeremy Russom and Rachel Hinklin.

Electric for Shop- Otto Griffin states there is a small breaker box in the shop but not enough light for Raymond to work. Linda Johnson asked Otto what needs to be done. Otto states that the shop needs a larger breaker box. The Mayor states the whole building needs to be rewired. Mayor Long suggests that it may cost $500.00 (five hundred dollars) to put in a new breaker box and a couple of florescent lights. Chuck Jordan suggests that Wendell Hendrix could do the work. Mayor Long asked Otto to ask Wendell for an estimate.

Smith & Co-Mayor Long has looked at the contract with Smith and Co. on the street repairs. They have agreed to level the holes but they probably won’t do any more. Mayor Long said that the former mayor and he had signed off on all work as being done properly in order for the firm to be able to access their funds. He asked if the Board wanted to pursue it. He thinks there is a slim chance of winning a lawsuit. Linda Johnson said that in the future we need deposits sufficient to cover losses. Mayor Long said this should be a lesson learned.

Utility Deposit- Linda Johnson says that $140.00 (one hundred and forty dollars) is excessive. She states that Clarkton charges $115.00 (one hundred –fifteen dollars). $35.00 (thirty-five dollars) is not refundable. If they are shut off twice then they have to pay another $115.00 (one hundred –fifteen dollar) deposit. Barbara Head stated that we need to put more effort into collecting information and shutting off services. Sherry Goff and Otto Griffin agree.

Sewer Bills- Mayor Long and the auditor say that there is not enough money coming in. He suggests that we leave the sewer rates as they are. After discussion everyone agreed that the sewer rates will be as stated in the new ordinance.

PATROL CAR Grant- Linda Johnson said we need to look into other options. Is a brand new car our only option? Otto Griffin asked if we could have another fund raiser. Linda Johnson suggests contacting bigger organizations for donations or local organizations to work together in fund raising. Mayor Long said that this lump of money is part of the original one hundred thousand ($100,000.00) dollar grant that is to be requested in increments.  Linda Johnson made a motion to revisit this March 4, 2010.

Allied Waste- Contract is not available. Postponed.

Ordinance Books- Postponed.

Mobile home ordinance- Postponed.

 Two certified police officers, Rachel Hinklin and Jeremy Russom attended the meeting and volunteered to work as Reserves for the Police Department on nights and weekends.  Mayor Long stated that since Art wants to work full time and the City has not allowed him to do so, he does not think that it would be right to take work away from Art by using reserves.  Barbara Head asked if that is not major stupidity to refuse free labor just because we cannot afford to pay Art to work full time.  Mayor Long stated people call quite frequently to volunteer, there was even a call today but that he and Art have agreed not use reserves.  When Barbara Head ask Art if he would meet with potential volunteers and try to work out some kind of schedule to present to the Council for approval, he refused by saying that it was not in his job description to supervise reserves.  He said there was too much liability and they would be required to be commissioned by Butler County not Wayne County.  But when questioned further, both Art and Mayor Long admitted that a Butler County Commission is not a requirement as long as the reserve or officers limits his/her activity to the City of Qulin.

 Barbara Head makes a motion to pay $100.00 (one hundred dollars) to the Missouri Federation of Police Chiefs. Sherry Goff seconds. Motion passed.

 Chuck Jordan asked if he can tear down and burn the old house that is on First Street. Mayor Long says that it cannot be burned. There was much discussion as to how he could tear down and dispose of the house without a lot of expense, with no clear answers.

 Barbara Head makes a motion   to adjourn at 8:25 pm

Linda Johnson seconds the motion. Motion passed.