Aldermen vote to borrow $240K for electricity upgrades

In a last-minute addition to the meeting agenda, the Mountain View Board of Aldermen approved a $242,200 loan to finance electrical repairs. The decision was “extremely time sensitive,” according to the draft minutes of the meeting. Mayor John Krasuski has repeatedly introduced the topic of repairing electrical infrastructure in the downtown alleyways in open meetings, warning that a failure could cause a widespread and lengthy outage to the south side of town. Presented with the financing information for the first time at the meeting, the aldermen considered two options offered by Central Bank. Alderman Murray Anderson made a motion to obtain the twenty-year loan. The motion passed unanimously. 

Offices at the Mountain View Community Center were also on the agenda. The city of Mountain View resumed care and control of the center two months ago, but will continue to provide office space to the Chamber of Commerce free of charge. The city has requested the Chamber vacate their current office and declined their suggestion to share the space. City employees will begin to use that office, and only city workers can look at or access city computers, explained Police Chief Jamie Perkins. On behalf of the Chamber, Ricky Baker requested a yearly agreement. The aldermen agreed to request the city attorney to prepare one. 

In new business, Assistant Police Chief Stetson Schwien approached the aldermen about grants for service vehicle radios. The grants will reimburse 100% of the $17,766.50 cost. A motion from Alderman Anderson passed unanimously.

Bill 1358 to be Ordinance 1730 was presented for first reading. This ordinance would amend the ordinance that sets delinquent fees for electric bills to 10% of the total instead of a flat $10. Second reading, and possibly a final vote, will take place at the next regular meeting. 

Ty Lewis, golf course superintendent, addressed the alderman about the purchase of a sprayer not currently included in his department’s budget. He is requesting it now because spraying needs to be done in the spring, according to the minutes. Alderman Lindell Vandevort made a motion to purchase one with a $2,000 down payment with the balance due 30 days after delivery. The motion passed by 3, with all in favor except Alderwoman Laura Wagner, who voted nay. 

The open session adjourned at 8:15 p.m. and a closed session began. There were no votes or motions in this closed session, according to the minutes, and open session resumed and subsequently adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

In other action:

-The aldermen voted unanimously to renew their contract with Ozark Applicators, LLC for water tower inspection services. 

-After hearing that upgrades to the community center’s air conditioning units are necessary, the aldermen unanimously voted to proceed with obtaining bids.

 

In other discussion:

-The individual who wanted to discuss memorabilia in City Hall was not present, and this topic was tabled.

-Operations Manager Eddie Owens will look into angling downtown parking spaces to make crosswalks safer. 

-The city’s electric rates will be analyzed soon. Costs have continued to rise, and the results of this rate study by MPUA should inform whether or not a consumer rate increase is necessary.

-A fund transfer from the general fund to the parks and senior center department balances will be delayed until the city’s independent auditors finish their work. 

-Library supervisor Beth Smith advised the aldermen she will be applying for grants to install handicap doors to the facility.

-Cathy Lee approached the alderman about the budget for the Mountain View Senior Center in the upcoming fiscal year. 

-During the “mayor’s minutes,” Mayor Krasuski gave updates on the sewer repair project and the city pool repairs.