Fredericktown Police Officer recognized for professionalism during crisis.

The City Council meeting scheduled for January 26 that was canceled due to the weather was held on Monday, February 2. (The next council meeting will be February 9, 2009 with a public hearing regarding the thrift store for Project Happy Feet at 411 Lindell before the Full Council meeting).

The downtown electrical sub-station proposal from B and A Automation and Controls, Inc. was reviewed and approved by the aldermen. The cost of the design and rebuild is $149,120. The cost reflected a reduction in expenses due to intrade work being completed by city employees amounting to $13,880. The design will be set for 2400 megawatts according to electrical department manager Don Wasson. But the design/insulation will allow for future power needs at 7200 Megawatts watts. The project will be underway soon.

The mayor signed a proclamation declaring Boy Scout Anniversary Week in Fredericktown. This is the week celebrating the founding of the Boy Scouts. Troop 27 and Pack 27 will hold their annual Honor Awards Banquet at 6:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at St. Michael‘s Auditorium.

A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Fredericktown Police Officer Glenwood LaChance. According to the recognition, officers LaChance and Dennis Seiter responded to a 911 emergency call on January 18, 2009 regarding a man having a heart attack. Seiter reported LaChance had immediately begun CPR upon arrival at the scene and at the same time helped calm the man’s distraught wife, who also had serious medical problems. Seiter reported LaChance had continued CPR until emergency services arrived. He also recognized dispatchers Snow and Bullock for their “great professionalism” in the handling of the call. Seiter wrote “the professionalism these employees showed...is a great complement to the professionalism of all the employees of the Madison County 911 Center and the Fredericktown Police Department.”

City Marshal/Chief of Police John Wright presented his report. Wright reported three abatement notices for accumulation of junk and seven abatement notices for damaged or disabled vehicles. Council questioned just what determines an unlicensed vehicle. Wright said a vehicle is unregistered if it does not have a valid license plate. The car can have a title, and still be unregistered according to the information Wright gathered. Ward I Alderman Brandon Hale asked the council to consider some type of permit for cars being restored that do not have a valid license; until the restoration is completed. A thirty day permit is available according to officials. Wright also requested four reserve officers be hired as temporary replacements for full time officers on leave. There would not be any cost increase since a reserve officer would only be used when the full time officer is out. Council agreed to the request to accept four reserve officers. All of them have had police experience or have recently graduated from the police academy according to Wright’s report.

The aldermen accepted the services of Automation Services of Cape Girardeau for the city’s technology needs with one nay vote heard from Ward II Alderman Sie Merriman Sr..

Mayor Danny Kemp is asking for volunteers and organizations to help those in need this winter. He said some of the disabled and elderly are having a difficult time with snow blocked pathways and driveways. Kemp said he is asking churches or other volunteers to call city hall and  sign up to help those in need.

The aldermen adopted an ordinance approving a financial agreement between the city and Southeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District to purchase recycling bins. The city will pay for the recycling bins and related services. The cost reimbursable  project will be paid back to the city, based on actual costs, in the amount of $8,451.75  with grant money from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the Project Year 2009. Any funds remaining at the end of the project remain the property of DNR. Project Manager is Kenny McDowell.

The Council has agreed to the new Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.  Senate Bill 1181, enacted by the General Assembly in 2008, established the state sales tax holiday during the week of April 19, 2009 through April 25, 2009. The Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday exempts the sale of certain energy star certified appliances from state sales tax during the above mentioned week and takes place annually.

Aldermen rejected a recommendation from Planning and Zoning regarding the vacating of a roadway easement at the Business Park. The Council is asking for more information.

Interim City Administrator Jim Dismuke reported his meeting with John Grotzinger from MoPEP (Missouri Public Energy Pool). MoPEP is interested in placing a 5 Megawatt gas turbine electric generator at the Fredericktown Business Park at MoPEP’s expense. Dismuke said the land would be leased to MoPEP and the generator would be available to the city in case of emergencies. No formal action was taken at this point.

The aldermen agreed to pay the accounts payable with one abstention heard from Ward I Alderman Harold Thomas, since one of the bills was paid to Gifford Lumber. They had heard a three month report from financial advisor Greg Shinn at the beginning of the meeting. Shinn summed up the three month report saying the “City is on target.”

Council approved the request from the Fredericktown-Madison County Chamber of Commerce to close Main St. between the Courtsquare and Park/Buford streets from 7 A.M to Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2009 for the Citywide Yard Sale event. This is the same weekend as the Azalea Festival.

The aldermen heard a compliment from Sandy LaPlant on the snow removal done by the street department employees. She said “They did a heck of a job.” Ward III Alderman Mark Tripp agreed with LaPlants comments.

Ward II Alderman Rick Polete acknowledged all the assistance the Fredericktown Fire Department received from Cherokee Pass Fire Department and the City during the fire on Anthony Street. Polete said the weather was bitter cold and hydrants were frozen. Even some of the trucks had trouble moving. He said, “It was miserable.”

Ward I Alderman Brandon Hale said he and his family appreciated all the calls, cards, flowers and well wishes they received regarding the passing of his grandfather.

Ward I Alderman Harold Thomas, with regards to the Chamber Banquet; said, “Nice to see all the people there.” He was especially pleased with the awards Kenny McDowell received from both the Madison County Crier and the proclamation from state Representative Shelley Keeney and the Missouri House of Representatives. Thomas said, “Great to see other people give credit (to him) for what he does.”

Council also acknowledged the Vision Award the City received from the Chamber as well as the proclamation from The Missouri House of Representatives, presented by District 156 Representative Shelley Keeney.

Ward II Alderman Sie Merriman Sr. said the award Police Officer Glenwood LaChance received, “speaks highly of officers.” He said the recognition came from a report from a fellow officer. “Cooperating among themselves is a very good thing to see.”

Closed session followed for one personnel item.