The City Council held a work session and Full Council meeting Monday evening. Ward III Alderman Richard Walts was absent.

Ward III Alderwoman Karen Wright presented a donation in the form of a  check to City Marshal John Wright. Alderwoman Wright said the donation was from Jim and Mary Sheltey. The Shetley’s wrote. “Roy served as Fredericktown Chief of Police from 1988-1996. We would like to personally thank the Honor Guard, and members of the Sheriff’s Department for a job well done. We know in our hearts that Roy was beaming that day.” Accepting the donation was City Marshal John Wright. Marshal Wright said the money would go toward buying food for the Christmas dinner the departments have each year.

In other Council actions, Mayor Danny Kemp asked for a moment of silence in memory of Junior Shell’s mother, Ilean Shell’s  passing. Junior is the water department manager.

The aldermen accepted the bid from Gene’s Siding for three projects being completed with Missouri Intergovermental Risk Management (MIRMA) funding; the city’s insurance Association. The bids apply to roof damage at the water plant, waste water plant and Memorial Park.

The aldermen approved a request from the Fredericktown Revitalization Initiative (FRI) to place four banners up at the four corners of Court Square announcing the holiday activities. The banners will be purchased by FRI and placed by city workers.

The City will now be paying for their Internet Service. In an agreement/Ordinance reached with Falcon Telecable; Charter Internet Services will bill the city $49.99 a month for Business Internet Services. Legislation passed recently generated the expenses for all cities using the service, which was previously provided at no cost.

The aldermen accepted the bids for city vehicles that were offered in a recent ad in the Democrat News and rejected the bid for the tractor that was included in the ad. The city said the tractor was worth more in trade and will be used as part of the purchase of a Dixie Chopper.

A discussion regarding the City Marshal’s salary was tabled until the next work session (11-23-09). The aldermen said they wanted to decided whether or not the position would be full time, part time, and what the job requirement will be. Although they said the (PDO) personnel committee should review the job requirements, Kemp said he would prefer the full council looks at the proposals of the position. The City Marshal is currently paid $200 a month ($2,400 a year). The position is an elected one. The marshal is not a city employee.

During the Full Council session, Mayor Danny Kemp offered his thanks once again to all the employees. He also said the Freakytown event seemed successful and he hopes the FRI will do it again next year. Kemp said, “Thank you to all involved. It was worthwhile for the kids. Better and safer too, I think.” Kemp also announced that Fredbird (St. Louis Cardinal Mascot) will be at the Fredericktown Intermediate School on Thursday, November 12. He will be there at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m..

City Administrator Jim Dismuke reported to the aldermen efforts to improve collections from delinquent bills is continuing, although an ordinance has not been formally adopted yet. Dismuke said the full amount of a utility bill is due on the 10th of the month and subject to disconnect on the 20th of the month if unpaid. Dismuke said that left 385 customers subject to disconnect last month, had enforcement been applied. He went on to say the city should communicate gradually with residents through the media outlets regarding the late utility bills.

Dismuke said he would like the finance committee to look at the purchase of computers, the rate study plan costs and truck leasing for the city at their next meeting. He also said the building codes in  use are outdated. He said the city needs to create a comprehensive plan too; The last one was done in 1980. Dismuke said the McDonald’s Restaurant project is moving along and he expects corporate McDonald’s to have some type of grand opening or ribbon cutting ceremony once the project is completed. Dismuke said he would like to see a monthly meeting with the contractors on the McDonald’s project and city officials to facilitate communications and project planning as the work progresses. In a final report, Dismuke said the design and build proposals for the Fredericktown Regional Airport hangars are ready to be opened. He hopes the potential recommendations will be ready for the aldermen to read at the next meeting on the 23rd.

City Marshal John Wright’s report for the month of October was presented to the council. He reported a total of 21 abatement notices mailed. Nine for tall grass/weeds, five for damaged or disabled vehicles, ten for trash/junk or storm debris and one summons issued for failure to abate. Wright pointed out in his report that most of the residents with storm related debris are making serious efforts to clean it up.

In remarks;

Alderwoman Karen Wright said, the Country Lane Florists building has a new exterior which looks very, very nice. She also thanked all the veterans from Madison County.

Wednesday is Veteran’s Day.

The aldermen discussed having a Christmas dinner for employees. They decided to hold it on December 5, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m. but no formal decision was made as to where to hold the dinner.

The Full Council adjourned.

The work session went into closed session for one real estate and one contract matter.