Aldermen hear from Chamber board

The Fredericktown City Council heard from members of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce board during the council’s work session Monday night in what one chamber board member called “an effort to move forward.”

Kristy Schulthess, president of Classic Equine and chamber board member said she would like to address some of the issues that have been brought up recently.

Schulthess said the board members would like to know how the chamber has worked with the city, know they have support from the city. They would like to know what was done in the past with the chamber and would like to have a discussion between the chamber and city.

Schulthess asked if there is a need to continue the chamber in the area.

“I feel personally if there is not support from the top then it is not worth it,” said Schulthess.

Fredericktown Board of Aldermen Jim Miller said the chamber was an asset to the community.

Mayor Kelly Korokis said projects like Freakytown and Fourth of July were both good events in the past.

“I always heard good things about events,” said Korokis.

Fredericktown Police Chief Eric Hovis said the chamber has supported his department’s efforts with things like raising money for the drug dog and the Chris Parsons’ SRT Roundup. The chamber board was a quick way to get to the chamber members.

“It has helped me out tremendously,” said Hovis.

Schulthess said financially the board is struggling and asked if the members sat down as a group with the city if everyone would be interested.

“The holes have been identified and issues have been addressed,” said Schulthess.

City Administrator Doug Friend said it would be a good idea to put a couple of chamber members and council members together to meet in order to help rebrand yourself.

“You may need to keep some functions planned this year to keep cash flow going and then in the first of the year make a big push,” Friend said. “It may be beneficial to reach out to some larger chambers to see how they have been working through things.”

Also during work session, the board voted to approve the purchase request to restock the electric department and a request by the street department to rent–for one week–the boom axe/mower from John Deere in Farmington for around $2,000.

During regular session, the council heard from Tina Bales, owner of Country Lane Florist who said she has had problems for many years with neighboring property owner.

“I have used this as a last resort,” said Bales. “I have repeatedly expressed concerns with city employees about the property. Some people did come clean up the property, but it is still an eye sore. They have left trash, the grass is tall and there are also problems with the sidewalk, it is crumbling and not safe for some people.”

Bales said the city has a lot of tourists who come in from a lot of different states just for the downtown area.

“We contribute a lot of sales tax and I am embarrassed as a business owner that some of our visitors have to walk through pigeon droppings to get to some businesses,” said Bales.

Bales also brought photos to show the aldermen and mayor. She also said Building Inspector Richard Macke was there recently to check the property.

Also during regular session, the aldermen voted to approve an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an amendment to the MoDOT Aviation agreement relative to parallel taxiway/connector pavement project.

The aldermen also approved a letter to be sent out for city employees about the contributory and non-contributory retirement plan. They approved a recommendation from planning and zoning to grant a special use permit for an internet business located at 714 South Main Street. A public hearing date was set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Fredericktown City Hall.

Mayor Korokis also presented Hovis with the 100 percent award from MIRMA, the city’s insurance provider. The Fredericktown Police Department has completed all of its requirements by the insurance company.

“This is the first time I can remember them receiving this award,” said Korokis.

Hovis said he is normally proud of the council and what they do, but last week he was very proud of Aldermen Paul Brown, who attended SWAT school as a medic.

“He kept up with everyone in the heat and did an awesome job,” said Hovis.

The next Fredericktown Board of Aldermen meeting will be held 5:30 p.m. with work session and 6:30 p.m. with regular session Aug. 11 at the Fredericktown City Hall.

Fredericktown Mayor Kelly Korokis presented Fredericktown Police Chief Eric Hovis with the 100 percent award from MIRMA, the city’s insurance company during Monday’s meeting. 

Maridee Lawson is a reporter for the Democrat News and can be reached at 573-783-3366 or mlawson@dailyjournalonline.com