The regular monthly meeting of the Cole Camp City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 20. Following the routine payment of bills, the council heard from Marty Doogs of the Cole R-1 School Board on behalf of the no tax increase bond issue on the April ballot.
Doogs reminded everyone of the importance of the passage of this issue to enable R-1 to add industrial arts to the curriculum. The school also wants to use the funding to do extensive parking lot replacements at the school entrance where the lot has deteriorated badly.
Doogs explained the bond issue is like refinancing a loan, it extends the bond with no additional taxes. Doogs stated, “If you can do no tax bond issues, it prevents tax increases, it has no decrease or increase in the tax rate.”
Next up, a representative from Mike Keith Insurance Agency walked the council through the workman comp insurance for the city. The premium for 2025 is $25,220. Steve Knox made a motion that the city pay the premium in full and accept the coverage. Council approved.
Discussion was held on the purchase of the automatic sampler needed for the sewer plant. The Public Works Director reported on the various models and prices and noted what model he felt was more than adequate was $5,443.50. Jeremiah Crider made a motion to purchase and David Locke made the 2nd. Council approved.
Street Commissioner Locke shared he had priced several pieces of very much needed equipment to replace some of the city’s worn out tools. He had looked at generators, power washers, welders, etc. The entire group package was priced at $8,380. Council approved the buy with the cost to be divided between streets, water and sewer.
A question from the audience was posed as to when the asphalt on the streets on the hill would be repaired or replaced. Public Works responded that they are currently using cameras on the sewer lines to assure everything is properly repaired and will guarantee new asphalt, once installed, will not have to be torn up.
Mayor Burdick appointed Gayla Hickman to the Library Committee. Hickman had indicated she would be willing to serve on that committee and the mayor made the appointment.
Planning & Zoning reported that for now they would utilize the Benton County maps. After the Comprehensive Plan is completed, Cole Camp will then go back and create its own maps. Planning & Zoning stated that during their meetings they had decided property owners rights need to be considered when they make decisions.
City Clerk Dawn Paul introduced her new assistant, Jamie Davis who is now on board and working part-time. Paul reported the city’s software is forcing them to the cloud which has caused Paul to software shop. She also reported that the conference she had attended in Columbia had been very helpful and instructive. She felt she was helped with the info about audits and budgets. Paul reminded everyone that the court is no longer in Cole Camp and the first court date in Warsaw is April 3. Paul will be taking everything to Warsaw on Monday, March 24.
In addition, Paul said the lift stations had been ordered for the sewer system and she had been told it would take 10 to 12 weeks for them to arrive. In the court case involving the accident on Fowler Street at the manhole, the city’s insurance would not pay the claim, stating the city was not at fault. Paul concluded with a request from Robin Fitzpatrick for the Scouts to be allowed to camp in the City Park. Council approved.
Police Chief Jeff Canfield announced he had hired one new officer and she will start on March 24. He has also interviewed a part-time officer who will not be available until May.
Mayor Burdick asked if the city would once more partner with the special road district and the school in applying dust control to the roadway along the practice fields at the schools. It was approved. The mayor announced that she will hold a meeting on April 2 to take a look at the budget. This is in addition to the regular April 17 meeting. Council approved.
With no further business, the council adjourned.
All meetings of the Cole Camp City Council are typically held on the third Thursday of each month and are always open to the public.
