City Council Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday, the 11th day of September, 2024
Location: Houston Lake City Hall, 5417 NW Adrian, Houston Lake, MO 64151

The regular meeting of the City Council of Houston Lake, MO, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Ashley Fuglestad at 6:33 PM.

On roll call, the following members were present: Mayor Pro Tem / Alderman Ashley Fuglestad (Acting Mayor), Alderman Sarah Loring, and Alderman Teena Walker-Robin.

Walker-Robin moved to approve the agenda for 09/11/2024. Loring 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval.

City Clerk Shepard indicated she had been checking parliamentary procedure regarding whether or not a vote needs to be taken to close a meeting (it might be proper for the Mayor to adjourn a meeting without voting to do so). Since there was no definitive answer at this time, she indicated she could update the end of each of the three meeting minutes being presented by including the vote to close the meetings for each one. Walker-Robin moved to approve the 08/14/24 City Council Meeting minutes, the 08/28/2024 Tax Levy Meeting minutes, and the 08/28/24 Working Meeting minutes, including the changes Shepard will make to the endings of each meeting regarding a vote to close each meeting. Loring 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval.

Fire Department Report – this report was placed on hold because the Chief had not yet arrived at the meeting.

Sheriff’s Report – Captain Woodrow Painter reported the department worked a little over 30 hours in August. He reported a broken out window from a car which is suspected to be an attempt at theft. Also two traffic stops. He introduced Major Erik Holland who will soon be the new Sheriff. Major Holland greeted the crowd and will become Sheriff January 1, 2025. He is replacing Sheriff Mark Owens who is retiring after serving over 47 years in several local cities. Walker-Robin asked if there were plans for an animal control officer. No plans at the moment. The County Commissioner is part of the decision making progress in order to install a new animal control officer. There is no one available to pick up stray dogs at this time but a deputy can still be called in the case of a vicious dog.

Mary Head reported the next VGHA meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16, at 6:30 PM at City Hall and the annual budget will be discussed. The annual meeting of the VGHA is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at 2:00 PM. The meeting will include voting on board members, the annual budget, and dues. Grass seed and straw will be put down in either October or November. The deadline for articles for the Houston Laker remains the 21st of each month.

Bobbi Baker-Hughes reported several persons in our city are supposed to have trash picked up at their homes, rather than at the curb. Those residents who have this service really need it and, recently, Republic has not provided the service required. She requested the city contact Republic, again, since her communication with Republic does not seem to improve the service. Walker-Robin indicated pictures representing service which was not performed properly can be sent to her and she will address with Republic’s sales representative. Baker-Hughes then asked about the sewer smell in her area and asked what could be done about it. Others mentioned other areas in the city regarding the same issue. Walker-Robin suggested looking for a service that could investigate and offer suggestions for addressing this issue.

Shepard explained that she has learned, through her training as City Clerk, that part of her duties are to “serve as the general accountant of the City” per the Municipal Code of the City of Houston Lake, MO Section 115.090. City Clerk – Election – Duties. While she did not find any additional information as to what that really entails, she has taken it upon herself, since the annual budget meetings, to begin working directly with the bookkeeper and tax collector to make certain all three are working in concert for the benefit of the City and so that she is better able to explain the financial reports offered at City Council meetings, should the need arise.

Regarding the August financial information, she explained that these are now reflecting “checkbook balances” rather than “bank balances” as a more accurate reflection of the monthly status of the financials for the City. Kay Honeycutt, bookkeeper, shared with Shepard that this change is a good step for the City. Shepard complimented Honeycutt as a “smart cookie” based on her individual meetings with Honeycutt, and said the City is lucky to have her.

Shepard anticipates individual meetings with Kathryn Kreider, Tax Collector, in the near future and is certain she will likely be able to say the same thing about Kreider. Loring moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated 08/31/24 as submitted. Walker-Robin 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval. The Council extends its compliments to Honeycutt on the new format.

Fire Department Report – Assistant Chief Keith Payne, having arrived at the meeting, gave his report. He apologized for his late appearance since he had been called, last minute, to return to the station just as the meeting commenced. He presented flyers for their upcoming Open House scheduled for Saturday, October 5th from 10 – 2. He reported one minor medical call during the last 30 days. Health Department’s drive thru flu shot is tentatively scheduled for October 2nd. Fuglestad reported Spire and AT&T have checked their lines and confirmed their lines are 15’ to 16’ in height. They both reported they will not do any preventative work but they will fix any issues that may arise. Bobbi Baker-Hughes complimented the fire department on efficiently getting to her home several times recently.

Building – 5488 NW Venetian Dr (including contingency that new fence is not more than 50’ from the existing fence line). Walker-Robin mentioned she is in favor of all permit and bond checks being deposited rather than held. The VGHA should be alerted to reseeding needed in the fence area. Walker-Robin moved to accept the permit including the contingency. Loring 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval.

Burn – 5488 NW Venetian Dr. Loring moved to accept the permit which was updated to an “in ground, homemade burn pit with stone”. Fuglestad 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval.

Update regarding utilities raising the utility lines: the utilities have reviewed the height of their lines which will allow adequate clearance for the Fire Department’s new pumper truck. If residents notice lines saging, especially if the lines are covered by vines, they can individually contact the utilities to report this.

City Council Review of 2023-2024 Accounts: Walker-Robin reminded the Council that a Missouri statute requires the Council to review the City’s accounts semi-annually and to publish their report. A draft of all accounts was presented and discussed. Report can now be published in the Houston Laker.

Spire offer to repair failing restorations – update:Walker-Robin explained the recent milling of Adrian and how it was initially assumed to be part of the Spire repairs needed. It was actually, and just happened to be, the county’s use of its Covid funding to repair a road in our area. Walker-Robin reported Spire will now make their needed repairs next week ahead of the county’s resurfacing of Adrian.

Prepare for upcoming election in April 2025, steps needed: Fire Protection Fund is due to be placed on the April 2025 ballot, as well as elections for Mayor and Aldermen. In addition, the Use Tax needs to be presented. The Platte County Board of Elections will be providing information on how to prepare for April in the next couple of months. Shepard should contact the Board of Elections to make certain information is forthcoming. A campaign can begin regarding articles placed online and in the Houston Laker regarding the upcoming elections for Houston Lake, as well as the Fire Protection Fund and explaining the Use Tax.

Recent milling of Adrian Avenue: was explained under the Spire offer above.

Shepard reported she would be taking two weeks vacation soon. She noted the City Hall trash needs to be taken to the curb on Tuesdays over the next two weeks. She will be absent for the Working Meeting scheduled in two weeks. She reported locating the broken Houston Lake sign, formerly located at the corner of 56th Street and Adrian, in the garage at City Hall.

Shepard and Honeycutt will be working on reviewing and reporting on the Covid funds the City received from the government by the report’s deadline at the end of this year.

Fuglestad reported she is working on scheduling the annual brush pickup. She is working on obtaining bids for the bridge from a number of companies regarding all options, including driving or walking bridge.

Loring – no report.

Walker-Robin asked Bobbi Baker-Hughes about her experience with trail cameras on her properties. Walker-Robin is researching cameras to monitor city property. She’s been chatting with AT&T regarding billing issues and because of her frustration with their service, she is willing to investigate other options. The MOM committee is going to pass out candy from City Hall again this year on Halloween.

The Working Meeting will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:30 PM. The next City Council meeting will be Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6:30 PM at City Hall.

Loring moved to adjourn the meeting. Walker-Robin 2nd. A voice vote resulted in unanimous approval.

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Minutes submitted by: City Clerk, Lisa A. Shepard

Approved 10/16/2024