City Council Votes to Reopen All Facilities

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The Board of Aldermen of the City of Memphis met in special session on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in Memphis City Hall.  Mayor Aaron Dale called the meeting to order.  Aldermen present were:  Lane Campbell, Jobe Justice, Katie Harris, and Jenny Aldridge.  Others in attendance were:  City Administrator Allen Creek; Michele Drummond and Allen Garrett; City Attorney Brett Bozarth (via phone) and City Clerk Angela Newman.

The council discussed re-opening of the park restrooms and lake shower house.  Council agreed signs should be placed stating “Restrooms cleaned a minimum of 2x per week – use at your own risk”. The motion was unanimously approved.

The board of aldermen also approved re-opening city council meetings to the public.

Park Events

Michele Drummond was present to discuss park events for the summer.  Men’s Slow Pitch will begin July 5th with the concession stand being open.  Drummond suggested the annual Family Summer Bash event held at Legion Park be cancelled for this year.  Drummond would like to offer alternative events.  Drummond has been in contact with organizers of the annual 5K walk/run usually held in conjunction with the Antique Fair.  That event has been cancelled and they are okay with the City sponsoring the event this year.  Drummond is also working on having some Little League games in July.  Other possible events are a movie night, road rally, and clue hunt.

Allen Garrett reported the pool is open and swimming lessons are being planned to begin in July.  The pool pump was repaired, but funds will be budgeted for its replacement next year.

Hangar Lease

Attorney Bozarth presented an updated airport hangar lease agreement for approval. The new agreement requires proof of liability insurance and the City to be listed as an additional insured as well as proof of ownership.

The lease will now be a month to month lease instead of a yearly lease.  Thirty days’ notice can be given to terminate the lease agreement by either the tenant or the City.  Current lease agreements are valid through the end of September.

City Treasurer Michele Drummond will be sending out letters to inform tenants of the new agreement.

The council then approved Bill No. 20-10 implementing an ordinance to terminate a hangar lease agreement between the City of Memphis, Missouri and John Exner. It was approved by a 4- vote.

Old Lake Hay

City Administrator Creek reported there is approximately 2 acres at the Old Lake that is mowed for hay purposes. Creek did not recommend bidding out the hay ground as there is always discussion regarding the City doing something in those areas and if there is a contract then the City would not be able to do anything with the area.  Council agreed to continue with current arrangements to have the hay mowed and baled yearly.

City Attorney

Alderman Harris presented a list of questions she had prepared to be sent to prospective attorneys interested in the City Attorney appointment.

Mayor Dale stated he felt the City Clerk and City Administrator needed to be included in the selection process for City Attorney.  Mayor Dale and council agreed City Clerk Newman will email the questionnaires to the prospective candidates the following day with a return date of Friday, June 26th at 4:00 p.m.  They will then be distributed to the council for review prior to the July 2nd meeting.

Council will discuss the candidates in closed session at the July 2nd council meeting.

Executive Session

Meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:35 p.m.

Council met with Attorney Bozarth regarding various legal issues.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.