Memphis City Council Passes New Water Meter Ordinance, Addresses Electric Rates and Community Concerns
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The Memphis City Council convened for its regular meeting on August 1, 2024, at Memphis City Hall, located at 125 West Jefferson Street. Mayor Mike Ahland called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., with all four aldermen—Mike Gundy, Lane Campbell, Katie Harris, and Jenny Aldridge— in attendance. The meeting was also attended by various city officials, department heads, and members of the public, who participated in discussions on a range of issues affecting the city.
The meeting began with the routine approval of the minutes from the previous session held on July 1, 2024. Alderman Harris moved to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Alderman Campbell. The motion passed unanimously. The council then reviewed the monthly bills for the city. Alderman Aldridge moved to approve the payment of these bills, and Alderman Gundy seconded the motion. The council unanimously approved the payments.
During the citizen participation segment, the council heard from several residents who raised concerns and requests. Jacob and Lexi Howard expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the City of Memphis’s management and voiced concerns about the City Administrator’s performance. Jacqui Onken also addressed the council, sharing her views on changes she would like to see implemented within the city. Additionally, Stacy Westhoff requested permission to use the town square for a Car and Bike Night event scheduled for August 3. The council approved his request, allowing the event to take place as planned. Kelly Ray also sought approval to use the town square for a BBQ contest to be held at the end of September. The council granted the request.
The council then moved on to unfinished business, focusing on the city’s electric rates. City Administrator Stacy Alexander provided an update on the current state of the electric rates and discussed potential adjustments that might be necessary in the future.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the passage of Ordinance 24-6, which amends Section 705.070 of the Municipal Code regarding water meters. This ordinance introduces several important changes aimed at improving the management and maintenance of the city’s water metering system. The new rules mandate that all water services, except those used exclusively for fire protection, must be metered. The ordinance specifies that the City of Memphis will provide and maintain water meters that are one inch or smaller in size, ensuring that all consumers are accurately billed for their water usage. For meters larger than one inch, the cost of installation or replacement will be shared equally between the City and the consumer. This approach is designed to distribute the financial responsibility for larger meters more equitably between the city and its residents.
The ordinance also requires the City to conduct periodic tests of all water meters to ensure they remain in proper working condition. This measure is intended to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the city’s water billing system. Additionally, the ordinance specifies that all water meters must be placed in accessible locations within a building or in an easily accessible pit, in accordance with city specifications. For meters placed in pits, specific design criteria must be obtained from the municipal office. Moreover, the ordinance mandates that all meter installations must comply with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) Public Drinking Water Program Design Guide for Community Public Water Supplies, as well as other applicable state laws and regulations.
To prevent tampering, the ordinance stipulates that all water meters must be sealed by the City, with only authorized city employees permitted to break the seal. Consumers are responsible for protecting their meters from freezing and other damage, and they will be held liable for the cost of replacing any damaged meters.
The ordinance was introduced as Bill No. 1202. After the first reading, Alderman Aldridge moved to approve it, and Alderman Harris seconded the motion. The council conducted a roll call vote, and all aldermen voted in favor. The City Clerk then proceeded with the second reading of the bill. Alderman Harris moved to approve the second reading, and Alderman Gundy seconded the motion. The bill passed unanimously and became Ordinance No. 24-6, taking effect immediately upon its approval.
Following the passage of the ordinance, the council received reports from various department heads, detailing the activities and issues within their respective departments over the past month. Street Department Head Roger Tinkle reported that his team had cleared brush around stop signs, trimmed overhanging trees that obstructed roadways, and repainted the town square. The department also performed maintenance work at the local cemetery, where new tags were installed on flag poles, and cleaned shower houses and outhouses at local lakes.
Electric Department Head Jordan Fulk provided a report on his crew’s activities, which included repairing street lights, trimming trees damaged by recent storms, and addressing power outages caused by these storms. Water and Sewer Department Head Randall Aldridge reported that his team had been working on water breaks on Maple and North Streets. He also noted that crew member Lathan Watson successfully completed and passed his DSII Course, a certification that enhances the department’s technical capabilities. Additionally, the department performed maintenance work at the city’s swimming pool to ensure it remains operational for the summer season.
Parks and Pool Department Head Cecily Williams reported on various activities within her department. These included the installation of new disc golf signs at Johnson Park and the new lake, as well as the cleanup of trash at the new lake, particularly around the Handicap Dock and Trap Shoot area. Williams informed the council that the swimming pool would only be open on weekends after school resumes on August 19, with Labor Day weekend marking the pool’s final day of operation for the season.
During the aldermen’s reports, each of the aldermen provided updates on various issues and concerns. Alderman Gundy inquired about the possibility of implementing a burn ban within the city limits, citing concerns about fire hazards. He also raised complaints from residents about the presence of farm animals within the city and questioned whether an ordinance exists to address this issue. Alderman Harris discussed a citizen’s request for more frequent sewer jetting, suggesting that it be done multiple times a year to prevent blockages. She also brought up a complaint about the need to trim trees at the new lake campground. Alderman Aldridge expressed appreciation for the city’s sanitation workers, who went above and beyond by emptying dumpsters at the fairgrounds on a Saturday. She also mentioned concerns from residents about unauthorized maintenance of the disc golf course and suggested the implementation of an automated call system to notify residents of power outages.
At 8:29 p.m., the council moved into a closed session to discuss legal matters and personnel issues, as permitted under RSMo. 610.021. The closed session lasted until 10:08 p.m., after which the council briefly reconvened in regular session to discuss miscellaneous matters, including the billing process for the Fire Department. The discussion focused on steps that needed to be taken to manage monthly billing more effectively.
The meeting concluded at 10:19 p.m., following a motion by Alderman Gundy to adjourn, which was seconded by Alderman Campbell. The motion passed unanimously, bringing the session to a close.
