The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved recommending the Friends of Gallatin financing a five-year note with the United States Department of Agriculture at two and three-quarters percent to purchase a vacuum trailer from Ditch Witch. The vote was taken after Public Works Director Mark Morey reported the lowest bid for the vacuum trailer came from the USDA but would require the Friends of Gallatin to purchase it and the City of Gallatin lease the equipment.
Morey is expecting a trucking quote for salt purchased through MFA Ag. Gallatin MFA Ag already provided a quote for the salt.
The board approved several transactions for the use of the $700,000 balance in the water/sewer fund certificates of deposit that were cashed in December. Three hundred 50 thousand dollars will be placed into a 24-month CD at BTC Bank with an average percentage yield of two point one percent. One hundred thousand dollars will be put into a 12-month CD at BTC Bank with an average percentage yield of one point 85 percent. Two hundred 50 thousand dollars will be left in checking for the sewer plant clarifier replacement project.
City Administrator Lance Rains is to advertise for a full-time water operator that is budgeted at $15 per hour. Christopher Plant passed his Class C Water Operator Certification. The city now has three employees with that certification and one employee with a Class A certification.
Rains reported the Missouri Public Utility Alliance estimates the cost of electricity to decrease by seven percent in 2021-2022 for Gallatin if certain things happen, like the Grain Belt Electrical Transmission Line.
Rains and residents are working on an HGTV application for Hometown Takeover. The city administrator will focus on the Gallatin Business Leaders Presentation after the HGTV application is submitted. Nineteen businesses are interested in the proposed presentations.
Alderman Carol Walker was appointed and approved to fill the vacant Board President position effective immediately. Daniel McCann was appointed and approved to serve the remaining term as the East Ward Alderman until the April 2020 election. Rains noted McCann was the only applicant for the vacant position.
The board approved an ordinance regarding an agreement for the confinement of prisoners with the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail.
Mayor Barb Ballew signed a proclamation proclaiming February 2nd through 9th as Scouts Anniversary Week expressing appreciation to the Pony Express Council and the Scouts for their interest in and dedication to America’s youth.
