The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance authorizing an application for funding through the Rural Statewide Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) on April 8. City Clerk Crystal Dorrel announced the application is for $200,000 from the Missouri Department of Transportation, aimed at supporting a sidewalk project in downtown Gallatin. The project’s total estimated cost is $240,000, with the remaining $40,000 being covered by cash.
City Administrator Lance Rains is coordinating efforts with Allstate Consultants to secure the TAP grant for the downtown sidewalk initiative. The grant application is scheduled for submission by the end of April.
Additionally, the board accepted a cemetery mowing bid from Rodell Sperry, contingent upon meeting insurance requirements. Sperry’s proposal, one of three received, was for $150 for Lile Cemetery and $1,000 for both Brown and Greenwood Cemeteries.
Rains shared that the city has received three applications for a part-time summer help position. The board has requested Rains to arrange interviews with the candidates later this week. Aldermen R. G. Curtis and Dan McCann will participate in the interview process.
The board also approved the sale of the old jetter and chip and seal machine at B and S Auction.
Following the municipal election on April 2, an ordinance was passed to declare the election results for the City of Gallatin, and the oath of office was administered.
Discussions were held regarding potential changes to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) for city employees. The board expressed interest in consulting with a LAGERS representative, with further discussion planned for the next meeting.
Rains updated the board on the progress of the cupola building’s remodeling, now known as the BTC Business Center.
Bill Sites raised concerns regarding the absence of a 24/7 police department after discovering his business’s door unlocked and open. Sheriff Larry Adams assured the board that there is always an officer within a 15-minute response time for any calls within Gallatin.
Adams provided an incident report summarizing recent law enforcement activities, including eight trespass investigations, six non-criminal civil issues, six juvenile-related incidents, five harassment investigations (with one resulting in an arrest), and four ongoing theft investigations.
The water staff has been collaborating with Total H2O Solutions on a lead service line survey and worked with Midwest Injection on lime removal at the water plant. A water leak on the McNeely property was repaired, and efforts are ongoing with Allstate Consultants on the water main replacement project.
The Wastewater Department received a new jetter on April 6, with reports indicating smooth operations at the wastewater plant. Preparations for the upcoming chip and seal, city asphalt, and Community Development Block Grant street projects are underway, involving several contractors and requiring specific weather conditions for hot mix application. Road and maintenance crews have been active in various city locations, including ditching, graveling, and mowing activities.
