Upcoming ‘Flannel Fest’ discussed at council meeting

A regular session of the City Council of Nevada was held in the council’s chambers Tuesday, Oct. 2. Mayor Brian Leonard called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Council members Carol Clyde-Gallagher, Blake Hertzberg, Lyndon Eberhard, and Brian Leonard were in attendance. Council member Ryan Watts was absent due to a Cross Country meet and was excused.

It was motioned and seconded that the minutes of the Sept. 18, regular session meeting be approved. This passed unanimously.

In proclamations, Mayor Leonard proclaimed the week of Oct. 7-13, 2018, be recognized as Fire Prevention Week.

In old business, the council:

• Voted 4-0 to place on second reading by title only Bill No. 2018-028 amending the Fiscal 2018 Street Budget and authorizing payment to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. This ordinance will amend the street budget and authorize payment of $20,000 for improvements stemming from an agreement passed on Jan. 16, 2018, between the City and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for pavement improvements on Route 54 and I-49 Loop. Reserves are available to fund this project.

• Voted 4-0 to place on second reading by title only Bill No. 2018-029 accepting the option for BKD, LLP to conduct the annual audit for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2018. A contract was approved in 2017 selecting BKD as the City’s independent auditor for the 2017 audit with options for four subsequent years at the Council’s descretion. This ordinance authorizes BKD to conduct the 2018 audit. The fee is $30,800 with an additional $3,500 if a single federal audit is required.

In the mayor’s report, Mayor Leonard stated he attended the ballot measure forum where two representatives from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office and a retired superintendent of the Missouri State Patrol provided answers to community member’s questions. “It was an educational and informative meeting,” stated Leonard. “It was very well-attended. I think people were wanting to know what the ballot issues are. It was well-attended, so I’m glad they got to help some people know what is going on.”

In the city manager’s report, J.D. Kehrman stated he had a couple items prepared for the council under executive session for legal. “I understand it may be more beneficial to wait for the entire council to be present,” added Kehrman, referring to Watts’ absence.

In miscellaneous items, the upcoming Flannel Fest was discussed. The event will be held Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Marmaduke Park. The first lumberjack show of the event will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by entertainment. There will be bounce houses for kids, a kid’s tent with games and crafts, and food and drinks will also be sold at the event.

In addition to Flannel Fest, the Nevada Fire Department is also hosting an open house this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mayor Leonard then moved that the executive session be postponed, due to council member Watts’ absence.

The regular meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.