Sheldon Aldermen discuss proposed street closures

Sheldon’s Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Thursday with all members present. Mayor Rob Sewell called the meeting to order and the agenda, past minutes and the treasurer’s report were approved.

The board discussed the closure of three streets with railroad crossings in town. The railroad and MoDOT have been wanting to close three streets, so the board had previously voted to close Market, Croy and Anderson streets. This would leave Commercial and Main streets as through streets with upgraded mechanical arms. The board revisited the previous decision with discussion on closing Commercial Street instead of Anderson.

Their reasoning is that since Main and Commercial are only one block apart, it makes more sense to close Commercial and leave Anderson Street as a through street for better traffic flow. Also taking into consideration the repair and upgrading needed on Commercial on the west side of the tracks, the board voted to close Commercial and leave Anderson open to traffic. Work is not expected to commence until spring and B Highway will not be affected.

Justin Million reported that the front wall between the library and Burger Shack needs to be removed and that he is willing to do that if the city doesn’t hold him liable for any damages to the library wall that could occur during the process. Mayor Sewell will check out the situation and make the determination.

The board also discussed the working condition of the aerators at the lagoon. It was determined that two of them are working and the remaining two are set but still need to be wired. They are in search of an electrician who can and will take on the job and are preparing paperwork to apply for a wastewater engineering grant by the Jan. 31, 2019 deadline.

The demolition of the dangerous building at 200 W. Main will need to be put out for bids from qualifying contractors who are bonded and have liability insurance.

The Park Board requested the city donate towards a new scoreboard at the ball park. The cost of the scoreboard will be from $2500 to $3000 and they will be requesting $1000 from the Sheldon Revitalization Association. According to City Clerk Becky Morgan, “SRA is a non-profit that can be donated to for a tax credit and they can grant monies to community needs.” The board will discuss the issue for the 2019 budget.

The board also discussed the laying of concrete over the entire alley behind Jones Custom Supply to Third Street. Alderman Josh Bean inquired as to who authorized the concrete to be poured over an area with water, sewer and gas lines beneath. It was determined that no one from the city authorized the pour and that should lines need replaced or repaired, the cost to repair the concrete would fall on Jones Supply.

Sheldon Fire Chief Billy Jeffries provided minutes from the Nov. 1 meeting of the VFD to the board. They held a dinner on October 20 with some 60 dinners purchased. They report a profit of $115 and that the donations of hogs, paper goods and wood made that dinner possible. Leftovers from the meal were frozen and will be sold to another organization for their fundraiser.

The VFD distributed glow sticks, candy and stickers for Halloween to 120 – 125 children at the station. The Christmas party for volunteers and their families is set for Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. It will be a potluck dinner with the meat provided.

Jeffries reported 55 calls so far during 2018.

The board adjourned and entered closed session pursuant to Section 610.021.3, hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting employees and Section 610.021.1 legal actions.

During closed session, the board discussed debris removal from 403 Anderson. Missouri DNR requires the fire department to remove all debris from and take it to the landfill. They are to provide landfill receipts and the property owner will be contacted for sharing the cost of the project. They also discussed the need to have the dangerous building at 200 W. Main inspected for asbestos prior to demolition. No employee decisions were made and the session adjourned.