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Bronaugh Board of Aldermen approve new mayor and discuss city matters
The Bronaugh Board of Aldermen meeting commenced on Tuesday evening under the leadership of President Nancy Pitts. The board granted the floor to Doris Ann Ricketts, a resident of the city, allowing her to address the council. Ricketts shared that she had reached out to Attorney Bill McCaffree, who had agreed to serve as the city's attorney without any charges. She shared McCaffree's suggestion to contact Attorney Lynn Ewing to facilitate the enforcement of city ordinances among residents. Alderman Sherry Brown expressed her gratitude to Ricketts for her efforts and suggested that the city appoint a new mayor, given the absence of one for several months, to kickstart the ordinance implementation process with the assistance of an attorney. The board approved Brown's proposal.
Ricketts once again presented samples during this month's meeting to demonstrate sedimentary issues in her neighbor's faucet. Sewer/Water Operator Derek Brown informed Ricketts that he had maximized the chlorine levels to maintain the safety of the water for consumption. However, he mentioned that the samples Ricketts provided could indicate either sulfur or calcium buildup. Brown added that he flushes the hydrants annually for approximately five minutes, which aids in cleaning the lines.
Following this discussion, the board proceeded with their regular meeting, approving the minutes from the previous month's session. However, one correction needed to be made. Treasurer Ann Loudermilk provided the financial report, informing the board about the transfer of street funds due to an electric bill correction. The board approved her report.
Loudermilk also highlighted that residents who had been filling their pools had paid their water bills and were up to date on their taxes. She sought the board's approval to reduce these residents' sewer bills, which was granted. Loudermilk further mentioned that the city's collection policies had not been updated since 2017 and recommended revising them in conjunction with Attorney Ewing's update of the city ordinances. The board approved this proposal.
Derek Brown reported that he had been in contact with Ozark Applicators to arrange for the cleaning of the tower and flushing of the lines. He presented the council with contracts for their signatures, outlining the cost if the work were to be done this year or postponed until the next. He explained that Ozark Applicators had a long list of scheduled projects in various cities. The board approved signing the contract at the meeting in the hope that Ozark Applicators could accommodate them before the year's end. The expenses would be covered by the city's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Additionally, Brown mentioned that he required six more meters and two additional pumps. The board approved the purchase of two pumps, not exceeding $1,500, and six meters, not exceeding $1,000, with payment to be made from the ARPA funds.
Sherry Brown informed the council about her correspondence with the County Clerk regarding the proper steps to install a new mayor. She stated that the Clerk had explained the necessity of a dated letter from the previous mayor announcing his resignation. Brown confirmed that they possessed the required letter but needed Brad Cliffman to date it. The subsequent step involved the President appointing a suitable individual for the position, subject to the board's approval. Once approved, the Clerk would install the appointee as Mayor. Consequently, Pitts appointed city resident Lauren Meier as the new Mayor, a decision that received the board's approval. Brown assured the council that she would contact the Clerk to notify her of the selection. Pitts and Meier would then proceed to the Clerk's Office at the courthouse to sign the necessary paperwork.
The meeting concluded with the board approving the adjournment and scheduling the next session for Aug. 7.