BELLE — The Belle Board of Aldermen approved a bid to replace the roof on the city shop on March 10 and addressed several other matters including equipment purchases, infrastructure inspections and potential grant opportunities.

A quote of $9,937.09 from Trainor & Sons, Inc. was approved with a 3-0 vote to install architectural shingles on the city shop roof after reviewing several proposals. The chosen bid included removing the existing roofing materials and installing new decking, ice and water barrier, and shingles with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

A lower bid of $7,500 was also presented by White’s Handyman Service, but would have installed metal roofing over the existing structure without removing the current materials. After discussion, aldermen said they preferred the more comprehensive option that removed the existing roof and provided a warranty.

In other business, the board approved $6,500 in repairs with a 3-0 vote that will be paid for a car and truck that were damaged by the city. The revised estimates were $2,500 for the car and $4,000 for the truck, both reduced from earlier quotes. The city will give the money directly to Rodgers Auto Body for the repairs.

The board also approved a $3,500 inspection of the city’s water towers with a 3-0 vote. Officials said the inspection is required by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and will allow inspectors to determine what repairs may be needed.

A back flow prevention device for the Belle-Bland Community Center was another item approved with a 3-0 vote. The device had previously been removed and replaced with a section of pipe by an unknown person. The city will purchase a replacement device for $468.99 and have city employees install it before a required inspection, saving money compared to having a contractor perform the entire job.

Under new business, aldermen authorized the mayor to negotiate with an electric company seeking temporary space near the city water tower to park trucks and trailers. The company offered to pay $250 per month for the space for several months. Board members discussed possibly exchanging a portion of the rent for help installing lights at the community center using the company’s bucket truck.

The board also voted 3-0 to approve a request from the city marshal to purchase seven new Glock 9mm duty pistols through the manufacturer. The total cost of the purchase is $3,038, but buybacks and sales of existing firearms would reduce the city’s final cost to about $1,433 after the current department weapons are sold to interested officers in the city’s employ.

Officials also announced an ATV/UTV permit day scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 4 at the Lonnie Feeler Memorial Building, where residents will be able to purchase permits from Maries County, the city of Belle, Osage County, Gasconade County and the city of Bland.

Aldermen also discussed pursuing a demolition grant through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to remove several dilapidated structures in the city. Officials said property owners would be required to contribute $500 toward demolition costs, while the remainder would be covered by grant funds.

The board decided to first schedule a meeting with MRPC representatives to answer questions before formally proceeding with the application.

The next Belle Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at the Lonnie Feeler Memorial Building.