BY Linda Adkins

UD Staff Writer

Freeburg trustees at their April 11 meeting selected Bartlett & West of Jefferson City to provide engineering services for the wastewater grant. 

Packets from Archer-Elgin of Rolla and Bartlett & West were opened for the first time at the meeting and were examined and scored according to established guidelines. 

Four categories were considered with 10 possible points in each: specialized experience and technical competence with respect to the services required; capacity and capability to perform the work in question, including specialized services within schedule; past record of performance with respect to control of cost, quality of work and ability to meet schedules; and the firm’s proximity to and familiarity with the area of the project.

Bartlett & West came out on top with a total score of 39, just edging Archer-Elgin, which scored 35 out of 40. 

Bartlett & West Engineer Kyle Landwehr was present, had paperwork signed, and apprised trustees of their next steps in the process.

In other business, Village Attorney Albert Crump was in attendance to answer questions on the proposed ordinances. The first ordinance establishes a setback that prohibits new construction less than five feet from the property line on city streets and alleys. 

The village has never had a setback ordinance. “There are houses built on city streets,” said Mayor Darryl Haller, who was reelected by his peers to serve as chairman. “If we don’t fix it, it’s not ever going to get any better.” 

The ordinance would pertain only to new construction. “Everything existing is already grandfathered in,” said Trustee Scott Knoll.

Trustee Shane Zimmer pointed out that ordinance verbiage requires persons who are considering construction or property improvements must get approval from the board in advance. “Everybody that is going to build anything has to come before us; that’s the way I’m reading this,” he said. 

Crump confirmed that construction must be approved in advance. Zimmer voiced his opinion that appearing before the board would delay homeowner improvements by as much as a month. 

Crump responded by saying there is nothing that says they have to come before the board. An application could be used and if they are observing the setbacks, there would be no issue. Mayor Haller said he would have no problem doing the approval process for the time being and the ordinance (#197) was approved without objection.

Ordinance #198 saves the village of Freeburg the financial burden of holding an election if the number of candidates for positions on the board is equal to the number of candidates. The ordinance is in effect for six years, the maximum time allowable for an ordinance of this kind. It also passed unanimously. 

Zimmer noted that for the municipal election held the previous week, the village spent $1,400 to have only 21 people vote. He calls the turnout “pitiful.” Mayor Haller said the only items on the ballot were school board members and trustees.

In related news, Zimmer returns for another term and Jamie Kaesik joined the board.

Clerk Nicki Bax said that Osage County had declined to pay $100 the American Legion asked for rental of their building, although other locations in the county asked for the same rental fee.

Freeburg Lions Club served as the polling place this time and had probably been used for free. While still within the village limits, the location was less central and less likely to be noticed by people who needed a reminder to vote. Mayor Haller will take it up with the county later.

Ordinance #198 will have to be voted on by residents in the August election.

Ross Dickneite is to coordinate a village trash pick-up day on May 19. The plan is to work on sides, not just Hwy. 63. Anyone interested in helping with the clean-up can contact him at 573-645-3511.

Former Clerk Allen Gradel will continue to work with Bax as needed. He will be paid $20 per hour for his time, which he will be responsible for reporting.

Public Works Director Doug Hamacher has received his Class D Wastewater Treatment certification as well as his CDL. He will receive an increase of $1.50 per hour. When he completes his training in water, another raise will be considered. 

Water Clerk Cindy Struemph did not attend the meeting due to illness. Water bills and reports will be forwarded to trustees as soon as possible.

The next meeting will be on May 9 at 6:30 pm.

In financial news, Bax presented figures showing general fund income for February totaling $16,255.64. The village had $7,777.65 in a general revenue checking account and $384,903.43 in a general revenue money market. Sewer system checking was $24,574.75 and sewer money market balance was $246,508.22. Freeburg’s purchasing account balance was $856.87. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) account held $42,641.84. The total on hand for all accounts besides water was $707,262.76. Water department figures were unavailable at the time of the meeting.

General revenue bills were approved totaling $7,192.25; sewer bills totaled $1309.33; and ARPA expenses were $243.69.