BELLE — The Belle Board of Aldermen approved a quote for work on the Rock Island Trail, discussed police department standards, tabled a roof replacement decision, heard an apology, and discussed vehicle damage from the area’s recent snow storm on Feb. 25 during the rescheduled city meeting.

The board reviewed four bids for the Rock Island project. Bids were received from Alexander Construction at $282,155.42; Central Missouri Excavating & Contracting at $179,931.18; KJY, Inc. at $249,966; and a $363,155 bid from TB Dozing & Excavating.

After review by the city’s engineering firm, Archer-Elgin, Central Missouri Excavating & Contracting was recommended as the lowest responsive bidder. The board approved awarding the contract at $179,931.18, with the caveat that any increase in charges must be approved by aldermen.

The city’s required cash match is $44,000, with part offset by land sale proceeds and in-kind work by city employees.

The board discussed damage to two vehicles after a city truck struck an illegally parked vehicle during snow removal operations, causing it to be pushed into another vehicle owned by the same individual.

Estimates provided for repairs came from Adam Rodgers and totaled $2,852.23 for a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria and $4,660.53 for a 2005 Dodge Ram.

“One was parked on the street like it should be, and the other one was facing the wrong direction, so, illegally parked,” Mitchell said. “But that’s neither here nor there. It’s on us.”

Officials discussed whether to file a claim with insurance or negotiate directly with the owner. The board approved a motion authorizing the mayor to speak with the repair shop and the vehicle owner about potential settlement options and report back to the board.

During staff reports, Mitchell reported concerns regarding the condition of a police vehicle, saying it had not been cleaned since purchase and was not fit for public use. He said the condition was discovered when the vehicle was taken to St. James to have a warranty issue repaired.

“When we got over there with the car, I was totally embarrassed by it,” Mitchell said. “I mean, we’re talking a car that has not been detailed, vacuumed, wiped out or nothing since we bought it.”

Mitchell removed the car from the work rotation, and announced at the meeting he was not going to give it back until it was cleaned.

“It’s not fit to ride in. I’ve got pictures of the trash that was in the floor of it, and that’s not tolerable,” Mitchell said. “It’s a taxpayer’s car. It should be treated like a taxpayer’s car.”

During the warranty work, drugs were also found stuffed into the back seat. Marshal Jerry Coborn addressed the issue.

“I don’t know who, but somewhere in the past, someone forgot to check and clean out their car after taking a prisoner to jail,” Coborn said. “Also found in that vehicle was a bag of meth and a syringe stuffed in the seat, so it was enough for a felony.”

The mayor also raised concerns regarding deputies not wearing uniforms while on duty.

“I don’t want to pick on nobody,” Mitchell said. “But I want to see us go back to wearing uniforms right now…Jerry wears a uniform every day. I think our deputies need to start wearing uniforms too.”

Discussion led to a proposed checklist that will be created for the police department to follow.

Under old business, the board approved the final reading and passage of Ordinance No. 669, an ordinance establishing regulations to protect the city’s drinking water system and comply with Missouri regulations.

The ordinance passed by roll call vote.

Under new business, the board reviewed three bids for roof replacement on the city shop building.

One bid, from White’s Handyman Service, was questioned due to handwriting and was either $2,500 for materials and labor or $7,500, though members questioned whether the overall total was accurate.

A second bid from KRM Services included removal and structural repairs coming in at $10,700 for the total.

A third estimate from Trainor and Sons came in at $11,443.07 which included a metal roof.

Board members expressed concern about cleanup provisions, liability insurance and workmanship guarantees. The board voted to table the matter and invite contractors to the next meeting so they can provide clarification.

The board approved advertising for bids related to multiple projects tied to the city’s State Infrastructure Program funding, including water line replacement, manhole lining and other improvements.

These projects must be completed within a tight timeline and bids will determine final project scope.

Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell read a resignation letter from Cindy Barbarick, who is leaving her janitorial position only, effective March 31, at the Belle-Bland Community Center.

The board accepted the resignation and approved advertising to fill the position.

Under old business, the board approved the final reading and passage of Ordinance No. 669, an ordinance establishing regulations to protect the city’s drinking water system and comply with Missouri regulations.

The ordinance passed by roll call vote.

The board approved advertising for bids related to multiple projects tied to the city’s State Infrastructure Program funding, including water line replacement, manhole lining and other improvements.

These projects must be completed within a tight timeline and bids will determine final project scope.

Mitchell read a resignation letter from Cindy Barbarick, who is leaving her janitorial position only, effective March 31, at the Belle-Bland Community Center.

The board accepted the resignation and approved advertising to fill the position.

During the MRPC update, discussion included regional transportation priorities and potential projects. The board discussed possibly pursuing a demolition grant to address abandoned or unlivable structures within city limits.

Officials noted previous demolition efforts had gone smoothly and required property owner participation.

The city attorney also advised the board of potential Blue Shield grant opportunities available through the state and said additional information would be provided.

During the invited guest portion of the meeting, Tracey Creswell, a candidate in the upcoming election, addressed the board regarding a prior paperwork filing issue and offered an apology to Charro Reasor, office manager-treasurer.

“I just want to take a minute and say I am very sorry that I messed up on my paperwork. And when I make a mistake, I own up to it,” Creswell said. “Charro, I owe you an apology, and I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong and I just want to let everybody know that I am very sorry it was my mistake. I own up to it. I’m going to pay the fine this week, and I wanted to apologize. I never accused anybody. I made a general comment, and it was taken the way that I wanted it to be taken, but I did not accuse anybody. I know I was rude to you, and I apologize.”

Reasor did not verbally respond and instead gave a nod, acknowledging Creswell’s apology.

The meeting entered closed session to discuss personnel.