CITY OF CAMERON
MINUTES
MARCH 29, 2005
PAGE 1


SPECIAL SESSION
TOWN HALL MEETING

Frank A. Buck			P
Michael G. Johnson		P
David C. Lee 			P
Larry L. McCord, Jr.		P
Artis Stoebener		P	

	The City Council of the City of Cameron, Missouri met in Special Session holding a Town Hall Meeting regarding the April 5, 2005 Water Bond Issue on Tuesday, the 29th day of March 2005, at five o’clock p.m. at City Hall.  Mayor Larry L. McCord, Jr. presided with the following Councilmembers present:  Frank A. Buck, Michael G. Johnson, David C. Lee and Artis Stoebener.   Absent:  none.

	Present were City Manager Phillip R. Lammers, Attorney for the City Mitch Elliott and City Clerk Barbara J. O’Connor.

	Mayor McCord acknowledged Councilmember Buck’s request for a moment of silence in memory of Dave Goodwin who passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2005.  Mr. Goodwin taught choral music at the Cameron R-1 High School for 45 years and was in education for 47 years.  Over the years, Mr. Goodwin served the community in many ways including serving as Park and Recreation Director, running the swimming pool and organizing the summer ball programs.  Mayor McCord affirmed Mr. Goodwin has touched many lives and has been a good citizen and friend of the community.  All in the Chamber observed the silence honoring Mr. Goodwin.

	Mayor McCord asked all present to introduce themselves.  Those in attendance were:  Mike Gray, Missouri American Water; Jeff Gard, Missouri American Water; John Parks, Archer Engineering; Allen Parvin, 715 W. Cornhill; Elaine Gerstenberger, 623 W. Fourth; Development Shellby Director Hendee; Doug Newell, 301 Eagles Landing Parkway; Roberta Dice, 624 N. Mulberry;  and Water Plant Superintendent Paul Rinehart.

	Introductions and Recap of Resource Needs Committee Study (RNC).  City Manager Lammers recapped the past 15 to 18 months and the work of the Resource Needs Committee.  The Committee was formed in 2003 to study the City’s water supply and make recommendations for future needs.  Over the years there have been serious needs for water during seasons of drought.  Several supply options discussed by the Committee were narrowed down to three (3); a new structure (reservoir); a transport main used to purchase water from Kansas City, Missouri; and, a transport main used to purchase water from American Water in St. Joseph, Missouri.  

	Consultant Presentation by Archer Engineers on Final Recommendation.  John Parks, Archer Engineering, gave a slide show presentation highlighting water demands, existing sources, shortfalls with and without Grindstone improvements and water demand and availability. The alternatives that the Resource Needs Committee reviewed were presented:  the Shoal Creek Reservoir, buying treated water from Kansas City, Missouri; and, buying treated water from Missouri American Water Company, St. Joseph, Missouri.  A cost summary was presented which included a south loop water main which needs to be finished and a south water tower.

	The original Resource Needs Committee consisted of 12 citizens with some representation from outside the City limits.  The Committee increased by one (1) for a total of 13 members.  The Resource Needs Committee, after much deliberation, recommended the option of a transport main to purchase water from American Water Company in St. Joseph, Missouri with a vote of 12 for the option and one (1) vote against.  

	Council Comments.  Mayor McCord stated he and Councilmember Stoebener also served on the Resource Needs Committee and gained much knowledge.  Councilmember Stoebener said the Committee was excellent and did a thorough job in making their recommendation.  

Councilmember Buck asked if the bonds are authorized at the April 5, 2005 election what the interest rate would be and if local people would be able to buy them.  City Manager Lammers said the rate would probably be around two (2) percent and it would be up to the State of Missouri as to who could purchase the bonds.  Councilmember Buck stated he felt it was a no brainer and the Council decision to put the bond issue on the ballot was the correct thing to do.  

Councilmember Johnson said now is the time to act and get a supply in place for future needs.

Councilmember Lee asked about the impact this would have on the Rural Water District.  City Manager Lammers replied the Rural Water Board would determine how much of the rate increase would be passed on to their customers.

Allen Parvin commended Council and the Committee for not waiting to find a solution and asked if American Water would share in any of the expense.  Mike Gray noted the company could refund up to four (4) times the revenue generated in the first year.

Doug Newell asked what the rate increase would have been if a reservoir had been built.  John Parks said no hard research was done on that but estimated the increase could have been between 40 and 50 percent.

City Attorney Elliott took this opportunity to inform all present that the burden of the expense could be shared by all who shop in our city by voting to extend the 3/8 cent sales tax.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a unanimous voice vote at 6:10 p.m. on motion made by Councilmember Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Buck. 

							APPROVED:



                                                                                  _______________________________
						          Mayor Larry L. McCord, Jr.
ATTEST:



_____________________________________
City Clerk