The Laredo City Council terminated the employment of a city employee and decided to hire a part-time employee during a meeting held Monday evening, which also included the resignation of a council member and the appointment of a replacement.
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City Clerk Phillip Shepherd said the council held an executive session with City Attorney John Young and then voted 4-0 to terminate the employment of City Superintendent Larry Marrs, who has served in that position in a full-time capacity. The council then voted to hire Brad Coursey as a temporary employee to oversee the city sewer and water system until a part-time permanent employee is hired and becomes certified to operate the water and sewer system.
The resignation of Kimberly Meeker, who represented the north ward on the council, was accepted and the council approved the mayor’s appointment of Jennifer Courtney to fill the remaining one year on the council.
A report was given on the new water tower, which is now running automatically, and Shepherd said Lawrence Hinnen has been hired to demolish the concrete base for the old water tower, as well as complete the landscaping and fencing when the weather improves. Shepherd said one customer is still connected to the old line on the old water tower, and the council hired Stevens Excavating of Trenton to connect the customer to the new line and tower at a cost of $350.
It was reported that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources conducted an inspection on the sewage lagoon, with everything checking out fine other than an alarm needing repair at the lift station.
Meter readings were discussed, with a customer asking if those on the city water system can read their own meters due to errors that occur from transcribed numbers, etc. Young advised the council not to have customers read their own meters and said that it would be difficult for elderly persons to read the meters.
Shepherd gave an update on city tax collections, noting that an additional $72.29 has been received in back taxes, leaving $2,220.17 to be collected.
In other business, the council tabled improvements to city hall that were estimated to cost about $500, noting that there are other priorities right now. The council is also considering the purchase of a full-size city truck, hopefully in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range. He said the city is currently looking at one in Chula and one in Hamilton.
The council is scheduled to meet again at 6 p.m. June 4.