Dunklin County Sewer District oversight and city safety goals on Malden council agenda

MALDEN, Mo. - The city council at its meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, is expected to act on a number of issues.

After roll call and an opening prayer by Stokelan Drive Christian Church's Dan Hargrove, councilors approve session minutes from its Dec. 16, 2024, regular meeting and a special-called meeting from Jan. 14, before hearing about financials from Malden CFO Angela Earnheart, according to the meeting's agenda.

Council addresses Ordinance No. 3927, a net metering update that amends Section 715.200 related to net metering and approves an amendment to an energy management agreement with Evergy Kansas Central, the agenda states.

Councilors approve two contracts, the first with Southeast Services, Inc., and the second an amended Community Center rental agreement before hearing a Planning and Zoning Board recommendation, an approval of application for conditional use regarding 609 N. Marion St.

Southeast Services, Inc., provides attention to three city-owned generators twice annually, according to information in councilors' packets. Malden Mayor Denton Kooyman believes those services should be more frequent and asked City Administrator Ivone Smith to inquire if Board of Public Works employees can inspect the generators monthly. Smith replied that she would investigate and provide responses to that request.

The community center amendments address increases in rental fees and the length of time the building and auditorium are available to rent, according to information in councilors' packets.

Discussions that pertain to Dunklin County Sewer Dist. No. 1 are on the agenda, including an amended billing agreement, amended collection agreement, and an amended service, maintenance and repair agreement.

These talks deal with the city's continuing management of the district temporarily. City Attorney Jonce Chidister suggested the city maintain its receivership for 90 days after the recently-seated Board of Directors was slated to take over the district's business on Feb. 10. This increases the city's participation and oversight until May 11, according to packet information.

Also, Mayor Kooyman suggested the district hire its own maintenance personnel, and board members said they considered hiring Carlton Stewart as a contract employee. That decision and talks relating to it are on tap for review at a Reorganized Dunklin County Sewer District No. 1 meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on Jan. 27, at city hall, just before the council meeting at 6 p.m.

The 2025 City of Malden safety goals and objectives are up for discussion prior to Malden Director of Public Safety Jeff Mitchell addressing the council regarding the Missouri Highway Safety Program.

Mitchell offers his department's report, followed by Smith's monthly administrator's report, council liaison reports, and Mayor Kooyman's report.

A 15-minute open forum is on tap immediately after the opening prayer.

Council meetings are the best opportunity for community members to maintain harmonious relations with their councilors and are fine ways to stay abreast of city issues that might affect residents.

The Malden City Council meets at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27 at the Malden City Hall within the Malden Community Center, 607 N. Douglass St., Malden.

Residents are encouraged to attend.