Aug 14, 2008

City councilmen approved a five-month contract with the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday evening, opting once again to partner with the organization and provide funds for the director's salary. Recent personnel changes at the Chamber had altered the scope of the original agreement, and council took the opportunity to revisit their position on the issue. Kenny Thomas, president of the chamber board, had addressed issues associated with the position in a letter to council stating revised payroll expenses, and the boards' decision to hire Mandy Mackey as director for the organization. This new proposal, which was unanimously approved by council, authorized one full-time employee (director) and funding for a five-month period of Aug. – Dec. 2008. Council selected Cintas as the vendor to provide city uniforms for the ensuing year. In the bid analysis, Cintas had submitted the lowest bid with a weekly charge of $147.84. The services of Aramark and Unifirst were more expensive, showing weekly costs of $159.50 and $173.50, respectively. All bids were based on a weekly allotment of providing 22 city employees with 22 shirts / 11 pants /2 jackets; and four electric employees with 11 shirts / 11 pants / 2 jackets. Mayor Leon Harris informed council members the City's local fuel distributor, Calloway Oil, was closing his business August 15, and the city was in search of another gas and diesel supplier. Harris said he was contacting other suppliers within the area to see who could provide the best price. Administrative Director Peggy Porter reported while attending the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Asso. (MIRMA) conference last week at Lake of the Ozarks, the City of Ava was recognized for "Excellent Loss Experience by An Individual Member During Fiscal Year 2007". Porter explained the award presentation which applauded the City for not filing excessive claims was totally unexpected. She said only five members received the certificates of achievement. Director of Development Janice Lorrain said phase I of the sidewalk project had been submitted for close out as everything associated with the sidewalk improvement project had been approved. Documents for the next round of sidewalk improvements had been submitted to MoDOT and the City was waiting for their approval. Lorrain also noted the water project public hearing had been scheduled for Friday, August 29, 9:00 a.m., at City Hall. City bills were approved for payment as presented. During closed session, council reviewed applicants interested in the director of parks position. Two individuals were selected for the interview process. All council members were present for the meeting. The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 at City Hall.