A special meeting of the City of California Board of Aldermen was held Monday, June 8. Although several topics were discussed, most of the discussion consisted of a review of the business license ordinance, with the "Welcome to California" sign discussion taking up most of the remainder of the lengthy meeting.
The business license discussion was held with the intent of amending the city business license ordinance, with simplification and clarification while still using it for its primary purpose of protecting the citizens in the city. Information was obtained from many other communities about how the business license issue is addressed. That information "can take you in just about any direction you want to go," said Mayor Norris Gerhart.
The discussion ended with City Attorney Ann Perry directed to have a draft ordinance ready for discussion and additional revision at the July council meeting.
During the discussion of the business licenses, Alderman Bryan Lawson commented that, whatever the ordinance says, it should be followed. Mayor Gerhart commented that any business operating in the city should have a business license. If the business does not have a business license, it should be closed.
Brian Scrivner informed the council that there are several different categories of business licenses, with some due Jan. 1, some July 1 and at least one due June 15. Some licenses are $25 a year, some $15 and most $10. The council decided the business licenses should be the same cost for storefront businesses, $25 a year, with only one license required for each to do business, except for those which fall under state regulations.
Another part of the discussion involved whether the ordinance should continue to require liability insurance. It was decided that liability insurance will be required for everyone except home-based businesses. Although home-based businesses should have liability insurance, that would not be part of the ordinance.
Progress on the welcome sign was addressed, with the information given that the plan for the sign submitted, following the bid accepted by the city from Rackers Manufacturing for construction, did not meet the specifications originally approved by MoDOT. As a result, the plan for the sign must be redone, and submitted as a new request for approval. Although some variation in size was noted, the major question was the change from solar powered LED lights to electric utility powered lighting.
In other business, the council approved purchase of a new swimming pool sweeper for $1,740 from Arlan and Company. This sweeper replaces an older, worn-out piece of equipment.
The next regular meeting is July 6.