There has been no progress in finding a qualified person to assist at the California wastewater treatment plant, according to information provided to the City of California Board of Aldermen at its April 2 meeting.
That means Wastewater Operator Patrick Murphy has been "flying solo" since Jan. 20. The problem is, if the system at the treatment plant sounds an alarm for some type of problem, a qualified person is supposed to be at the plant in 30 minutes.
There have been only three responses to advertising for the position. According to Murphy, only one of those people had the minimum skills necessary to fill the position, and that person's residence was more than the 30-minute distance required for response time.
Even a part-time person from a temp agency would be helpful. But they require someone with at least the minimum knowledge necessary and ability to understand the wastewater treatment concepts, who could respond within the acceptable time period. But so far, a qualified candidate has not been found.
According to Murphy, the daily plant operations are being taken care of, but there is often not enough time left to take care of some other tasks, which are not immediate, but do need to be completed. Murphy said that there has not been this much of a problem since he took over as manager in 2007.
The board approved extending the advertising for the position wider, with Mayor Norris Gerhart suggesting colleges be contacted, to see if someone with a good science background could be found that would at least come to California as an intern.
Several items of new business were brought before the council:
The CalMo Country Fest was approved by the council. This is a fundraiser proposed by Travis Bax with LTD Entertainment LLC. The object is to have a concert at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds June 2, with money raised to purchase specialty wheelchairs for people to use for outside activities, such as hunting or hiking. The wheelchairs are about $11,000 each and are not paid for by insurance. Since the June 2 date would make it difficult for local licensing to be approved after the state licenses are received, the council voted to allow Mayor Gerhart to approve any city permits necessary for beer sales at the fairgrounds.
The council approved a bid by Gene Haile to repair a water leak, which turned out to be under South Missouri 87, near Quail Hollow Drive. The bid approved was $58,000.
A request was approved to close a portion of Lake Street on April 27 to allow the California Kids Day Care to have a fundraiser bike-a-thon.
The board elected Aimee Hill as the new city clerk. She has worked under the supervision of Brian Scrivner, who retired from the position as of March 31.
The possibility of the city and school combining efforts for improved security at the school was briefly discussed. Mayor Gerhart said the city will consider a plan, when one is submitted by the school.