By DAVID A. WILSON
Democrat Staff
Mike Ward, new California Chief of Police, was sworn in at the beginning of the regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The oath of office was given by City Clerk Brian Scrivner, after which the board went into regular business.
A new requirement for those holding Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) came under discussion, with no firm answer. A medical certificate by a doctor approved by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is required every two years. There is some disagreement about what exactly is required of government employees who only drive government vehicles for their employers.
The problem has risen because CDL license holders receive cards in the mail giving them only a limited time to get the approved medical certificate before their licenses are downgraded. In addition, different supervisors have apparently received different answers to similar questions regarding whether the city employees must have a physical exam which may cost nearly $100 plus a $10 fee, or merely pay a $2 fee. The city council requires city department employees to have a CDL, even though they apparently are exempted from the license requirement because they are government employees.
City Attorney Ann Perry was directed to find out the correct answer to the question. The problem is who should pay for the exam, which may not be covered by the insurance carrier.
California Historic District (CHD) requested permission to close Railroad Avenue in the vicinity of Burke's Park to hold a Farmer's Market on Oct. 4, from 3 to 9 p.m. Permission was granted with no discussion.
Permission was also given to hold a "Trunk or Treat" event and games in the parking lot and part of Lake Drive on Oct. 20 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Board of Aldermen approved purchase of two 2014 3/4 ton pickups, gas engine powered, with 6.5 foot beds for city departments. The bid was awarded to Speiler's for two Dodge trucks. Because of the requirement for a certain hitch designated "Class 5" to be put on the back, one bid could not be considered, since the manufacturer does not put that level of hitch on gas pickups.
In old business, Co-Mo Connect informed the council of the removal of 100,000 feet of old cable from the cable TV system. The design of the new system is in process.
The council was updated on the status of the request for funds for demolition projects in the city. The 10 locations are listed as vacant, severly deteriorating housing units in various parts of the city. A public comment time has been set to close by 4 p.m. Sept. 26.