California Board of Aldermen approves insurance renewal ahead of July deadline

California City Hall
California City Hall

The City of California Board of Aldermen met last Tuesday for a special session, approving the city's general liability insurance renewal and discussing a handful of other miscellaneous items ahead of July's regular monthly meeting.

The board had to meet prior to July 1, the deadline for its insurance renewal, and the next regular meeting was not early enough to facilitate this business. At last week's meeting, Mike Keith Insurance Agency was on hand to walk the board through details of the city's renewal plan, including the various types of coverage and premiums listed. The board ultimately approved the renewal for $160,184 through Missouri Employers Mutual.

The board also asked Keith to look into options for earthquake and cybersecurity coverage; though the renewal was approved as is, the board can make amendments as needed in the coming months if it finds that either coverage option should be added.

The board also approved an ordinance authorizing a contract between the city of California and Jefferson Asphalt Company. This will allow for the city's street overlay project to proceed, after project details were amended earlier this month to better reflect the project cost listed in the city's original budget for the next fiscal year.

In other business, the board approved a $1 raise - from $10.30 to $11.30 per hour - for the three head lifeguard positions at the city pool. The raises will be reflected starting next payroll, City Clerk Aimee Hill informed the board following the vote.

Finally, Alderwoman Resa Dudley approached her colleagues with a proposition to work toward the city of California seeking Purple Heart and POW/MIA designations. If approved, Dudley mentioned a ceremony recognizing families in the community with ties to either designation could be a good way to commemorate the city's success with obtaining either title. Dudley's colleagues indicated they were on board with the plan moving forward.

The Board of Aldermen's next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, July 6 at 7 p.m., a day removed from its usual monthly meeting time to account for the Fourth of July holiday.