The Fall River City Council meets routinely on the second Monday of each month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the July 8 council meeting, which were approved at their most recent meeting on Aug. 12.
During visitor discussion, Brenda Clark suggested adding a 1% sales tax to increase revenue. The State sales tax is currently 6.5% plus the county tax of 1%. Surrounding towns add city taxes so Fall River may be missing an opportunity. Councilwoman Lori McCaffree commented it’s not up to the city council because it would have to be voted on before it could go into effect. Councilman Dave Vance suggested the city look at the numbers and consider this for a future agenda item. Terry Williams asked how to avoid the water access fee and questioned if it could be done by removing the meter. Mayor Brendan Coulter indicated the answer was no since that property still has access to water. Williams would like to find a solution to avoid the access fee for buildings that don’t use water. Ron Fogle brought up what the city is doing to enforce ordinances. He feels things are getting worse in regards to multiple vehicles, livestock, etc. Mayor Coulter explained the city is working on this and the first priority is complaints. Councilman James Cude reminded everyone this can’t be fixed overnight. Fogle asked when the payments for the bonds were due. One was paid in April, but Treasurer Cathy Ivey will double-check the schedule.
Councilman Cude asked about gravel for the alley behind the store. Treasurer Ivey reported the quarry has not been crushing the necessary gravel recently, but is starting up again. The gravel should be available soon. At the same time, the alley near the Billings residence will get gravel.
Water Manager/Fire Chief John Schouten reported there was nothing new on either department.
Enforcement Officer Crystal Thomas expressed appreciation to everyone for the July 4 fireworks usage. No complaints were received.
The June 17 meeting minutes, the treasurer’s report, the bill’s report and budget report were approved.
Regarding refuse, Treasurer Ivey reported the cost went down slightly after pulling a couple dumpsters.
Councilwoman Sue York reported the library was scheduled to have a pool party at Flint Oak on July 20.
During discussion on the community building, it was shared that the City Hall key for the community building is missing.
Regarding Happy Hour, Councilman Vance reported there was nothing new.
In old business, City Clerk Christy Walta explained the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) doesn’t require a vote but a form was due July 20. She will research the details further and follow up on what’s needed.
In new business, the council approved City Clerk Walta as an authorized credit card user. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson discussed the Memorandum Of Undersanding (MOU) regarding the sirens. Mayor Coulter indicated it was approved last month and it’s been signed. Vinson reviewed why this clarification of responsibilities was necessary. Weekly siren testing changed in August from Mondays at 6 p.m. to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. This will be during working hours so employees can confirm the test. Councilwoman McCaffree wants to focus more on applying for grants but a grant writer is needed. She posted on social media to see if anyone was available and Jackie Ong replied with her daughterin- law’s name (Beth Ann Falstad). Falstad has a lot of experience with grant writing. Many times the grant will include the writer’s cost so the cost to the city should be minimal. If anyone has information regarding available grants, please contact Councilwoman McCaffree.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9.
