ST. MARY – The minutes of the Friday, May 9 meeting of the St. Mary Board of Aldermen meeting have been released.
THE CITY OF ST. MARY, MISSOURI
Board of Alderman Meeting
Friday, May 9, 2025
5:30 PM
- Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
- Roll Call: Aldermen answering the roll call were Alderman Rose Rosenzweig, Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, Alderman Kathy Bergman and Alderman Brian Helms (absent).
- Agenda: A motion was made by Alderman Dr. Zen Duda to approve the agenda. Alderman Rose Rosenzweig second the motion. Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, Alderman Kathy Bergman and Alderman Kathy Bergman voted aye on a voice vote. Motion carried.
- Consent Agenda: A motion was made by Alderman Dr. Zen Duda to approve the Consent Agenda which consists of the following: Minutes from Previous Meeting, Treasurer’s Report, Collectors Report and Bills Paid and City Manager to pay previously appropriated expenses as they come due as allowed by the budget. Alderman Kathy Bergman seconded the motion. Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, Alderman Kathy Bergman, and Alderman Rose Rosenzweig voted aye on a voice vote. Motion carried.
- Motion to amend agenda: Resignation of Alderman Helms, resignation letter provided, motion to accept resignation of Alderman Brian Helm made by Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, motion seconded by Alderman Kathy Bergman. Alderman Dr. Zen Duda, Alderman Kathy Bergman, and Alderman Kathy Bergman voted aye on a voice vote. Motion carried.
- Public Forum
– Introductions by Frankie Ullman Ste Genevieve County Fire District
– Kevin Moro – Director of Fire District
– Brad Schumer – committee member
– Ken Stieger – Ste. Genevieve Fire Dept.
Kevin Moro – provided board with final decree and declaration
– All officials sworn in to the Fire District. 1st meeting May 21st
– All other departments affiliated are turning over all assets. District coming up with a plan to replace aging Fire trucks
– District will be paying for
– insurance
– maintenance on buildings
– fleet maintenance
– Brad Schumer states tentative date for switch over is Aug. 1ST
– Alderman Duda – question regarding exchange of property and equipment since the city owns the property and equipment
– Kevin Moro that decision to be made by the city whether property will be donated or other arrangements need to be discussed – per Karl Wyatt and Joann Donze the land was donated to
the city by the Chamber of Commerce and the St. Mary Community Building Association received a loan from USDA, paid loan back with annual fire tags paid to the City of St Mary but no city funds were put into the building and was signed over to the city at no cost. The Chamber donated funds to finish the inside of the fire house and the volunteer fireman provided the labor. – Mayor Bequette asked if rent had ever been paid to the Chamber for the fire house, Chamber members in attendance reported no rent was ever paid. Joann Donze stated the Chamber purchased the Fire truck from the Eureka fire department for $50,000 in 2014. ALL information regarding the fire house can be found in meeting minutes as far back as 1999.
– Per Chief Ken Stieger- Ste Gen City Council signed a resolution that all Ste. Genevieve city fire assets would be turned over to the fire district at no cost to the district, this decision was made to keep equipment in use for the people the department serves .
– Regarding the fire house itself the City of Ste. Genevieve wants a $1.00 per year lease to the district to maintain ownership of the building, which leaves maintenance and other expenses to the district and not the city. No official decision has been made on this matter.
– Mayor Bequette stated the fire truck donated by Goose Creek was donated with the contingency that the truck will be donated to another department, Ken Steiger stated he believes the Fire District will honor that agreement. Kevin Moro stated the Fire District will definitely honor the agreement with Goose Creek.
– Fire District retains legal representation to draft all legal documentation for the transfer of property. Fire District attorney will be in contact with the City of Saint Mary attorney.
– Alderman Duda asked members of the Chamber of Commerce what their position on the District proposals. JoAnn Donze responded by saying the Chamber is of the opinion that the City should donate the property, she doesn’t feel the City will save money by retaining the property.
– Alderman Duda asked if this district included everyone in Ste. Genevieve County. Brian Schumer stated yes, except for a small rural portion of Ste. Genevieve City that is maintained by Wolf Creek Fire Department and Ste. Genevieve City. Mutual aid agreements will remain in place.
– Alderman Duda, does the district have a plan for distribution of responsibilities within the department. Kevin Moro stated yes, there is a 5 person board from different areas of the district.
– Clem Donze asked what will happen with the mutual aid agreement with Randolph County, Il. pertaining to Kaskaskia Island. Frankie Ullman stated a new mutual aid/contract agreement with Randolph County will have to be drafted.
– JoAnn Donze asked about the funds collected for the 2025 fire tags. Kevin Moro stated, funds collected will be used to fund the fire department until the end of the year, due to no funding will be available until Ste. Genevieve County revenue is collected, at a $3.00 tax increase on personal property and real estate taxes listed under road and bridge on the tax bill.
– City Clerk Jessica Gunter addressed the resident concerns regarding the purchase of fire tags. Brian Schumer stated Ste. Genevieve County will no longer pay fire tags after the end of 2025, all Ste. Genevieve County funding will come from tax revenue.
– Alderman Duda asked if staff would be rotated among departments, Saint Mary will maintain the current Volunteer Fire Department in place. The intention of the district is to put programs into place to encourage participation in the fire departments.
– Alderman Duda asked if there is room for expansion in the current location, Brian Schumer responded, there is room for expansion of the current fire house as the community grows.
– City Clerk Jessica Gunter asked if the new fire district would affect first responders during medical emergencies. The consensus of the Fire District members is that first responders will continue to respond to life threatening emergencies that arise within the district. The Fire District Board members will decide what is the appropriate use of tax money, there will be open board board meetings for resident participation.
– Alderman Duda asked who is responsible for paying for the water used during a fire. Kevin Morro responded by saying that usage would be at the City of Saint Mary’s expense. Mayor Bequette also responded by stating the city pays the Ste. Genevieve County Water District. Currently the district documents water usage and reports that usage to the city. Brian Schumer stated that will have to be a discussion between the water district and the fire district.
– Alderman Duda asked if CDs maintained by the city will be turned over along with the current fire district funds maintained by the city. Kevin Morro stated the district is hoping that CDs will be transferred to help with unexpected expenses. He also stated he has to go through an annual budget process, whatever funds are not used will go back into the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The city will no longer be responsible for the administration of the fire department funds, the fire department will not be part of the city budget. Resident Carl Wyatt asked if the new Fire District would be eligible for grants, Kevin Morro responded by stating yes the district will be eligible for grants.
Michael Montgomery – Heartland Engineering – Wastewater infrastructure Grant
– Update on current Grant through DNR, he is nearing the end of the process of coming up with a portable solution, solution most likely will be a land application of wastewater, recommendation is not final.
– Mayor Bequette and Frankie Ullman reached out to a local landowner who has given his permission for irrigation heads to be placed on his property. The proposal is simple with few complications.
– Michael is hopeful he will be able to replace the city’s current pressure system with a gravity system, all pumps will not be able to be replaced however the hope is we will be able to collect into 2-3 basins. This proposal reduces the amount of pumps, lessens replacement cost, driving down our operating cost.
– Alderman Duda asked if the collection stations were mechanical or just collection stations. Michael responded by saying it is a combination, pumps will maintain water level. Also part of the mechanics is the elimination of sludge, there is enough circulation and turbulence that sludge is minimal. Also a question of sediment, per Michael this also is minimal, the process of is simplified by pumping out a single tank rather than each individual grinder pit. This proposal is cheaper to operate and less hassle, regular maintenance is all it takes. Most cost effective route is a no discharge land application system, the city will not be discharging water into a stream anymore, no permits, no samples, the ground is doing the treatment and the lagoon it is stored in, solids will settle out in 90 days. The lagoon will accumulate sludge and will need to be removed, however that will be in 30-50 years.
– Mayor Alderman, what is the estimated time for completion.
-per Michael he is hopeful to present his proposal to the Board by the next meeting – the ultimate goal is to lower maintenance costs, lower water/sewer rates, and man hours
Jeremy Tanz – SEMORPC
– Grants available to assist City with wastewater infrastructure improvements
– CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funded by HUD requires a less intrusive income survey, 80% of the residents have to participate, 50% of the participation must be LMI (low to mid income) copy of survey left with City Clerk
* Competitive Cycle that is open now until June, award is up to $500,000
* Water/wastewater award up to $750,000 or $5000.00 per household,
147 households would qualify the city for $735,000 max grant, in
order to apply the City has to submit to the Missouri Water/Wastewater Committee to get an invitation to apply
*USDA (grant/loan combination) Saint Mary is listed as a medium household income of $58,750, qualifies the city for a 25% grant 75% loan. An income survey can be requested for USDA to qualify for more grant funds however if the average household income comes back higher the grant amount is lowered. Requires 3rd party to perform income survey, average income has to come in at $47,505. Any additional grants will be subtracted from the USDA grant.
– Complete DNR survey and send out CDBG survey, these are grants offered with the least amount of risk. Surveys must be completed by permanent residents. Survey to be done according to is living in the household, not who owns the property.
– The City is also currently eligible for a drinking water grant at 80%, if LMI comes back lower we could be eligible for 100%.
– Other grant opportunities – Delta Regional Authority – normally tied to job creation.
– MoDot offers a TAP Grant (Transportation Alternative Program) trails, sidewalks, to open in the next month for design work only. Next year we can apply for construction. Michael Montgomery will look into more specific details.
Approval request for resident to install a portable (prefabricated) shed at 937 6th Street.
-Resident Angela representing Cody Keifer provided the design and location of the shed. Currently no water or electric storage only. Resident requested dig right, she has attempted to request through the website however dig right is mapping the wrong area, Mayor Bequette to assist resident in getting this done to ensure no water/ sewer mains are going to be involved in delivery. After approval is received from the Board the information will be sent to the delivery company to get the proper permitting to deliver. Motion to approve by Alderman Duda provided there are no conditions involving water/sewer mains, 2nd by Alderman Bergman. All in favor, permit approved.
Review of delinquent taxes – spreadsheet provided to Alderman to show what residents still owe taxes with and without water accounts. Shut off notices to be issued after the 21st.
- New business:
Resolution 1009
Amendment to Ordinance 613 section 6 by permitting of having female non-crowing poultry (laying hens) within the corporate City of Saint Mary for personal use and regulations defined as “Urban Agriculture” per Missouri Department of Agriculture and regulations this ordinance shall be amended and corrected to allow domestic species of fowl known as domestic poultry.
Alderman Duda expressed concern with the section regarding predators, rodents, insects and parasites, if an infestation would become an issue the Board reserves the right to resend resolution 1009.
This resolution is in regards to OWNED property, renters will have to involve their landlord prior to purchasing poultry.
Alderman Duda proposed having an event at City Hall for residents interested in additional information on caring for poultry.
Mayor Bequette stated the City will provide bands for poultry within the city limits at the time of permit request, fee is paid, and building is inspected by a city official.
Mayor Bequette stated according to the ordinance the also includes a poultry at large section of the ordinance, no dog, cat, or other domesticated animal that kills, injures or causes distress to poultry will not be considered dangerous. The property owner forfeits their right to file a complaint or to any punitive damages or hold the City of Saint Mary or County Animal Control at fault.
Alderman Duda made a motion to approve resolution 1009 by heading only, Alderman Rosenzweig 2nd the motion. All in favor, second reading by heading only. Roll call vote Alderman Duda (aye), Alderman Bergman (aye), Alderman Rosenzweig (aye) Resolution 1009 adopted.
Current storm damage at the park and other city properties. Insurance claim was made with MoPerm. Insurance adjuster visited, quotes for damages must be provided, Mayor Bequette will be requesting estimates. Estimates will be provided to the Board.
Agenda amendment for Resolution 1010
DNR requires an approved signer in order to make payments for our grant, currently April Grindstaff, former City Clerk is the signer, Mayor Bequette proposes Jessica Gunter City Clerk be the new signer. Motion to approve Jessica Gunter City Clerk as signer and approving authority to maintain grant. Motion made by Alderman Rosenzweig, second by Alderman Duda, all in favor. Resolution adopted
Destruction and retention of City records
– Schedule of retention provided by the Secretary of State website for class 4 cities to determine the length of time to be retained. Records have different lengths of time to be retained from permanent to 5 years.
– Alderman Duda recommends incinerating records due to personal information of residents.
– Jessica Gunter City Clerk will draft a letter to be signed by the Board of Alderman approving records destruction. Jessica will also maintain documentation of records destroyed.
– Alderman Rosenzweig expressed concern regarding keeping our records safe if there were a fire. The Secretary of State recommends microfilm to retain permanent records. Mayor Bequette stated Ste. Genevieve County agreed to allow the city to put our permanent records in their fireproof vault. Alderman Rosenzweig asked how much access we would have to records if stored at the county and how often would we actually need to have access. Per Mayor Bequette we would keep copies of essential documents at City Hall for ease of access.
Any additional concerns or topics to be addressed not listed on the agenda.
No additions.
Departmental Reports
Emergency Management Mayor Bequette – review of storm damage, Jody Odem, Frankie Ullman and Chief Urban coordinating with Mayor Bequette. Rain index is high at this time. Mayor Bequette spoke with Hank Voelker called to check in with city regarding how we were doing during the storms, Mr. Voelker is going to look into if the city qualifies for FEMA funds for storm damage, he will be getting back with Mayor Bequette. Alderman Rosenzweig asked if they were able to start cleaning up at the park, per Mayor Bequette, clean up can begin since the insurance adjuster has already been here to evaluate.
Mayor Bequette asked the Board what they would like to do with insurance funds in excess of repairs. Alderman Duda proposed funds be put into a reserve account until the process is complete and it can be determined where the funds should be disbursed.
Fire Department – Frankie Ullman reports 7 calls this month (4 medical, 1 fire alarm, 1 motor vehicle accident, 1 mutual aid for Ozora). Reports they are reorganizing the fire house. Active 911 is coming due, $179.00 per year. Service inspection is coming up on breathing apparatus. Frankie Ullman is requesting Chief Urban respond to fire calls to assist with resident issues and traffic control. Frankie would like Chief Urban’s assistance even after the department moves to the fire district, he will be addressing this matter with the Ste. Genevieve County Fire District Board. Alderman Rosenzweig questioned storm warnings for the City of St. Mary, per Mayor Bequette there is a polygram Ste. Genevieve County used to sound the alarm, Ste. Genevieve County 911 states they are unable to sound alarms individually even when they were notified by the City of St. Mary an active tornado was on the ground near the city limits of St. Mary. Jody Odem (certified storm spotter) suggests city officials should have access to sounding alarms outside of the polygram. Frankie Ullman suggested we attend a 911 meeting.
Alderman Duda suggested our in-operational siren be put back into commission.
Police Department – Chief Tyler Urban reports 96 total calls in April, traffic stops, ordinance violation. Chief Urban was able to get the city back into the LESO program through the federal government (surplus military supplies). Also established the City of St. Mary Police Department with the Federal Task Force so the department can get federal funding that will require some additional training for Chief Urban.
Chief Urban has been investigating a former city clerk that filed a grievance with the State of Missouri that negatively affected Mayor Bequette’s law enforcement career. Chief Urban has been in contact with the post and was able to officially retire Mayor Bequette in good standing. Chief Urban presented Mayor Bequette with his official retired credentials, leaving Mayor Bequette speechless. City officials are very proud of you Chief Urban for your efforts and determination.
The new police car donated by Perryville is currently being updated.
Street Department – Alderman Duda reports there are pot holes with the city limits that need to be addressed. Alderman Rosenzweig asked if any additional rock would be put on 8th street where lines were dug up. Mayor Bequette will address the issue. Eric Doty reports asphalt issues also on 8th street, Alderman Duda reports the same issue on Cemetery Road. Eric also reports a culvert overflowing at 5th Street during the last heavy rain storm due to clog at one end.
Water/Sewer Department – Frankie Ullman reports water tower dropped out causing loss of water, telecom at the sewer plant was not working at the time or city could have responded sooner. Tower 1 and 2 dropped out, the city did not get below DNR pressure and a boil water order did not have to be put in place. Transducer went out and was replaced, due to low water level the chemical feed tubes were replaced. Water testing has been good, chlorine has been good, levels have been up and down.
Sewer Department – UV Ramp, not flooding from the creek, it is flooding from the engineering location of the pipe, it is bleeding water back through, unsure of the issue. Bearing out on rotor 1 due to the last big rain storm, the bearing went out. Getting an estimate to report to MoPerm. Also, there are currently grinders down, due to the location of the grinders the ground is too wet to get to them for repair. Currently 3 grinders are down.
Administrative/Economic Development – Alderman Helms resigned. Alderman Bergman reports the betterment committee has had 4 meetings and are currently working on community activities. The committee has been discussing a calendar events starting with the 4th of July, however since the park was damaged significantly by storms that is on hold. Mayor Bequette it is possible to have the park cleaned up for this event. Alderman Duda asked if there were other possible locations, suggesting Kaskaskia Island. Mayor Bequette was approached by a committee that operates mini sprints and go karts for kids as an option for an activity. Alderman Duda suggested the old city park as a location for fireworks.
Mayor Bequette asked if we should discuss replacing Alderman Helms on the committee. Alderman Bergman stated that could be discussed at a later date. Committee is open to citizen participation.
- Citizen Participation
Nathan Schultz – Schultz Antique Mall – upcoming event during Memorial Day weekend with sales and vendors to encourage residents from local communities to spend the day in St. Mary, an event is also planned for Labor day weekend. Mayor Bequette presented Mr. Schultz with his father’s Board of Alderman placard.
- Regular Session Adjournment: There being no further business before the board, a motion was made by Alderman Dr. Zen Duda to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Alderman Rose Rosensweig seconded the motion. All the aldermen voted aye on a voice vote. Meeting adjourned.
CITY CLERK – JESSICA GUNTER MAYOR – ADAM BEQUETTE