Board Meeting Minutes

October 2, 2023 Town Board Meeting Highlights and Official Minutes

Minutes October 2, 2023

Town of Augusta, Missouri

Dan Kemner Building

 Trustees Present:

Joe Buchheit                   Chairman

Ellen Knoernschild         Treasurer

Laura Miller                   Clerk

Randal Oaks           Public Works

Rick Barton                    Secretary/Collector/Notary

 Citizens Present: 10  

Town Board meeting called to order at 7:00pm

 1.     Minutes: 9/11/2023

        1.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the 9/11/2023 Minutes as presented.

        1.2   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

        1.3   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the Tax Rate Minutes as presented.

        1.4   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

2.     Treasurer’s Report: 9/30/2023

        2.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the Treasurer’s Report for 9/30/2023 as presented.

2.2   Seconded by Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

3.     Checks: 12198 – 12231  

        3.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve checks 12198 – 12231 as written.

        3.2   Seconded by Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

 4.     Collector’s Report:

        4.1   EFF 9-15-2023 $89.56 for Aug collections.  

5.     Public Works:

        5.1   Phase I on the Town Square renovation has started with the pathway and entry.

        5.2   Street striping completed.

        5.3   Post Office floor will be finished next week.

        5.4   Kemner Bldg doors were repaired.s              

 Committee Reports:

6.     Zoning and Planning:

        6.1   Board of Adjustments approved Land Use Permit for 5601 Chestnut.             

7.     Chamber of Commerce:

        7.1   Halloween Oct 31st at the Visitors Center

        7.2   Holiday House Tour December 2nd

        7.3   Beer Fest this Weekend

        7.4   Harvest Festival took in approx $7000 this year.

8.     Parks Committee: no report

 9.    Farm Report:

        9.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept Ronnie Backhaus Farm bid of $275 per acre for a 3yr contract.

10.   Museum Report: no report

11.   Tree Committee Report: no report

 12.  Open to Citizens:

        12.1 Gay Eskew had a discussion and question on Short Term Rental

13.   Old Business: no updates

14.   New Business:

        14.1 Gay Eskew report: “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest:

There are 10 plus entries for the September “Autumn in Augusta” teen/adult contest.  This is the most entries yet for an adult contest.  The very first contest was around 10 entries.  It’s good to see since the Photo Contest is in its 10th year.  There are several factors that may have resulted in this favorable  participation:  greater awareness of the contest through word of mouth, the Harvest Festival Photo table, and interest from new town residents.  

The Kids’ “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest has an October 31 deadline.  Augusta Elementary School students will be participating through the art classes once again.  The contest is open to all kids 12 & under.  Talk it up with relatives, neighbors, and friends who have children twelve and under. More information and entry forms may be found on the Town website under Photo Contest. 

  Town of Augusta Website:

Some changes have taken place on the website with JoAnn Milster coordinating with the website company.  The “Visit” tab now contains the information that was formerly under the History tab.  The History tab is now the “Business” tab with Licenses and Permits and all of the Town Ordinances, which will be transferred onto the website in the near future.  The “Residents” tab will have meeting information, meeting minutes, and the Town Directory.  Licenses and Permits were transferred to the “Business” tab.  These changes should make it easier to navigate the website.  If anyone has additional suggestions, please contact Gay Eskew.

 Respectfully submitted, 

Gay Eskew

 

15.   Meeting adjourned at     pm. Next meeting 11/6/2023 at 7:00pm

 Respectfully Submitted:

 Richard J. Barton

 

Secretary/Collector/Notary

October 2, 2023  Town
Board Meeting Minutes Highlights

TOWN SQUARE UPDATES – Work is progressing.  See for yourself.

Pavers are almost completely put in place for the curved path through the Town Square. Boulders will be distributed amongst the Square.  Some will be arranged around the perimeter of the gazebo.  The large white flat stones are for steps going into the Square off of Chestnut Street.  

Swings are delivered.  They will be set up after the ground is prepared.

Grass seed planting will happen soon.

For those who volunteered to assist with work projects in the Town Square, requests
for help will be made after the heavy construction is finished.

The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Playground equipment fund from the Harvest Festival proceeds.  The goal is $25,000  in addition to what is already allocated.

TOWN MUSEUM – The first annual Oktoberfest was well received.  The German food was prepared by museum members.  Beer was donated by Good News Brewery and brats came from Williams Brother Sausage.  Plans are in the works for next year’s celebration.

TOWN SIGNAGE – A discussion was held about replacing the signs at the entrances to the Town.  Another discussion concerned the removal of the Stop Sign on Jackson Street coming up the
hill.  A suggestion included placing a Stop Sign on Jackson by Locust across from the Library.                   A third discussion was about signs indicating the location of various businesses such as restaurants, the Visitor’s Center, wineries, etc.   

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN AUGUSTA            (See Events tab)

 

Click here

Town Board Highlights, Calendar, and Official Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023  Town Board Meeting Minutes Highlights

9/15 Swinging in the Vines — Sold out

9/16 Harvest Festival  Activities

9 – 10 am  FUN RUN  (participants receive a t-shirt—suggested donation of $20)

9 – 11 am  MUSIC by PaulO and Laura Unleashed

11:00 am PARADE

12 – 3 pm  MUSIC by the Texas Giants

9 am – 3 pm  Food Truck, Pie Contest and sales, White House Specials, Bouncy Slide and Obstacle Course for kids, Pony Rides, etc.

10 – 3 pm  “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest entry forms and on-site printing ($2 cash convenience fee)  Prizes from Stone Ledge Antiques ($25.00 Gift Certificate) and Augusta Winery (Wine Tasting Experience & Charcuterie Tray for 10 on a week day)  Deadline for adults/teens is September 30.

6 – 9 pm  Fruit of the Harvest Dinner at Noboleis Vineyards – 74 reservations

Street Closings on Saturday include Green Street by the Town Hall, Walnut Street from the White House Café to the Emporium, and No Parking on Chestnut Street on the side by the Town Square.

TOWN SQUARE UPDATES – Work is progressing

Pavers are delivered, grading is happening, and pavers will soon be installed.

Swings will be ordered soon and delivered towards the end of September.

If anyone is interested in the basketball backboards and/or the old swings, contact a member of the Town Board.  They are available for pickup and a donation to the Playground Fund.

POST OFFICE UPDATES – The entryway floor will be laminated when a weekend can be arranged.  The foyer will be closed during this time.  Further details will be shared when they are available.

Reprints of “Historic Augusta Buildings and People”,  Anita Mallinckrodt’s best selling book, available for purchase soon.

The Town Sign at 94 and Jackson is being revamped.

THE OFFICIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Minutes September 11, 2023

Town of Augusta, Missouri

Dan Kemner Building

Trustees Present:

Joe Buchheit                   Chairman

Ellen Knoernschild         Treasurer

Laura Miller                   Clerk

Randal Oaks           Public Works

Rick Barton                    Secretary/Collector/Notary

Citizens Present:

Town Board meeting called to order at7:00pm

  1. Minutes: Aug 8, 2023

1.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the Aug 8, 2023 Minutes w/corrections as presented.

1.2   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

  1. Treasurer’s Report: 8/31/2023

2.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the Treasurer’s & Budget report for Aug 31, 2023 as presented.

2.2   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Checks: 12153 – 12196

3.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve checks 12153 – 12196 as written.

3.2   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Collector’s Report:

4.1   Eff 8-15-2023 $27.93 July Collections

4.2   Ck #560 $10 Sign Permit Hoffman Commercial Real Estate.

4.3   Ck #2413 Land Use Permit 5601 Chestnut

4.4   Ck#563 $250 Hoffman Companies for Hanani

  1. Public Works:

5.1   Swings shipping on the 18th and should arrive around the 19th or 20th.

5.2   Bid for repair of the Post Office floor of $3280 by Creative Touch Paint & Design.

5.3   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve Creative Touch bid of $3280 for Post Office floor repair.

5.4   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

5.5   Gutter damage at the Post Office needs to be assessed and repaired.

5.6   Striping tabled until next meeting.

Committee Reports:

  1. Zoning and Planning:

6.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve sign Permit 2023-05 Hoffman Commercial Real Estate.

6.2   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

6.3   5235 Hackman Zoning discussion.

6.4   5572 Chestnut $250 Application Fee Hanani House.

6.5   5601 Chestnut LUP sent to Board of Adjustments for approval.

  1. Chamber of Commerce:

        7.1   Jo Milster presented a map for street closure during the Fall Festival on 9/15 and 9/16.

        7.2   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve the street closure request for the Fall Festival from 3pm 9/15 to 4pm 9/16.

        7.3   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

        7.4   Swinging in the Vine tickets sold out.

        7.5   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve $1600 for Candle Light Walk light request.

        7.6   Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

  1. Parks Committee: no report
  2. Farm Report:

9.1   Farm Contract Bids due by September 13, 2023.

  1. Museum Report:

10.1 Fire Dept recommended Museum install fire extinguishers in case of fire.

10.2 Historical Preservation report given.

10.3 Drawing Illustration presented for new rest rooms

  1. Tree Committee Report: no report
  2. Open to Citizens:

12.1 Don Simon had discussion about the entrance sign on 94 & Jackson St. Don requested if a new type of sign could be made. Don will submit drawing to present to the Town Board.

  1. Old Business: no report
  2. New Business:

14.1 2024 Budget Bill for the Town of Augusta read by Title Only 1st reading.

14.2 Clerk assigned Bill 2023-12

14.3 Bill 2023-12 Budget for the Town of Augusta read

2nd reading by Title Only.

14.4 Motion made by Rick Barton to accept Bill 2023-12 as Ordinance 2023-12.

14.5 Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

14.6 Gay Eskew report: TOWN WEBSITE:

Event listings, minutes, and general information are going well. Any suggestions on possible updates on the website?

“BEST OF AUGUSTA” PHOTO CONTEST: 

There will be a table outside the Wandering Owl to share about the Photo Contest from 10 – 3 pm at the Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 16.  The theme is “Autumn in Augusta.”  Entry forms will be available.  Photo printing will also be available for a nominal  $2.00 cash convenience fee to enter the contest.  The deadline is September 30.  The prizes are from Stone Ledge Antiques ($25.00 gift certificate) and Augusta Winery (gift certificate for 10 people to include wine tastings, information on each wine, and a Charcuterie Tray–reservations accepted during a week day).

The KIDS’ “BEST OF AUGUSTA” PHOTO CONTEST will be during September and October with an October 31 deadline.  “Autumn in Augusta” is the theme.  The local school, Augusta Elementary, will be participating through the art classes.  All kids 12 and under are welcome to enter. The Town Board is once again providing cash prizes ($30.00, $25.00, and $20.00) for the top three kid photographers.

  1. Meeting adjourned at 8:26pm. Next meeting 10/02/2023 at 7:00pm

Respectfully Submitted:

Richard J. Barton

Secretary/Collector/Notary

MINUTES September 11, 2023

Town of Augusta Missouri          Dan Kemner Building

Trustees Present:

Joe Buchheit             Chairman                    

Ellen Knoernschild  Treasurer

Laura Miller             Clerk

Randal Oaks             Public Works

Richard Barton        Secretary/Collector/Notary

 Citizens Present:      

 Tax Rate Hearing called to order at 8:15pm.

  1. Tax Rate Hearing:

     2.1       Rick Barton made a motion to accept General Tax Rate 0.1650 per $100 assessed valuation.

     2.2       Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

     2.3       Rick Barton made a motion to accept Lights Tax Rate 0.0823 per $100 assessed valuation.          

     2.4       Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

 3.0           Tax Rate Hearing closed at 8:20pm.

 Respectfully Submitted

 Richard J Barton

Secretary/Collector/Notary

 

Town Board Minutes August 7, 2023

August Calendar of Events and future ones

August 6, 13, 20, and 27 — 6:30 – 9 pm / first pitch is at 7     Sunday Pickup Games at the Ballfield 

August 7 — 7:00 pm     Town Board Meeting – Highlights below & Official Minutes 

Tell It Like It Was cancelled.  To be rescheduled.

September 1 — Deadline for Flag Football registration (See August 2023 Boone Country Connection, page 4, for details.)

Times and dates being re-evaluated — Sunday Pickup Games at the Ballfield

September 3 — 1:00-4:00 pm   Sunday Open House at the Sehrt House, Augusta’s History Museum, 275 Webster at High Street

September 5 — 6:30 pm    First Tuesday Jam session at the Harmonie Verein

September 11 — 7:00 pm    Town Board Meeting  (Note that the meeting is the second Monday, due to Labor Day on the 4th.)

September 15 — 5:30-10:00 pm   Harvest Festival with Swinging in the Vines   (get tickets: www.augusta-chamber.org)

September 16 — Harvest Festival Parade (11:00-11:30 am) and Town Square Activities

September 16 —  6:00-9:00 pm   Fruit of the Harvest Dinner    (get tickets: www.augusta-chamber.org)

September 30 — “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest deadline for Adults & Teens

AUGUST MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

  • Work on the Town Square renovations will begin this month.  A new look and some new playground equipment is coming!!!!  Town & Country was approved by the Board for the project.
  • Discussion on Sunday Community Ball Game events and improvements on the ballfield.
  • Wi-fi is now available in the Town Hall.  Network name and password is posted.
  • The Sidewalk Grant is moving forward with the approval of the purchase by the Town of some small pieces of land or easements from their owners.

OFFICIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Minutes August 7, 2023

Town of Augusta, Missouri

Dan Kemner Building

Trustees Present:

Joe Buchheit                   Chairman

Ellen Knoernschild         Treasurer

Laura Miller                   Clerk

Randal Oaks           Public Works

Rick Barton                    Secretary/Collector/Notary

Citizens Present: 14

Town Board meeting called to order at 7:00pm

  1. Minutes: July 10, 2023

1.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the 7/10/2023 Minutes with corrections as presented.

1.2   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Treasurer’s Report: July 31, 2023

2.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to accept the Treasurer’s & Budget report for July 31, 2023 as presented.

2.2   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Checks: 12120 – 12151

3.1   Motion made by Rick Barton to approve checks 12120 – 12151 except voided check 12146 as written.

3.2   Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Collector’s Report:

4.1   Eff 7-14-2023 $102.03 June Collections

4.2   Ck 552 $25 Hoffman Business License.

4.3   CK3832 $125 Business License Chamber of Commerce plus past due.

4.4   CK4215 $100 Lynn Hofer Short Term Rental wait list.

4.5   CK1396 $10 Sign Permit Ozark Hospitality.

  1. Public Works:

5.1   Clogged drain at Jackson & Main St needs to be cleared of debris.

5.2   Erosion repair still needs to be fixed at Public &Fifth St. and Lower and Main St.

5.3   Ameren removed the tree on Chestnut over a power line.

Committee Reports:

  1. Zoning and Planning: no report given
  2. Chamber of Commerce:

        7.1   Dinner tickets for Swinging in the Vine are available on line.

        7.2   Scarecrow applications are online as well.

        7.3   Street closure request for the Harvest Festival.

        7.4   Chamber needs letters from the Town for alcohol serving for Swinging in the Vine, Harvest Festival and Beer Fest.

        7.5   Christmas Walk preparations in process 9/15 & 9/16.

        7.6   Gingerbread Contest 12/1 @ 6pm & 12/8 @ 8pm.

  1. Parks Committee: no report
  2. Farm Report:

9.1   Farm bids being accepted.

9.2   Farm fields have been planted.

  1. Museum Report: no report
  2. Tree Committee Report: no report
  3. Open to Citizens: Tonya Hankins

12.1 Hanani House 5572 Chestnut request refund of $500. Discussion with the Town Board of Trustees and Don Simon agreed to pay $250.

  1. Old Business: no updates
  2. New Business:

14.1 Farm 3yr contract bid posted.

14.2 Sidewalk Grant acquisition phase discussion. Parcels need approval.

14.3 Parcel #1 @ 5634 High St $3845, Parcel #4 $2110

Hoffman Properties, Parcel #13 $4500 Michael Bean. Parcel #14 $805 Ellen Knoernschild, Parcel #18 $3255 Hoffman Properties, Parcel #25 Clint & Trish Hedrick and Parcel #27 $2710 Wendy Lauber.

14.4 Motion made by Rick Barton to approve payments to Parcel 1, 4, 13, 14, 18, 25, and 27 as presented for right of way payment.

14.5 Seconded by Randal Oaks and approved.

14.6 Gay Eskew Report: Boone Country Connection articles:

The “Reviving the Augusta Ballfield” article in the July 2023 publication received 1,100 hits in two days.  It struck the heartstrings of memories from former years of ballgames and involvement by those in the Augusta area.  A local guitarist and drummer volunteered to play the National Anthem on July 23rd; they continued playing various songs throughout the game.  There were 66 players and observers at the time a count was made.  The games are continuing on Sunday evenings under the lights from around 6:30 – 9 pm.  The first pitch is at 7 pm.

“Best of Augusta”  Photo Contest:

Adult/Teen Contest ending with September 30 deadline.  The focus is “Autumn in Augusta.”  The Harvest Festival activities on Saturday, September 16, will present numerous photo opportunities.

There will be a table on the Town Square advertising the Photo Contest.  Entry forms will be available.  Photographs of 4 x 6 pictures taken on your phone  can be printed on a portable photo printer for a nominal cash fee.  As a one-stop “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest display, photographers may enter their photos immediately into the contest with the filled out entry form and printed photograph.  Easy to remember to do!

(A demo will be available either at the August or September meeting.)

Town of Augusta website:

Minutes are up.  The newest format consists of a Calendar of Events for the month and beyond; a few of the highlights of the meeting; and the official meeting minutes.  http://www.townofaugustamo.org

14.7 Motion made by Rick Barton to approve up to $62,000 for Augusta Town Square Design.

14.8 Seconded by Laura Miller and approved.

  1. Meeting adjourned at 8:08pm. Next meeting 09/11/2023 at 7:00pm

Respectfully Submitted:

Richard J. Barton

Secretary/Collector/Notary