Bloomsdale Mayor Irked By Lack Of A Quorum

By MARK EVANS

mevans@stegenherald.com

Bloomsdale city clerk Lynnette Randoll introduced the city’s new backup water plant operator to Mayor Paul Monia and Ward 1 Alderwoman Monica Rozier at the June 8 board of aldermen meeting.

That, along with approving the previous month’s minutes and paying bills was essentially the only thing accomplished, since Rozier was the only alderperson who was able to attend.

With a $1.9-million water line project looming ahead and other issues like handrails at the wastewater plant still pending, Monia was frustrated by the lack of a quorum.

“I’m very disappointed. My anticipation for tonight is not happening whatsoever,” Monia said. “It’s got to happen by the next meeting. You’re going to have to get with John [Schweigert, Ward 2 alderman], you’re going to  have to get with Cochran,” he told Randoll. “I’m going to have to know how much property it takes to be able to put that new stand pipe up there That’s what they were supposed to do.”

He referred to the need to acquire additional land where  the city will be replacing the 79,000-gallon stand pipe with a 200,000-gallon elevated water tank, as the first phase in the $1,917,625, project.

“This is a zero. This upsets the hell out of me,” Monia said. “I get it; I know everybody’s busy. But if you want to sit here (at the board’s table), you’re going to have to do better – especially now. We’re paying big bucks for a lot of things that aren’t transpiring.”

Randoll said she would get him an answer on the property needed “within a couple of days.”

“I need to know how much property, even if she wants to sell,” Monia said. “We may have to go on the back side of it; that’s available, as well.”

EVERS TAKES ON WATER DUTIES

Dakota Evers, who works for the Perryville water department, after having served as chief water operator at Grayhawk, has agreed to serve as the city’s backup water plant operator – a position required by the Department of Natural Resources.

Randoll had been trying for years to secure a certified individual willing to make the commitment.

Evers, who lives at Lake Forest, made the trip in to meet with the  city leaders in person, at Randoll’s request.

Monia and Rozier welcomed him aboard.

“He does what he says he’s going to do, when he says he’s going to do it,” Randoll told the others. “I sent a letter to the city administrator of Perryville, telling him we’re not going to encroach on his duties there – that that’s his main job. I could not be happier.”

“It’s just something that has to be,” Monia said “We greatly appreciate it.”

They stressed that the position will probably take almost no actual time on Evers’ part, but that the DNR requirement requires a certified person be listed.

Randoll noted that the last person to fill the position “literally never did one thing,” although Evers said he is willing to help on some items on weekends.