Aldermen Take Closer Look At Insurance

By MARK EVANS

STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD

During public meetings, a consent agenda – a group of generally miscellaneous items – is approved or not approved in one motion. Last Thursday night, some questions about three items in the Ste. Genevieve Board of Aldermen consent agenda led to them being discussed and voted on as a separate three-piece item.

Ward 2 Alderman Bob Donovan questioned items authorizing the city entering into contracts with U.S. Specialty Insurance Company for property and casualty coverage and one with Missouri Employers Mutual to provide workman’s compensation coverage.

Meanwhile, Ward 4 Alderwoman Ashley Armbruster flagged an item that authorized contracting with Coalition for cyber liability coverage.

They asked City Administrator Happy Welch questions about the three items.

Donovan was concerned about the rise in liability and casualty coverage from about $91,000 the previous year, to $103,323. Welch said that the city’s insurance broker, Lakenan Insurance, had selected U.S. specialty as the best available option.

“So, our options are zero?” Donovan asked.

The other items in the consent agenda were passed first. Then, after a few minutes of discussion, the other three items were also passed.

WELCH GIVES HIS REPORT

Welch reported that a work session dedicated to constructing the fiscal year 2023 budget would be held Aug. 18. Department heads will make presentations regarding large capital items. Welch said the goal is to adopt the final budget on Sept. 22.

He also reported that Vern Bauman Contracting was at work on the North Fourth Street water main project. He said they discovered some failing stormwater pipes during their work and will replace those, as well. Welch said the work would shut down during the county fair, so the streets will be open.