Hopkins Council Reviews Late Fees for Water, Sewer

The Hopkins City Council, at their regular meeting Tuesday, September 8^th, reviewed late fees for past due water and sewer fees. The prior system allowed the clerk to enter a 5% late fee for sewer and/or 10% for water. The new system does not have those report options, creating more work for the clerk. The council voted to charge a late fee of $15 for water and $10 for sewer, with accounts over six months having a finance fee added.

Two guests appeared at the meeting and apologized for dumping trash into the dumpsters at the Hopkins ball diamond in July. Chris Bird explained to the council what can and can’t be dumped under Missouri DNR regulations. The board decided not to proceed with further action.

The board voted to renew six CD’s that were up for renewal on September 25^th at the best possible rate.

Discussion was held on a fence ordinance need along with the current stockyard, livestock, and animal ordinance.

A 1947 ordinance passed by the council requires an annual $100 permit to erect, construct, own, operate, or maintain any slaughterhouse, pigpen, stable, or stockyard where hogs, cattle, sheep, or other farm livestock within the city limits. Approval of such licenses is up to the council. Keeping livestock within 500 feet of a residence, church, lodge, or business within city limits is prohibited, and violators are subject to a fine of $50 to $500 per day. A 2001 weeds & vegetation ordinance requires property owners to keep their properties mowed and kept clean of noxious weeks, grass, trees, shrubs, or poisonous vegetation. If a person is in violation, the city can come onto their property, mow and destroy the vegetation in question, and assess a tax lien. The city can also bring charges with punishment of not more than three months in jail and/or a $500 fine. A 2001 ordinance prohibits people from keeping junk cars and other junk vehicles on their property.

The Department of Revenue sent a letter to the city explaining HB 2819, which allows cities to round up or down for cash transactions. Cent totals ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 can be rounded down, while cent totals ending in 3, 4, 8, or 9 can be rounded up. There is no rounding for non-cash payments. The city does not have to pass a new ordinance to implement the law. Implementation by cities is optional. The council voted not to round to increments of five cents.

The council voted to waive $396 from a sewer bill for 208 N. 6^th Street. There was a leak that did not go through the sewer.

The city received a letter from the EPA on lead and copper compliance. The city will send a letter to customers advising them that the status of lead in their water lines is unknown, along with information on its effects. Customers can send back feedback so that the city can update the system to stay in compliance. Customers who do so will receive a $25 credit to their water bill.

 The city will receive a visit from Maguire Iron to clean up the water tower. During that time, the city will get its water from Nodaway Rural Water.

Glenda Wyer-Nelson talked about the corner of Barnard & 10^th and Barnard & 11^th. The corner of Barnard & 10^th needs work to stop it from washing out. On Barnard & 11^th, there is a big pothole that needs to be filled, and there are branches that block the view to see if a car is coming or not. The city added the tree in question to the list of trees to be taken care of.

The council voted to post for a part-time labor position.