***Pachyderm Approved Meeting Minutes ***
JEFFERSON COUNTY PACHYDERMS
9642 Byrnesville Road
Cedar Hill, Mo 63016
Minutes of the Jefferson County
Pachyderm Club General Membership Meeting
September 10, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Renee Reuter.
Don Bickowski read the Pachyderm prayer. The pledge of Allegiance was said. Don Bickowski read the Pachyderm Preamble.
President Renee Reuter then introduced the officers of the Pachyderm Club. Officers present were President Renee Reuter, First Vice President Don Bickowski, Second Vice President Linda Schroeder, Treasurer Bob Frank and Secretary Ellen Haynes.
There were 14 members present and 5 guests.
President Renee Reuter acknowledged the following dignitaries:
Renee Reuter, Head Chair and Councilwoman District 2 Jefferson County member
Don Bickowski, First Vice President, Councilman District 1 member
Linda Schroeder, Board Member Big River Ambulance Board member
Charles Groeteke, Rock Township Ambulance Board member
President Renee Reuter acknowledged the candidates currently running for office:
Leslie Hanson, Collector of Revenue, Jefferson County member
Mike Reuter, Circuit Clerk, Jefferson County member
Don Bickowski, Re-election Council District 1, Jefferson County member
President Renee Reuter then announced she was resigning as President of the Jefferson County Pachyderm Club. She shared her pleasure for the time she served as President and her regrets that her many other commitments were not allowing her the time to continue as President. President Renee Reuter then announced the acceptance of nominations for the position of President. She also announced a Special Meeting of the Board to be held following the regular meeting this evening to accept nominations and elect a new President.
President Renee Reuter then asked membership if there were any local events they wished to announce. Leslie Hanson announced that on Tuesday, September 16th in Arnold at the Terrazza Grill a Meet and Greet, with herself, Mike Reuter, Debbie Dunnegan and Dan Shaul. Paul Wieland and Ken Waller, County Executive will also be Mike Reuter announced a trivia night on Friday, September 12th at the Elks Club in Arnold at 7 p.m. He also announced a Comedy Night on November 7th that he was currently selling tickets for $10.00.
Don Bickowski announced a raffle for a shotgun by Don and Jim Terry. The tickets are $5.00 or 5 tickets for $20.00 with drawing to be held on October 31, 2014. Linda Schroeder asked members to see her if they are willing to sell or purchase tickets.
Don Bickowski also announced the Parks Board event, The Big River Run, which was held on September 7, 2014, at the Northwest Jefferson County Sports Complex and which was a great success.
Leslie Hanson also announced Paul Wieland will be filming campaign commercials on Tuesday, September 16th and he was looking for volunteers. If interested call his campaign manager Jarret Jenson at 816-812-2342.
President Renee Reuter then spoke to the advantages of joining the Pachyderm Club and invited guests to join. President Renee Reuter spoke to the importance of the election season. She also stressed the importance of getting involved and helping one or more of the candidates.
Treasurer Bob Frank then gave the treasurer’s report. He reported on balance in checking account of approximately $1750.00. He also reported on no recent expenditures. He did announce the Board was considering advertising for the Pachyderm Club. He reported the yearly dues were $50.00 and that $20.00 is sent to the National and $5.00 is sent to the State.
President Renee Reuter then introduced the speaker, the Mayor of Arnold, Ron Counts. She also reminded members Arnold is the largest city in Jefferson County. Renee stated that part of her Council District is in Arnold and she has had the privilege of working with Mr. Counts from time to time who is a great leader.
Mr. Counts began with announcing a 9-11 Memorial Service Ceremony being held at the Rec-Center in Arnold the next morning at 9 a.m. Mr. Counts then reported on the population of Arnold which is 20,808 at last census. Mr. Counts stated he was the first Republican to be elected to Arnold for any position since 2009. He is now serving his second term as Mayor.
He then addressed the City of Arnold’s budget. After only being in office 3 weeks, the financial director reported to him a deficit of $1.2 million in the budget. He decided to bring in an audit team. The audit team concluded it was an error made by the financial director. Mr. Counts then formed a nonpartisan financial committee based on the person’s knowledge of finance. He reported he had served for 7 years on the Ambulance Board and 9 years on the School Board which gave him some background for the budget. This is his 5th year working with the budget and because of expenditures by the Arnold City Council the budget was now a $1.8 million deficit. He reported on many cuts made of personnel. He also reported on the “free trash entitlement” which costs the City $1.2 million per year. The City contracts for the service from one company. The City Council was against doing away with the entitlement. The vote on eliminating the expenditure was 4 to 4 and Mr. Counts broke the tie. In addition, a special resolution was enacted for persons on limited income.
Mr. Counts then spoke to the issue of the City’s golf course. In the past few years it has not supported itself and the last year was approximately $500,000.00 in the red. The budget committee addressed the issue, made some changes, restructured rates, and hopefully it will break even next year. A future decision to either sell the course or hire course out to management firm still exists. A new committee has been instituted reaching out to schools to try to promote interest in golf.
Mr. Counts then addressed another budget issue of the city sewers. Mr. Counts reached out to American Water Company, a multi-million dollar company, who handles both water and sewer, for a bid. American Water offered $13.2 million, with assuming $14 million owed to MSD, and responsibility for all upgrades, and all future liabilities with EPA and DNR. In addition will invest $5 million into the system in the next 4 years and also agreeing to keep all current personnel. Mr. Counts brought this offer before the City Council to put on the ballot to the people which will happen this November. The sale will allow $9.2 million to make improvements which are much needed. If not sold, a 35% rate increase is probable. Don Bickowski asked Mayor Counts what is the yearly budget of Arnold and he reported approximately $25 million.
The 50/50 raffle was held with Gayle Bickowski winning and donating the money back to the club.
Renee Reuter and Charlie Groeteke both thanked Mayor Counts for speaking.
Mike Reuter announced two Meet the Candidates being held at Jefferson College. On September 25th the County Council Candidates will be speaking and on October 7th Mike Reuter will be speaking.
Bob Frank urged everyone to not forget 9/11 and to help inform younger generations of the meaning and loss that occurred especially with first responders.
With no further business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ellen Haynes, Secretary
speaking at this event.
Charles Groeteke, announced an online survey of the Rock Township Ambulance District. This will allow citizens to give their suggestions as to improvements in the District and will help the Board prepare the Master Plan for the District. To participate go to The Rock Township Ambulance District website.
Minutes of the Jefferson County
Pachyderm Club Special Board of Directors Meeting
September 10, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by First Vice President Don Bickowski. Officers present were President Renee Reuter, First Vice President Don Bickowski, Second Vice President Linda Schroeder, Treasurer Bob Frank, Secretary Ellen Haynes, Larry Haynes, Sergeant of Arms and Charlie Groeteke, member.
First Vice President Don Bickowski made a motion to accept Renee Reuter’s resignation as President. Ellen Haynes seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to accept Renee’s resignation.
Don Bickowski made a motion to nominate Charlie Groeteke to the Board of Directors. Bob Frank seconded the motion. Don Bickowski asked if there were any other nominations. There were none. Don Bickowski then made a motion to nominate Charlie Groeteke as interim President until our next election. Ellen Haynes seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous for Charlie Groeteke as interim President.
A decision was made to send out an email to all members announcing Charlie Groeteke as interim President of the Jefferson County Pachyderm Club.
A motion was made by Charlie Groeteke to allow Kevin Hurt access to manage the Pachyderm Club’s website. Don Bickowski seconded the motion.
Second Vice President Linda Schroeder made a contribution of $500.00 to be used for advertising the Pachyderm Club meetings.
Charlie Groeteke announced the Arnold Days Parade on Sunday, September 21, 2014, and requested volunteers to walk in the parade with the Pachyderm banner. Participants are to arrive at 11:30 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1:00 p.m.
With no further business to attend to the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Ellen Haynes, Secretary