CHAMOIS — The Chamois Board of Aldermen approved a budget projecting a $40,500 surplus during its July 22 meeting. Treasurer Theresa Walter projected expenses of $290,400 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with anticipated revenue of $330,900. She reported campground revenue has declined significantly because of electrical problems, maintenance issues, and poor restroom conditions, although sewer revenues and several tax revenues have increased.

The budget was approved with minimal discussion.

Alderman Darrell Chrisenberry invited citizen Aleks Rowinski to the meeting to discuss the possibility of serving as a consultant on the city’s water system. Chrisenberry said the city faces several Department of Natural Resources requirements and wanted someone who could explain the technical issues and identify less expensive ways to complete the required work.

“There are things that DNR explains to (City Clerk Meghan Birmingham),” Chrisenberry said. “Nothing against Meghan; she can’t explain it to us.”

Mayor Shawn Mitchem pointed out that the city already pays Mid-Mo Operations to handle those things.

“DNR has been really good working with me with Linn,” Rowinski said. “The inspectors are all great when, you know, we come up with an outside-the-box solution. As long as it’s safe and everything’s kosher, they pretty much, you know, rubber-stamp it. And it’s just about the communication and being able to explain and break down everything to you guys on a level that it makes sense, so you don’t feel like you’re being steamrolled.”

Mitchem reiterated that he doesn’t want to “run over” the city’s water operator, and he doesn’t want to “run over him.”

Rowinski said he was not interested in replacing the city’s water operator, but rather in serving as “a translator.”

“I’m not looking to step on his toes or anything like that,” Rowinski said. “It’s literally being a translator between him, DNR, and you guys.”

Mitchem said he wanted to ensure the current operator remained involved in any discussions. The board agreed to talk with Aaron Lachowicz of Mid-Mo Operations before determining whether to involve Rowinski in future discussions.

The board revisited the ongoing issue of relocating water meters from inside homes to outside locations.

Birmingham said about 25 water meters remain inside residences, of which approximately 12 do not provide regular readings. She said approximately five to seven accounts would benefit most from moving the meters outside.

The estimated cost to relocate a meter is about $2,900.

Aldermen discussed moving only the highest-priority meters, but also considered whether additional information about pricing options was needed from Lachowicz before proceeding. They also discussed legal issues surrounding access to meters located inside homes, and whether city utility agreements require customers to allow meter access.

The board voted to table the matter until after meeting with Lachowicz.

Mitchem reported that Stieferman Construction owner Brad Stieferman examined Cherry Street while delivering gravel to the city’s lagoon. Stieferman told Mitchem that additional gravel would not solve the road’s long-term problems because the street lacks adequate drainage, recommending the city address that before adding more gravel because water has nowhere to leave the roadway.

Board members discussed obtaining estimates for drainage improvements and whether existing easements would allow drainage work without obtaining permission from adjacent property owners. The board voted to table the issue until cost estimates can be obtained.

Aldermen again discussed complaints about speeding on city streets.

Mitchem said he had contacted Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham about increased enforcement but was told the sheriff’s office did not have available manpower at that time.

Mitchem said a child on a bike had nearly been hit by a speeding car the previous week.

Board members discussed possible solutions, including lowering speed limits and adding speed bumps.

Alderman Justin Bathke said his objection to speed bumps was largely due to the damage done to both the plow and the speed bump if they’re hit while plowing snow. He also mentioned the city would be required to maintain and replace the speed bumps if installed.

Bathke recommended asking Police Chief Riley Lewis for increased enforcement efforts.

Aldermen also discussed whether residents could provide video evidence of traffic violations.

No action was taken. The board voted to table the issue pending additional research.

The board approved switching the city’s internet service to Starlink.

Walter said the city would need to purchase equipment for approximately $2,200 and pay about $192 per month for service. She said the improved internet would allow both herself and Birmingham to work online at the same time, which the city’s current internet access cannot support. She said it would also allow the mayor and aldermen to use previously purchased Chromebooks, reducing paper and ink costs.

Susan Sundermeyer presented information about the history of the city’s park bandstand and outlined plans to restore its historic appearance by adding a second story similar to the original. One option included removing the central room and raising the center of the roof without adding a second story floor.

Aldermen questioned how the proposed project might affect floodplain regulations, FEMA requirements, and the city’s liability insurance.

The board voted to table the proposal until city officials could obtain additional information from the city’s insurance provider and Floodplain Administrator Mercedes Durham, who was not present at the meeting as it conflicted with her work schedule.

The board discussed upgrading the motors at one of the city’s sewer lift stations after recent heavy rains highlighted the station’s capacity limitations. Mitchem said the station currently has two five-horsepower motors and discussed an estimate of about $20,000 to upgrade them to seven-horsepower motors.

Bathke expressed concerns that the seven-horsepower motors would also be overwhelmed with the same amount of rain, and said it was impossible to know the age and condition of the current motors without pulling them to look. It was suggested that someone check the records from the city’s most recent sewer project to see if they were replaced then, and Birmingham said she would ask the engineering firm.

The board voted to table the matter pending discussion with Lachowicz.

Aldermen approved a one-month extension for campers currently staying at the city campground after confirming no future reservations would be affected.

The board also discussed maintenance of the city’s emergency generator. Members agreed to work with the Chamois Volunteer Fire Protection District on a maintenance agreement, as the generator could power the communication repeater while powering the well, but tabled the issue until details can be worked out. During discussion, it was noted the generator was purchased as part of the sewer project for use at the lagoon and could not simultaneously power both the lagoon and the well/repeater during an emergency. Bathke said the fire department has a backup generator that can be used to power the repeater if the city’s generator is at the lagoon.

Board members continued discussing recurring sewer problems and the possibility of purchasing a sewer jetter. City officials said Chamois has already spent more than $20,000 this year on sewer repairs and emergency service calls. Walter said after-hours service calls are significantly more expensive because the city pays emergency rates in addition to transportation and equipment operator costs.

Rather than purchasing equipment immediately, the board tabled the matter to allow Lachowicz to continue researching options.

The board approved participating in a free smoke-testing program through the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA) to help identify leaks, illegal connections, and other defects in the city’s sewer system. The city will provide smoke bombs, manpower, fuel for the blower, and public notices, while MRWA will provide equipment and technical assistance.

Attention then turned to improvements at the city park. Mitchem reported cleaning the concession stand and said the building primarily needs painting before future events. Officials also discussed repeated vandalism at the park bathrooms, including damaged toilet paper dispensers, broken shower equipment, and ongoing theft of supplies. Rather than making immediate purchases, the board directed city staff to compile a complete list of needed repairs and tabled the issue until the next meeting.

The board approved spending up to $450 to stock the concession stand for the MR340 canoe race, where volunteers hoped to sell hot dogs, pork burgers, chips, granola bars, drinks, and bananas to racers and support crews. Officials estimated the event could generate additional revenue for park improvements.

Aldermen also discussed a damaged sidewalk near the four-way intersection that has been lifted by tree roots. Mitchem said he had put cones and caution tape around the area after receiving several complaints. After reviewing state statutes and discussing whether responsibility falls on the property owner or the city, the board tabled the matter for more research.

Drainage ditches throughout town were another topic of discussion following recent heavy rains. Mitchem said many ditches appear clogged, reducing drainage capacity during storms. Aldermen agreed additional information is needed before deciding how to proceed and tabled the matter.

To address illegal dumping at the city dumpster, the board approved renting a locking dumpster. Aldermen said unauthorized dumping has become an ongoing problem, while maintaining trail cameras has proven costly and ineffective because of battery replacement expenses and limited image quality.

The board also approved repairing a significant water leak at 333 E. Missouri Ave., and authorized installation of a meter splitter while repairs are being made. Officials said the leak is on the shutoff valve at the meter and may be contributing substantially to water loss.

The board approved paying $11,013.24 in unpaid bills. Treasurer Walter also requested authorization to pay quarterly payroll taxes, which were not yet available because payroll paperwork had not been completed. Aldermen authorized payment of the taxes up to $750.

The next regular meeting was scheduled for Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m.