City donates to annual Spring Livestock Show

At the regular meeting of the Stockton City Commission, held on Tuesday, March 3rd, the commissioners voted to donate $1,500.00 out of the transient sales tax fund to the 23rd annual Spring Livestock Show that will be held on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend. Leonard Bristow was at the meeting to ask for sponsorship from the City. The show allows the 4-H and FFA kids an opportunity to show their livestock prior to the Rooks County Free Fair. Bristow stated that last year there were over 200 exhibitors at the one-day show and over 320 head of livestock The kids can show beef, sheep, swine and goats

The commissioners then visited with Benney Wise who has a storage container on his property. He noted that he had the POD container before the city ordinance had gone into effect. Wise said he had plans to paint the container the same as stated that they are taking the matter of the storage containers on a case-by-case basis and voted to allow the storage container on 803 South Cedar to remain with the intention that it will be painted in the near future.

The commissioners then voted to rescind the motion to purchase the water saw from Jake’s Supply due to a miscommunication about the type of model the City would like to purchase. They will purchase the straight iron cut model from Municipal Supply.

The next item on the agenda for the commissioners was to approve the Gift Fund Advisory Board’s recommendation of a $250.00 donation to the Stockton Swim Club.

City manager Courtney Flower then informed the commissioners that the crew would have the wood chipper within the next few weeks to start clearing out the stumps on Main Street. She asked them for their suggestions for Main Street once the stumps are cleared away. The commissioners will visit with the businesses and get their suggestions before anything is decided upon. They did vote to purchase 12 metal benches to be placed on Main Street with the money to come out of the Oil Revenue fund. The wooden benches will be moved down to the City Park

During the City Manager’s Report, Flower said the office is working on a Newsletter to be sent out twice a year. Commissioner Reesa Brown said that when the City used to do the Newsletter years ago, the department heads took turns writing a little article for the edition. Flower said this year everyone will be asked to fill out emergency contact information at the Stockton Swimming Pool so it is on file. At this time the interviews for the lifeguard positions are being conducted. Flower brought up the idea of a city-wide cleanup that would be held in conjunction with PRIDE Day in April. Flower encouraged the commissioners to attend the John Shallert Boot Camp that will be held on Wednesday, March 25th in the morning. To end her report, Flower stated that the City was burning the grass at the Park She also asked for volunteers to help water the Main Street planters this summer. If anyone is interested, they can contact the City Office.

Commissioner Don McLaughlin noted that he had been informed that there was a possible collapsed sewer line by the Rooks County Road and Bridge Office. More information and what the repairs will be should be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

The Stockton City Commission also approved the Consent Agenda at the start of the meeting as presented. Included in the agenda were the Solomon Valley Manor gross payroll in the amount of $52,681.20, the Solomon Valley Manor warrants in the amount of $42,569.05, the City of Stockton warrants in the amount of $167,710.44, the City of Stockton gross payroll in the amount of $98,587.28, and the February 20th minutes.

Present for the meeting were commissioners Sandi Rogers, Reesa Brown, Bob Becker, Nathan Glendening and Don McLaughlin, as well as city manager/clerk Courtney Flower and assistant city clerk Kayla Hilbrink.