Rolla council approves three emergency backup phones, seasonal hires and temporary vendor fees

The Rolla City Council on May 20 approved a series of routine administrative and public-safety measures, including the purchase of three rugged cellular phones to serve as a backup on the city’s siren/cellphone alert network.

Ryan Hiatt, Rolette County 911 Coordinator, told the council the city’s existing radio system can lose signal inside buildings and recommended “a three-button rugged cellphone” that would provide push-to-talk access to dispatch and emergency services. Councilmember Paul Frydenlund moved to buy three phones through Verizon Wireless; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting “Aye.”

The council also approved payroll and operating bills listed on the agenda, representing $142,609.83 in charges to the city. Council action on the bills was made by motion and approved unanimously.

In personnel matters, the city approved several seasonal hires in the road and mowing crews. The council voted to hire Jesse Counts and Christopher Azure as part-time seasonal road department employees at $18.00 per hour; that motion passed with five members recorded as "Aye" and one abstention recorded for Councilmember Deanna Counts. The council also approved hiring Duane Henry as a part-time seasonal mowing employee at $15.00 per hour.

During the Administrative Committee report the council appointed Damond Schemmel to the Rolla Airport Authority Board. Alex Albert moved the appointment; the roll-call record shows Fritz, Booth, Counts, Albert and Frydenlund voting “Aye” and Schemmel abstaining.

The council approved a parts-and-supplies purchase from Ross McDougall at $1.50 per pound and authorized a payout of 44 hours of overtime related to Officer Charette’s medical absence. Both measures were approved by roll-call votes recorded as unanimous.

On local business and events, the council approved a local permit application from the Rolla American Legion Auxiliary for a daily calendar raffle in September. The council also approved a temporary vendor fee structure for Mulligans on Main — $25 per day or $75 per month for June through August — after the applicants, Jade Malaterre and Eric McCloud, requested placement of a food truck. Councilmembers noted parking arrangements would be addressed on an as-needed basis.

Library Director Diana Lange gave a year-in-review on library projects and services, and Rebekah Bryant, JDA Director, invited residents to a North Central Planning Council listening session at Rolla City Hall on June 24 to gather input on community needs and priorities.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the agenda; the consent agenda (minutes and routine reports); the vendor/bill list totaling $142,609.83; appointment of Damond Schemmel to the Airport Authority (five "Aye," one abstain); payment of 44 hours overtime for police; hiring of seasonal road and mowing staff (hiring of road staff recorded as five "Aye," one abstain); purchase of parts at $1.50/lb; purchase of three Verizon phones; approval of the Rolla American Legion Auxiliary permit; and temporary vendor fees for Mulligans on Main. Several items, including vendor-waived fees for the Ragtop Festival and website accessibility work, were reported by committees but did not require separate final actions at the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.