LOUISIANA CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER LEGAL CONTRACT, UTILITY BILL POLICY AND CITY REVIEW

LOUISIANA, MISSOURI — The Louisiana City Council will consider several personnel, legal and utility matters during its regular meeting Monday evening.

Council members are scheduled to consider a contract for continued legal representation in a lawsuit filed against the city by Bryan Spencer. Bill Number 7260 would authorize Mayor Mark Haddock to execute an agreement with attorney Kevin A. Richardson and the law firm of Zick, Voss, Politte, Richardson and Brinker to continue defending the city in the pending Pike County, Missouri Circuit Court case. The proposed ordinance does not disclose the lawsuit’s underlying allegations or the cost of the legal services.

The council will also consider spending at least $4,500 for a city goal-setting retreat and organizational review. Interim Solutions Plus, LLC would receive $3,000 to plan and facilitate the retreat and another $1,500 to interview senior city staff and prepare a written organizational-development report. The city would also be responsible for the facilitator’s documented travel and lodging expenses. Scot Wrighton is identified as the proposed facilitator.

Another resolution would establish a formal process for adjusting unusually high water and sewer bills caused by verified leaks, abnormal water use, irrigation or swimming-pool filling. The Enterprise Director would administer the policy and review adjustment requests. The resolution would not change existing utility rates, charges or fees.

Council members will also consider adopting a new employee handbook that would replace conflicting personnel policies currently in effect. The mayor’s report includes possible appointments of Cari Carter and David Miller to the Historic Preservation Committee, along with a heating and cooling contract.

The agenda also includes departmental reports, a contract with Hach Service and a closed session involving legal matters, employee hiring or discipline and confidential personnel records. Following the closed session, the council could take action on matters discussed privately and will consider the appointment of a city treasurer.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Monday, August 3, in the second-floor council chambers at Louisiana City Hall.