Chief Mike McClain described himself Monday as the new coach of the Poplar Bluff Police Department.
He was sworn in at the beginning of the Poplar Bluff City Council’s regular meeting.
“Here’s your team,” McClain told the Poplar Bluff City Council members, gesturing to the officers who had gathered in the council chambers for the swearing in ceremony. “I would be nowhere without those folks.”
McClain vowed during the swearing in ceremony to faithfully discharge the duties of chief of police. Video of the ceremony can be viewed at www.darnews.com and on the Daily American Republic’s Facebook page.
“I am truly humbled by your trust and faith in me and as I stand before you tonight, I make one promise, I will not let you down,” McClain told the council after the ceremony.
McClain took over from Chief Danny Whiteley, following Whiteley’s retirement in September.
In other business, the council also discussed transferring the position of the Downtown Poplar Bluff director to the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.
The city would continue to fund $50,000 of the cost of the salary for the position, according to discussion. The funds come from the city’s tourism tax, which can only be used for certain items.
Chamber President Steve Halter said he has collected 49 letters of support for the move. It is expected to be a voting item at the council’s Nov. 7 meeting.
Morgan McIntosh would continue to serve in the role of Downtown director, but under the Chamber’s umbrella.
“We think this is a really good fit,” Halter said. “It will give Morgan an opportunity to have some support... a whole new network of folks, which a lot overlap in the businesses in downtown and the businesses in the rest of the community...
“We feel like we can just take it to the next level.”
Letters submitted to the council came from Downtown property owners and other community members, including Lucas Edington of Mossy Oak Properties.
“This change will allow Morgan, and Downtown Poplar Bluff, to continue to make positive strides toward revitalizing downtown, which in turn will help our community grow and thrive,” Edington wrote.
Dr. Scott Dill of Poplar Bluff schools shared in a letter that he fully supports the plan, as does Butler County Prosecutor Kacey Proctor, Sheriff Mark Dobbs, Lisa and Larry Hafford, Matt Funke of Southern Bank, FCC Behavioral Health and members of the Chamber’s board of directors, among others.
A memorandum of understanding would be signed between the city and Chamber, outlining the responsibilities of the Downtown director, if the item moves forward. The duties would continue to include overseeing Downtown events, the Farmer’s Market, helping Downtown businesses continue to grow and improve, and continuing to work with the Missouri Main Street program.
Council members asked to continue receiving regular reports about the Downtown director’s progress on projects.
They also discussed whether or not the agreement would be renewed annually.
City manager Matt Winters said it would be an annual budget item the council could choose to approve or not approve.
All Downtown funds would be kept separate from Chamber funds, according to the proposed MOU.
In other business, the council also discussed and voted to hire Dille Pollard Architecture to oversee a roofing project for the Black River Coliseum Aquatics and Fitness Center.
The roof was damaged in a storm and the city’s insurance adjuster flagged some potential concerns, Winters said.
Roof work had been done recently and issues with that work may have contributed to the occurrence of the storm damage, he explained. There were issues with the way the roof was attached around the edges and with some of the flashing.
A new flat roof will be installed, he said.
Dille Pollard would ensure the project is properly bid and expected, Winters said. Their fees will not exceed $6,500.
Council member Lisa Parson questioned how much the city will receive from the insurance company and asked for an update after bids are received to confirm insurance would cover the project. The city expects to receive $186,000 in insurance fees, less a $10,000 deductible.
In other business, the council voted:
• On changes to city ordinances regarding licensed plumbers and HVACR installers.
• Budget items transferring money from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund to the capital funds for the police and street departments.
• A permit allowing a daycare at 202 E. Henry.
• A grant application for the airport.