Here is a brief summary of major actions taken at the Jan. 9th regular meeting of the Lebanon City Council:
✅ Council approved the extension of Resolution No. 474 for one year, which amended the purchasing policy to allow the City administrator to authorize the purchase of goods or services that would normally be presented before City Council for approval, in response to supply and demand issues related to supply chain.
What is the purpose of this policy?
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused severe shortages and delays in critical supplies the City needs to continue operations. In addition to the market volatility, vendors are unable to guarantee quoted prices along with lead times. During these circumstances, it is necessary to temporarily allow greater flexibility in purchasing practices to assure critical resources are in place so the City can consistently meet the health and safety needs of its residents. Mayor and Council will be notified in a timely manner of the purchase along with explanation of the reasons for the action taken.
✅ Council approved Bill No. 6428 authorizing the purchase of an Aveda Software Subscription for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System for the City.
What is this and why does it matter?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, better known as SCADA, put simply, can be seen as a complex software system that allows the City to intelligently monitor and control our electric and water system. This helps find the most efficient way to distribute power and water, monitor the system and assure our utility supply is safe. The current system was operated on an antiquated Windows 7 software and was at the end of its life. This modernization of the system will help assure safe and quality utility services for our residents. This project was funded through dollars received from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Act.
✅ Council passed Bill No. 6433 authorizing the option of a 3 percent sales tax on marijuana sold in the City of Lebanon to be placed on the April 4th Municipal Election ballot.
Why was this passed?
With the statewide approval of Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3, recreational marijuana usage and sales are now legal in Lebanon, despite the failure of the amendment in Laclede County. The amendment allows for municipalities to tax the sale of marijuana with voter approval. If approved, the funding will go to the Lebanon Police Department for drug enforcement and drug abuse resistance education programs. Council felt like with the sale of marijuana imminent, the citizens should be able to decide if they want to implement a tax on the sale of marijuana. The issue will appear on the ballot during the April 4th municipal election.
* This summary is just a brief recap of major actions taken at the City Council meeting. To see all action items, the agenda is available on the City website.