The Pickering City Council confirmed the appointment of Juliana Judd as an alderman at the December 3 meeting.

Juliana is stepping in to fill Brad Judd’s position on the city council. She will serve until the April 2020 election. Brad’s position became open when he moved outside of Pickering’s city limits. Juliana is Brad’s mother.

The Pickering street levy was approved to be placed on the April 2, 2019, ballot. Pickering residents are currently paying the $1 per $100 assessed valuation for the streets. It must be renewed every three years.

“This is the only money we get for our streets,” City Clerk Milt Sovereign said.

Alderman Kevin Leedom stated the city needs to look at repairs in 2019, as the snow graders have been hard on the city streets.

Mayor Charles Smith discussed Harmon Street and the water line repair by Nodaway County Public Water Supply District. The city has run out of gravel to fill the hole and the repair is still settling. It was determined the city does not need steel plates over the repair but simply more gravel to keep it at street level.

Sovereign warned the monies in the street fund are low. Taking this into consideration, the council approved buying another load of gravel but will wait until spring to purchase cold patch.

The council approved paying $100 for Sovereign to be bonded at $20,000 and to pay for the renewal of the city’s liability and property insurance.

Sovereign will complete an annual six-page report on the financial status of the Pickering sewer system. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will review the report and make a determination of whether sewer rates will need to raise or remain the same.

Sovereign has no further information on the recommended sewer system repairs. He said the subject would be taken up in the spring.

Discussion was held on two new residents who have been allowing dogs to run at large. Smith said he has given both parties copies of the dog ordinance.

The council approved the filing for two city council aldermen positions. If residents are interested, they can file from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday, December 11 until Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Sovereign’s home, 104 South Coleman Street, Pickering.

Candidates must have lived in Pickering for at least one year and must be current on all city, county and state taxes. The positions will be voted on the April 2, 2019, ballot.