The Chouteau board of trustees discussed hours for part-time employees during their monthly meeting Monday.

Mayor Jerry Floyd said the town has two part-time employees who were working a little under 80 hours every two weeks.

One of the employees cut back her hours to less than 20 per week.

Floyd inquired as to the maximum number of hours an employee is supposed to work before becoming a full-time employee.

Since no one knew for sure the required number of hours for a part-time employee, attorney Ben Sherrer was asked to research the matter.

In other business:

• Floyd reported the town received a grant for one storm siren. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant will cover $40,000 of the $53,333 cost. The town had to sign a letter stating they will pay for the remainder. Assistant Emergency Management Director Mike Dunham explained his hope is to secure more money or a match to cover the remainder. “We’ll do everything in our power to not have the city shell out money,” said Dunham.

• The fire department made 41 runs, with 20 for first responder calls. The remaining 21 calls were three structure fires, two grass fires, one vehicle fire, seven motor vehicle collisions, two downed power lines, two smoke investigations, two fire alarms, one equipment entrapment and one structural damage.

• The board was asked to trim branches on 8th, 12th, 16th and Kiowa Streets. Floyd said the street department already trimmed what they could get with their equipment.

• The board discussed declaring a home dilapidated at 320 W. 2nd St. The owner said he’s made arrangements to have the house torn down, but said he keeps the grass mowed. The board took no action, giving the owner more time to clean up the property.

• A budget amendment of $1,000 was made to the police drug fund. The money was donated from Chouteau-Mazie Schools for the drug dog.

• An $865.60 payment to Signaltek, Inc. for work on a stoplight at the intersection of Harrison and Highway 69 was approved.

• The board approved closing city offices for Sept. 22, to allow employees to attend the “Get Motivated” seminar.

• The court clerk’s office will be closed Oct. 10 to allow court clerks to attend the fall conference. The hotel cost, meals and mileage will be reimbursed.

• The board approved purchasing Christmas decorations for $597 to be split with the Public Works Authority. (PWA).

• The board approved purchasing Christmas decorations to be placed at the intersection of Highway 69 and Main Street. The estimated cost is $2,326. The Bank of Commerce will pay $1,163. The remainder will be split between the town and the PWA.