Goodman Council Discusses Property Cleanup
The Dec. 15 Goodman City Council meeting began with Mayor Greg Richmond and Bud Terrell discussing his doublewide mobile home on East Garner.
Terrell said he had poured a concrete slab for the renter in the mobile home to put a building on, but the building has not been installed. Terrell said he asked the renter to get all the items picked up and stored and that he had rented a storage building for the renter to store his items.
Richmond said that neighbors living near the doublewide have complained about the renter and the many items piled on the slab.
Terrell told the council that the renter is supposed to get all the items on the slab cleaned up in the next few weeks. Terrell said either a building for the items will be placed on the slab or he will assure that all the items are hauled off.
Terrell also addressed the council regarding the second concrete slab for another mobile home. He said the slab was poured crooked and the mobile home was installed crooked.
The council agreed that if the trailer can be moved four feet it would look better. If Terrell does this, it can be connected to the city water/ sewer service.
Turning to the 2016 budget, Richmond completed the first and second readings of Ordinance 2015-473 for setting the 2016 city budget. Both readings were approved by the council.
Richmond completed the first reading for Ordinance 2015-474 for placing a one half of one percent sales tax for transportation purposes on the April 2016 ballot. The first reading was approved by the council.
Richmond completed the first reading of Ordnance 2015-475 increasing the minimum water rate by $1. The first reading was approved by the council. City Clerk Paula Brodie noted that the increase will be added to the February water bill.
Richmond completed the first reading of Ordinance 2015-476 increasing the minimum sewer water rate by $1. The council approved increasing the minimum sewer rate.
Richmond completed the first reading of Ordinance 2015-477 increasing the minimum commercial water rate by $1. The council approved increasing the commercial water rate.
The council approved renewing the contract with Nick Myers, CPA, who has been the city auditor for 20 years. The contract was increased by $530 from $9,010.
The council approved having the code book updated for the 2015 legislative changes for $795.
The council approved writing off the final water/sewer bills from 2007-2011 in the amount of $4,569.11 because they are not collectible.
The council approved averaging the water/sewer bill for Crystal Vaughan from $101.38 to $73.39 due to a leak that has been repaired.
Meghan Sexson, city tax collector, addressed the council regarding a request from her mother-in-law regarding two dogs belonging to Adam Harper. Sexson said one dog is tied to a trailer and cannot get off it to get on the ground. The other dog is very large but is in a very small pen.
Alderman Calvin Wilson added that the area where the dogs are is getting very junky and needs to be cleaned up.
Goodman police officer John Wynn suggested that the city Humane Society be asked to check on the situation. Richmond suggested that officer Wynn visit with Adam Harper about the concerns of the neighbors regarding the dogs before further action is taken.
Wynn addressed the council stating Michelle Wilson would like to become a reserve officer. Wynn said she is a certified police officer and has worked for the Goodman school as a teacher. The council advised she needs to submit her application. The council agreed to table this discussion until Jan. 5.
Alderman Keith Kohley expressed his concerns to the council regarding numerous cell phones being purchased at Walmart stores in Missouri and pipe bombs being found in the Mark Twain National Forest.