SWC Fire Station Allows Mast Benefit Dinners
At its Aug. 23 meeting, Southwest City’s Board of Aldermen voted to rent the fire station to a local Amish family to host benefit dinners in the coming months.
Joe Mast explained that his wife, Lydia, has had health issues for decades. A few weeks ago, the couple and their children traveled to Tijuana so that Lydia could undergo thyroid surgery.
While there she was also diagnosed with Lyme disease and Lupus.
In addition to ongoing treatment and recovery, the family now faces tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills that must be paid off in six months.
Joe asked the council for permission to host a weekly dinner at the fire department until they are able to pay their debt.
The council voted to waive the rental fee in place of a $250 cleaning deposit.
(A story about the family’s plan is on Page 8A of today’s paper.)
Departmental Reports
Jackie Coatney presented Shane Clark’s report. Coatney said that the city is scheduled to receive a new truck from the Department of Conservation. He will find out more when it arrives.
Filling in as Public Works director, Coatney also updated the council on departmental happenings.
He said that the Water Department repaired a water leak at the dog pound and installed a frost-free hydrant on the property. Hydrant flushes have also been installed around town.
The Sewer Department has installed a failure alarm for the lift station at the park. In the event of mechanical failure, the alarm will sound and notify city employees. UV bulbs for the wastewater treatment plant have been received and will be installed in the coming weeks.
The Street Department repaired a stop sign at the intersection of West Cherokee and Main streets, as well as installed a Neighborhood Watch sign along Birkes Street. Crosswalks near the elementary school have been repainted.
Mayor Joe Carpenter noted that an asphalt expert reviewed the infrastructure in town and believes that the city’s biggest issue lies in the water drainage.
Police Chief Bud Gow reported speaking to the city attorney regarding a vagrancy ordinance. Bill Weber is working to write an ordinance.
City Clerk Missy Zinn reported that six water meters have been disconnected because they were more than two months behind on payment. She said that two of the accounts have come in to pay their bad debt since then. In other business: • The council voted to set a tax levy rate of $0.65 per $100 of assessed valuation – the same as years past.
• The council voted to hire Chase Martin to fill a position within the Street Department.