Reece Becomes SWC’s Newest Alderman MAYOR WORKING ON DRAINAGE PLAN FOR BROADWAY ALONG WITH OTHER IMPROVEMENTS

Steve Reece was sworn in as Southwest City’s newest alderman at the city’s regular council meeting on Monday, Oct. 10.

Reece filled the West Ward position previously held by Joe Stark. Stark resigned at the last council meeting as a result of his recent relocation outside of city limits.

Mayor Joe Carpenter reviewed a number of tasks he would like to accomplish in his last term. One of these tasks is to properly irrigate the ditch along Broadway Street. He said that a drainage pipe for the ditch was priced at upwards of $20,000, so he is reviewing alternate options.

Carpenter reported making progress on the updated protocol for receiving a building permit.

“I’m plugging along,” he said. “There are a couple of things to do before we finalize things such as adopting new building codes, etc.”

Carpenter said that he is working with Missouri Department of Transportation to make Main Street safer by repaving the road and repainting the parking stripes at a more accessible angle.

The council discussed a volunteer day at the park to help qualify the town for grants.

“We need to show community investment,” Carpenter said.

Volunteers would help tear down and rebuild fence at the park and clear brush, among other things. A monetary value would be assigned to each hour worked and the total sum would be deducted from the final cost of the city’s project.

Police Chief Bud Gow advised about adding stairs to the mezzanine at the Fire Department.

Gow said that while retrieving the Humvee doors from the mezzanine, he fell and injured his shoulder. He also noted that others have reported falling from the same location.

Acting Public Works Director Jackie Coatney presented the council with a quote for water and sewer management until he has been fully certified to run the wastewater plant. Kenny and Wendy Fleming are willing to oversee the facility at a cost of $300 per month. Goodman’s Public Works Director David Brodie has offered to cover the distribution at no charge until Coatney is ready.

Coatney reported that the Water Department separated the water meter at the Methodist Church from the old parsonage next door and repaired a water leak at First Baptist Church.

He also changed the water faucet at the well house where they get samples for Missouri Department of Natural Resources reports because it was leaking and could skew data.

The Street Department has been busy with regular mowing and weed cutting.

City Clerk Missy Zinn reminded the council that Fall Clean-Up is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Trash receptacles will be available at the wastewater treatment plant on Stand Watie Road. No tires, paint or shingles will be accepted. In other business: • The owners of the Charles Mason property appeared before the council and updated them on the progress of cleaning the property. The owner asked for an extension due to time and money. The council granted the extension on the stipulation that the council be regularly updated on the process.

• The council voted to purchase city shirts at a cost up to $525. These shirts will be available for sale to the public.

• The council discussed the meter reading schedule and the need for a consistent date range. “Extra days could move people to the next price bracket,” said Alderman David Blake.

• The council voted to move meetings back to Tuesdays.

• The council voted to pay to print taxes at a cost of $600.