SWC Council Hears Of Sewer Plant Woes

Southwest City has taken the necessary measures to prepare for the city tax collector position to be placed on the upcoming ballot. On Tuesday evening, the council voted to instate two ordinances outlining the procedure.

Ordinance 600 states that all real and personal property taxes owed to the city would be collected by the McDonald County Collector, beginning in 2019. All other taxes, license fees and money owed to the city would be collected by city clerks.

Ordinance 601 set the city collector’s salary at $1, without additional compensation, beginning April 2018.

Resident and local business-owner Kenny Brookner approached the council regarding flooding along Cherokee Street. He said the run-off floods property and roadways from School Street east to Broadway Street.

Brookner provided photos of the area during recent rains and proposed a new ditch to irrigate the water that collects.

Mayor David Blake agreed the flooding is a concern. Alderman Ron Jackson said he would review the area during the next rainfall.

Council members then discussed repairs needed at the Senior Citizen’s Center. City attorney Bill Weber confirmed that, because the building is owned by the Commercial Club and loaned to the city, it is legal for the club to pay for repairs and be reimbursed by the city as a sponsorship.

Contract work completed for a city must be completed by an individual with extensive insurance. If the Commercial Club funds the projects, these stipulations are null.

“It could open doors for a local craftsman to do repairs without having insurance required for city projects,” said Blake. “It will also attract more competitive bids.”

Alderman Jackson suggested using a city CD, ear-marked for the Senior Center, to repair the lighting in the building. The Commercial Club could then take out a loan for repair of fascia and windows.

The council chose to table the matter until next meeting.

Resident and local business owner Junior Drake approached the council regarding former public works director Jackie Coatney.

Drake said he has never seen an employee treated so badly.

“I gave Jackie all the confidence and glory when (Shane) Clark resigned,” Blake said. “He had plenty of chances.”

Drake noted that he may not have overseen sample numbers at the treatment plant, but he said Coatney was a good employee.

“He waited 10 days to fix a water leak,” Blake said.

Drake said the delayed repair was his fault because he refused to work in below-freezing temperatures.

“If you’ve got a leak — in rain, snow, freeze — it needs to be fixed ASAP,” Blake said.

“If we get into a lawsuit about [Coatney’s treatment], it’s your baby,” Drake said.

“They can eat me!” replied Blake.

Departmental Reports

Fire Chief Shane Clark notified the council of upcoming pyrotechnics training. Three volunteer firefighters will be attending to prepare for the annual Third of July celebration.

Clark was recently appointed temporary public works director by Mayor Blake, following the end of former director Jackie Coatney’s two-week notice. Clark has a Class C water distribution license, which is required to operate a wastewater treatment plant.

Clark reported the street department has been busy cleaning up debris after the flood and the water department repaired a leak on Short Street.

He said the wastewater treatment plant “is in rough shape” and will need costly maintenance. Clark listed a number of projects to be done, including hauling sludge, replacing parts at the lift station, meeting with a DNR representative and repairing a sludge leak into Honey Creek.

Mayor Blake suggested council members tour the treatment plant to get a better understanding of operations.

Blake explained that a slow rise in sample numbers, while not dangerous, has slowly worn down the system.

When asked about Clark’s performance as a temporary supervisor, city employee Brian Cane said, “I’ve learned more in the last week as to why, how things work the way they do. I’m getting better training.”

Police chief Bud Gow requested three new tires for a patrol vehicle at a cost of $458. The council chose to table the matter.

City clerk Missy Zinn informed the council, according to Missouri statute, a city clerk cannot also serve as the court clerk. She is hoping to train Clerk Danielle Smith to perform court clerk duties and have the city in compliance.

The council discussed the final water-rate increase in a three-phase plan, as well as a sewer-rate increase. In years past, the board voted to gradually increase the city’s water rates in hopes of one day generating enough revenue through the water department to qualify for USDA grants to repair the water system’s infrastructure.

Mayor Blake noted a sewer-rate increase will fund maintenance and repairs at the wastewater treatment plant.

The council voted to table the discussion until further review of the suggested rate increases.

In other business:

City Clerk Zinn informed the council of a Blueprint Grant the city received. The grant reimburses up to $500 toward emergency response items. Zinn purchased a trauma 02 bag for the police department. All emergency vehicles in the city now have a trauma 02 bag.

The council voted to sponsor Old Timer’s Day in the amount of $5,000.

Council members reviewed evaluations for city employees.

The council approved participation in the summer reading program. City Hall will provide prizes to participants who visit.