Armstrong Sworn In As Alderman
Southwest City’s board of aldermen is once again operating at full capacity. Gloria Armstrong was appointed and sworn-in as the city’s newest West Ward alderman at Tuesday night’s meeting. Armstrong volunteered to fill the seat vacated by Ray Cooper’s recent resignation.
Eagle Scout-hopeful John Crawford approached the council regarding a proposed Eagle Scout project. Crawford said he would like to build horseshoe pits and cornhole boxes to provide additional recreation activities at Blankenship Park. The council expressed its support, but Mayor David Blake noted the project might be best situated away from the playground to prevent any injury.
Crawford’s father, Randall Crawford, added that John Crawford will have to raise funds and volunteer labor himself, which will then determine the scale of the project.
The council voted to approve John Crawford’s project. Those interested in making a donation can stop by City Hall to learn more.
Council members opened and reviewed bids for the repair of the fire department’s roof. Chief Shane Clark said it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the leak, which makes it difficult to determine the best means of repair.
Bids ranged from $500 to $12,000 with equally varied project scopes.
After a lengthy discussion, the council chose to table the matter in hopes of better locating the leak.
Departmental Reports
Clark reported the department’s tanker pump is back up and running.
On the public works side, Clark reported repairing the gearbox on the zero turn lawn mower. Workers also repaired a guardrail at Cherokee and Birkes streets and a handrail at Comanche and Broadway streets. Clark said yearly nitrate samples have been sent off for testing, as well as monthly bacteria samples. He said the sewer department is still hauling sludge.
Chief Bud Gow, of the police department, told the council he had to replace a worn-out tire on a patrol vehicle.
Following a string of recent thefts at the cemetery, Alderman Craig Martin asked how often deputies patrol the area.
Gow said he patrols the area hourly and recently installed game cameras in hopes of catching the perpetrator. He also noted the property gate is locked after dark. If it is discovered to be vacant and unlocked after dark, the public is encouraged to lock it up.
Alderman Karen Wallgren inquired about the process to reprimand two unsightly properties on Cherokee Street.
City Clerk Missy Zinn again approached the council regarding upcoming clerk training. Zinn provided total costs for the training as well as copies of the current budget. After much discussion, the council voted to approve training for Zinn and Assistant Clerk Danielle Smith.
Zinn asked council members to consider sponsoring Southwest City’s webpage on the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce’s site for $500. She explained the site covers the whole county, with visitors selecting specific cities to find out more about the area and upcoming events. If sponsored, the city would be able to choose what information is displayed. Mayor David Blake suggested researching possible sponsorships by local businesses.
Zinn provided the council with copies of the Missouri Public Utility Rate Study for review. She asked that members compare the city’s sewer and water bill costs with that of other municipalities of similar income and population. Zinn noted that Southwest City is significantly lower than many similar towns. She asked the council members triangulate an acceptable, small increase to the sewer rate to help fund repairs at the wastewater plant.
In other business, the council:
Spoke with Beth Bartley, of I’m Your Huckleberry Rescue, regarding the town’s issue with unclaimed animals. Currently, at-large animals are collected, held for one week, then euthanized if unclaimed. Bartley offered a partnership with her rescue in lieu of euthanasia. She said it would cost $20 per animal — the same amount as euthanasia. The council voted to sponsor unclaimed animals rather than euthanize them;
Voted to sponsor the upcoming fishing derby for $100 to cover the cost of worms;
Received a long-awaited deed in regards to a foreclosed property in town. Council members agreed to advertise the property for bids;
Heard from Director Melissa Lance regarding improvements at the Senior Center. Lance also inquired about Internet connection at the Center. The council chose to table the matter until it can be budgeted.