Farmer’s Market To Open In Southwest City

Southwest City will soon be home to a monthly Old Time Country Market. On Tuesday evening, after researching agricultural statutes, permit applications and city ordinances, Assistant City Clerk Danielle Smith presented city council members with an in-depth study of a potential farmer’s market in town.

“For every $1 spent at a farmer’s market, an average of $1.37 in revenue is generated elsewhere in town,” said Smith.

Resident Patty Burrows said she spoke with market vendors in Grove, Okla., who expressed interest in attending a market in Southwest City. She noted they would prefer a shaded area, such as the park.

Permits would cost $5 and be valid for the remainder of the year.

The council voted to kick off the Old Time Country Market as soon as possible.

Council members also discussed rampant algae growth on the lake at Blankenship Park. Mayor David Blake estimated one-half to two-thirds of the lake is currently covered in algae — largely due to too many fish, ducks and grass clippings in the area.

“Eventually, the moss will remove the oxygen from the water and kill the fish,” Blake said.

Blake suggested framing the dam and redirecting the water to create a “top flow” that would allow algae to pass over the dam. He said he would construct the frame himself at a cost of no more than $250.

The council voted to approve the project.

Departmental

Reports

Fire Chief Shane Clark informed the council of issues with the north storm siren. He said it is failing to sound. Clark has been unable to contact the company that installed the siren but spoke with a company that maintains sirens in the rest of the county. Clark provided members with a quote for repair in the amount of $3,677.44.

Mayor Blake theorized about funding repairs with FEMA reimbursement money.

Public Works Director Shane Clark reported mowing grass and trimming trees throughout town. He also said Water Department employees have been weed-eating around fire hydrants. Clark said he has cleaned one clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant and is starting to clean the other clarifier.

Council members discussed the need to move forward installing a light above the playground equipment at Blankenship Park.

Police Chief Bud Gow informed the council that the security cameras and monitors for the park have been delivered. Mayor Blake suggested planning a work day for him and Gow to install the system.

City Clerk Missy Zinn received a check from Abel Corral for the purchase of city property, in the amount of $2,637.37. This sum includes closing costs and county taxes on the property.

Zinn noted that Assistant Clerk Smith has collected 90 percent of the city’s pastdue water payments since January, totaling $4,500 in revenue.

In other business, the council:

• Heard updates on the Planning and Zoning Committee. The committee is still seeking two board members. Interested parties may contact City Hall at 417-7623767 for more information.

• Heard a complaint from Wes Pendergraft regarding the city’s trash service. Pendergraft said his trash is not being hauled in its entirety. A representative from Bernice Sanitation noted each residential property is allowed 96 gallons of trash per container, per week. Any additional trash is considered an overage and must be scheduled for pickup.

“For every $1 spent at a farmer’s market, an average of $1.37 in revenue is generated elsewhere in town.”

Danielle Smith SWC City Clerk