SWC Home Decorating Contest To End Dec. 22

With Christmas just around the corner, the Southwest City Council announced at its Dec. 9 meeting that it's time for the yearly Home Decorating Contest. The contest will end on Monday, Dec. 22, and be judged by employees of Dave's Supermarket. There will be $150 allotted to first place, $100 to second, and $50 to third place. Show your holiday cheer!

Police Department

Police chief Bud Gow brought it to the council's attention that the white Dodge police vehicle is in need of new tires.

Gow stated going into winter the slick tires need to be replaced.

Gow received bids for a variety of speed-rated tires at local businesses. It was ultimately decided to purchase a set of Goodyear Eagle Sports from Southwest City Tire for $173 apiece.

Alderwoman Cheryl Howe complimented the department on their quick response time, noting "Response was excellent Friday night on the call for the intruder. It was no longer than four minutes at the most."

Public Works Department

Director Shane Clark reported the street department was doing maintenance on the north water tower. The inside has been sandblasted and is currently being repainted.

The street department recently installed culverts on Frye Road and resolved the drainage problem on Meadowbrook.

Alderman Wendell Jones asked if Clark had finished work on the ditches along Cherokee Street to improve drainage. Clark noted that it was still on his to-do list.

Water Rates

An ordinance was passed establishing water rates for the city. The cost for the first 1,000 gallons will be purchased at a base rate of $12. The next 2,000 gallons will cost $2 per 1,000 gallons. For 3,000 gallons up to 9,999 gallons the cost will be $4.25 per 1,000 gallons and anything over 9,999 gallons will cost $4.5 per 1,000 gallons.

An ordinance was also passed establishing the rules and regulations of the water supply system to be constructed in Southwest City.

Appraisal Date For Properties

At the Nov. 24 council meeting, the council decided to sell two unused city properties. Before these can be placed on the market, they must first be appraised. After contacting local appraisers, City Clerk Lois Frye asked the council to set a date by which they want the appraisal to be completed.

In order to be presented at the Jan. 13 council meeting, the council opted to set the appraisal deadline for the same day.

House On Birkes, Comanche Streets

Alderman David Blake informed the council of a house on the intersection of Birkes and Comanche that is currently being deconstructed and the hazard it could pose to wandering children.

"It's in a pretty radical stage, a dangerous stage...I would recommend trying to get notice to them people and get some kind of safety or security fence around that property," Blake said.

Frye said she received a complaint that someone has been hauling the stuff to another property in town and burning the items out of it.

"They don't need to be burning it inside the city though ... we don't know what's in that as far as asbestos or anything else," said Alderman Wendell Jones.

It was determined that Clark and Gow would speak to the owner of the property about the concerns and report back to the council at the Dec. 30 meeting.

Water Bill

A questionable late fee was brought before the board by the Stanek family who claims they never received their water bill.

Howe commented she's never known the family to be a day late with their water bill.

Mayor Joe Carpenter said he recommended as much as he's done for us, the city, as far as pest control and stuff, that the late fee be waived.

City Clerk/Assistant City Clerk

The council interviewed prospective full and part time clerks. Terry Thorpe was hired to replace Frye as the full-time clerk and Amber Killion was selected to replace Patty Merry as the part-time clerk.

Community on 12/18/2014