The Southwest City Council's April 14 meeting began with the swearing in of reelected officers. Mayor Joe Carpenter, West Ward Alderman Wendell Jones, East Ward Alderman Cheryl Howe and City Collector Judith Pendergraft all took their oath of office.
The subject of tape recording the meeting's minutes was brought before the council by City Clerk Teri Thorpe. She said that the both Municipal Judge Erin Willis and the Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster had discouraged the production of audio recordings due to the labor-intensive task of supplying all the audio files in the event of a court case. It is believed that the audio is redundant to the meeting's minutes.
The council voted to no longer tape record the council's meetings.
Departmental Reporting
Fire Chief Shane Clark reported working one missing persons report and that the person was found. Clark also noted the department has recieved the necessary firework shooter's licensing for the 3rd of July celebration.
Clark, who also serves as public works director, reported that the water department has repaired the leak on the south end of town. Jim Bob McGhee is scheduled to attend water school from May 11-15. He will be eligible to recieve his DS-II license.
As for the sewer department, Jack Coatney is scheduled to attend wastewater school from May 4-8. He will be eligible to recieve his D license.
Clark reported that it is time to remove sludge from the plant. The council voted to haul out the sludge as soon as possible.
Clark reported the street department has serviced their lawnmowers and has been working hard to clean up the creek. Those issued community service have been removing litter from the town and handling odd jobs across the city. The department is also in the process of moving usable equipment from the old barn.
Alderman David Blake recommended that those on the council that haven't toured the wastewater treatment plant yet do so. "You're doing a really good job, Shane," he said.
Old Business
Carpenter informed the council that there was a meeting scheduled for April 15 with the business that is interested in helping with the lake clean-up.
The council voted to list the unused city properties at 108 East Chickasaw and 907 South Birkes streets with a Realtor.
New Business
Carpenter asked that a mayor pro tem be elected to function in his absence. Alderman Howe nominated David Blake. The council voted to elect David Blake as mayor pro tem.
Shannon Gravette, of Southwest Sanitation, inquired to the council about a citywide clean-up. It was decided that roll-off dumpsters will be available at the wastewater treatment plant from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17.
The council voted to make their annual donation of $5,000 to the Old Timer's Day fund.
Thorpe informed the council of an audit from April 1, 2014 to April 1, 2015. She said Midwest Assistance Group works with rural communities for free and they will help with the audit.
Willis has requested judicial training. Southwest City would pay a portion of the cost while Lanagan and Goodman would pay the remaining portion. The council voted to pay $179.33 for Willis' judicial training.
Carpenter spoke to the council concerning the city hall annex. He said that two parties were interested in the property and suggested having the property appraised then listing it for bids in the newspaper.
The council voted to have the property at 300 North Main Street appraised.
Thorpe notified the council of an upcoming court clerk's meeting on May 27 in Joplin covering the Sunshine Law.
The council voted to pay Thorpe for the hours she attends this meeting.
Bobbie Wolf, summer ball director, updated the council on the program's progress. She reported 10 teams have been formed in total, including two major boys teams. Wolf noted that the popcorn machine is in working order and she has come across a snow cone machine. She then asked about purchasing a new grill to cook hamburgers at the concession stand. Alderman Wendell Jones mentioned that he would see about having one donated.
The council voted to purchase an eight-burner grill from Lowe's for $399, pending Jones search for a donated one.
Wolf then spoke about team uniforms. She said she has sent out letters to potential uniform sponsors. The cost of full uniforms consisting of a hat, top, and pants for the players would total $2,300, a little less considering Wolf has located a few unused uniforms from years back.
The council voted to purchase complete uniforms for the players.
Wolf reported that the program needs new softballs, baseballs, a set of safety bases, batting tees, a pitching mound, umpire shirts, batting helmets and catcher's gear among other things. The total for these items comes to $1,831.
The council voted to purchase the necessary equipment for the ball program.
The council then went into closed session to clarify Melissa Lance's transition from contract labor to city employee.
General News on 04/23/2015