Mayor Gregg Sweeten administered oaths of office at the Pineville City Council meeting Dec. 22 to Kirk Wattman, new city attorney, and Erin Willis, new city judge.
Sweeten announced the winners of the Christmas decorations contest. The first place $100 winner was Angela Cawood; second place $50 winner was David and Tonya Groves; and third place $25 winner was Diane Cooper.
Tonya Lewis, owner of Malt-Wich restaurant, won the most-decorated business award. Sweeten presented her with the traveling trophy.
The council approved the purchase of a Bobcat skid-steer loader, which is in stock on the lot at $42,040.26. That is the Missouri government's bid price.
Chris Tinsley, public works director, submitted bids regarding the purchase of a sewer camera. The council approved the purchase, at a cost of approximately $19,000.
City employees were approved by the council to do contract labor to build an elevated council seating area. This is in concurrence with the requirement to have an elevated area for the judge during court. The council also approved contract labor to build a new table area for council members.
Tinsley noted that he checked on the cost of a drive which would slowly start the well pump and stop it from surging the electric when starting. Empire levies a surge charge every month which will be eliminated if this drive is purchased. That will save more than $200 a month. The council approved the purchase at a price of $12,000.
The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 15-17 adopting the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2016. The 2016 annual budget estimation is $763,900.
Pineville Marshal Chris Owens reported that he completed Taser training last week.
Owens noted that he has ordered new lighting for the Ford Explorer vehicle.
Old Business
Sweeten noted that the builder of the homes near U.S. Highway 7 1-Business and Pleasant Ridge Road is starting the first seven houses.
Sweeten addressed the electrical problems at the city-owned building at 308 Harmon St., Pineville, which is currently rented to a restaurant. The council approved the lowest bid of $1,459 to fix the electrical issues.
Community on 12/31/2015