Amanda Crawford was sworn in as tax collector to replace Alberta Anders at the Pineville City Council meeting Aug. 25. Anders, who had been the tax collector since 1999, resigned due to health reasons.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter members Judy Duncan, president; Shirley Alps, vice president; Alice Snodgrass, publicity; and Margarette Mitchell addressed the council, announcing they had donated a microwave oven to the community for use at the Community Center.
Lynn Tatum, president of the McDonald County Historical Society, addressed the council. She brought the council up to date regarding preservation of the courthouse. Tatum said a grant was received to take the stucco off the outside of the building. She said a majority of residents have expressed they would like to see the building back to its original state of being a brick building.
Tatum said she has had discussions with the superintendent of schools, Dr. Mark Stanton, regarding bringing teachers and students to tour the old courthouse.
Tatum also suggested a heritage walking trail be created to cover historic sites in the area. She said this will involve a lot of planning and that there will be feedback from architectural students.
Tatum said the sheriff's old home is in the process of being restored and that more money has to be raised to complete the job.
Alderman Scott Dennis asked Tatum about the old log cabin in downtown Pineville and if tours can access the inside of it. Tatum said that it is presently used for storage.
Alderman Jeff Slish suggested that a sign-off sheet be used and kept regarding when city staff enters private property for doing work. The sheet would record what was done and that the work has been completed. Mayor Greg Sweeten said a right of entry form is necessary when going onto personal property.
The council discussed two pieces of properties in Pineville. Sweeten said one was bought and the other one, 833 King Ave., has been condemned but the city will continue to mow it until it sells.
Old Business
The roof at the old City Hall was discussed. Sweeten said he had a roofer look at it, but he hasn't heard back from the roofer. Sweeten said the roof needs to be fixed soon.
Sweeten said he met with students from Drury University Saturday, Aug. 22. Sweeten said he put together a presentation for them as well as a tour of the historical museum. He said they were very impressed with the museum.
Sweeten said he and the students went all over town so the students could see as much as possible. Sweeten said he thinks the students will bring good ideas back and that the next meeting with them is Sept. 10.
Department Business
Chris Owens, city marshal, said that the turnout from the marshals' office was great regarding the recent lock down of McDonald County Schools due to a juvenile male in the Anderson area stealing an assault rifle and pistol and saying he was going to shoot people.
Owens said that, without being asked, the officers came to help and they did an amazing job.
Sweeten said Pineville was an important part of lock down. He said the students at Anderson schools were delivered by bus to the FEMA shelter in Pineville.
Sweeten said that law enforcement as well as school staff and administration did a great job and he thanked Chris Owens for his staff's lock down services.
Chris Tinsley, public works director, said there are problems with flies at the sewer plant and he needs to get something to kill them. Tinsley said supplies to kill the flies will cost approximately $1,500.
Sweeten asked Tinsley if the blowers are working and Tinsley said one is working, but the other is in Joplin being repaired.
Community on 09/03/2015