A special meeting was scheduled for later this week during Southwest City's regular council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
After discussing new regulations set in place for courts throughout Missouri, Mayor Joe Carpenter called a special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, with the council and Judge Erin Willis to discuss court compliance.
According to City Clerk Missy Zinn, in the spirit of checks and balances, she is no longer allowed to serve as both the city and court clerk. By Jan.1, 2017, the city is required to have three positions: a court clerk, police clerk, and prosecuting clerk.
"So we need two more people, but we can't afford that," Carpenter said.
The other option, explained Zinn, is merging court systems with another municipality to share the responsibilities.
Each year, the city brings in approximately $13,000 in profit from the municipal court system. If Southwest City were to merge with another town, the town would no longer take in restitution or clerk fees but would still receive revenue from fine collection.
Mayor Carpenter commented that, in his opinion, a merger would be the city's best bet -- but Chief Bud Gow disagreed.
"We would lose our individuality," Gow said. "If we merge court systems, it's not long before we merge police departments. Currently, I could bypass our court system and go straight to the circuit court, but I don't because (the city) wouldn't see any of it."
Alderwoman Cheryl Howe made a motion to send Gow to Jefferson City to become a lobbyist.
Departmental Reports
Jackie Coatney informed the council that he has received his DS2 license, which certifies him to operate the wastewater treatment facility.
Alderman David Blake asked Coatney who is the party responsible for maintaining the green patch in front of the Southwest City Station because the grass has grown rather tall. Coatney was unsure.
"Go ahead and take care of it, and we'll weed out whose responsibility it is later," Carpenter said.
Alderman Ron Jackson asked how often the Water Department receives a water quality report. Coatney assured him they are checked monthly and all levels are good.
Gow told the council that the owner of the Samora property on Birkes Street is travelling for his job. Gow is working to get in contact with him via family members.
Zinn asked the council to set a date for judges to view entries in the annual Christmas Light Contest. Members decided to judge decorations on Monday, Dec. 12, so that results can be announced during the regular council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
The council voted to approve cash prizes in the following amounts: $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.
In other business:
• The council discussed the possibility of eliminating the city tax collector position. Mayor Carpenter said he will research the protocol for eliminating an elected official position.
• The council discussed a water bill adjustment for a property in town with a leak.
• The council voted to purchase pyrotechnics for the Independence Day celebration early in order to receive 15 percent more product at no extra cost.
General News on 12/01/2016