Mayor Joe Carpenter began Southwest City's April 11 council meeting by taking a moment to say his goodbyes and comment on how far the city has come in the last term.
"Look how it's evolved," he said, gazing around City Hall. "When I started, Lois (Frye) sat there," he added, pointing at the clerk's desk. "Southwest City is a great town and we have a great community -- inside and outside of the city limits."
Carpenter also spoke about continued issues in town that need resolved, including infrastructure repairs and a sewer rate adjustment.
He then went on to thank those in city government and their help over the years as well as the constituency of Southwest City for the opportunity to serve them.
And with that, he relinquished his office to newly-elected David Blake.
Blake's first order of business was recommending Tammy Martin to fill the East Ward Alderman position. The council voted to approve his appointment.
Steve Reece, Ray Cooper, and Judy Pendergraft were then sworn-in as East Ward Alderman, West Ward Alderman, and Tax Collector - respectively.
The newly instated council got right to work and began discussing designs for an updated city letterhead and signage. Two new signs would be placed at the north and south sides of town, welcoming visitors.
Southwest City Schools recently held a contest challenging students to create new renderings of both. These submissions were then displayed in City Hall and voted on by residents.
Sydney Killion's art was selected for the letterhead and signs.
Alderman Ron Jackson suggested putting her renderings out to bid.
The council voted to approve this action.
Departmental Reports
Acting Public Works Director Jackie Coatney reported installing the ditch forms along Broadway to reinforce the bank. Weather-permitting, he hopes to have the concrete poured soon.
Blake recommended removing the fence that was recently installed along the west edge of Blankenship Park and the adjoining field. He noted the city won't have money for upkeep or expansion in the foreseeable future and removing the fence would allow local farmers to bale the area.
The council voted to remove the fencing.
Mayor Blake asked Police Chief Bud Gow about the progress of traffic in front of the processing plant on Friday mornings. Gow said both business owners seem to be working things out well among themselves.
City Clerk Missy Zinn requested contact information from new aldermen in order to update the Missouri Municipal League's information.
Zinn informed the council that Bill Weber, city attorney, has deemed the contract with Southwest Sanitation fulfilled and requested a new bid from Southwest Sanitation for trash pick-up service.
The council voted to rent two large trash bings from Bernice Sanitation at a cost of $350 for the Citywide Cleanup this weekend. Receptacles will be available at the wastewater treatment plant for residents to discard unwanted items from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 21, and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 22.
For a list of items unacceptable for disposal contact City Hall at 417-762-3767.
Old Business
Mayor Blake recommended putting the purchase of a tractor on the back-burner for now.
"Looking at the bids, they're more than we can put out right now for such a short-term purpose," he said.
The council voted to decline the purchase for the time being.
Council members discussed the Selby property and avenues of action for the property. It was previously decided to demolish the structure and clear the debris but a party has expressed interest in purchasing the plot.
The council voted to sponsor the annual Old-Timer's Day in the amount of $5,000.
Community on 04/20/2017