SWC Council OKs Building Permit, Despite Ban

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Building permits were again a topic of discussion during Southwest City's council meeting on Tuesday.

The council previously stalled issuing permits until a new, more in-depth permit protocol was established.

"We need to designate fees and policy for permits and inspections," said Mayor David Blake.

Local business-owner Aaron Wolf approached the council to request a building permit to extend the NAPA Auto Parts building five feet.

Blake explained the temporary halt in permits, but the council agreed to grant Wolf permission to continue with the project.

Alderman Ron Jackson recommended granting a permit to verify the council's approval without charging Wolf a fee.

Blake said he is still researching a qualified inspector and reviewing permit fees of local cities of similar size.

The council also discussed resurrecting the Building and Planning Commission, led by Steve Reece, to help rebuild the building permit process.

Nikki Hill, with the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, addressed the council regarding the upcoming public meeting to discuss recreational trail development in town. The meeting will be held at the Fire Department, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Hill said she recently toured Southwest City with Public Works Director Jackie Coatney, and one of the most desired additions to town was a pedestrian bridge over Honey Creek in Blankenship Park.

Hill has been working to compile necessary information for grant applications to help make the bridge a reality.

She provided council members with a copy of the current grant applications, and asked they provide any additional information. She also provided examples of two previously accepted grants to use as a template.

Departmental Reports

Lacking a qualified quorum and acting in the interest of public safety, Mayor Blake voted to approve the purchase of a new pump for the Fire Department's newest brush truck during the regular meeting last month.

Alderman Tammie Martin was absent and Aldermen Ron Jackson and Ray Cooper both serve as volunteer firefighters, thus prohibiting them from voting on items pertaining to the department.

Funding for the $3,500 Honda water pump will come from the Fire Department's building expense fund and the money will be returned following an upcoming budget amendment.

Installation of the pump will complete updates to the city's new brush truck and prepare it for use. Delivery of the pump is anticipated soon.

Police Chief Bud Gow reported the donation of a hand-held radar gun and two Tasers. He informed the council of Deputy Rick Lance's recent certification as a Missouri Crime Scene Investigator.

Gow confirmed plans to hold a Car Bash fundraiser during Trunk or Treat, using the department's totalled vehicle.

Alderman Jackson suggested using it for the bash, then allowing the fire department to practice extrication techniques on the vehicle before salvaging the scraps.

Blake agreed that it would be a good way to recoup money on the vehicle and provide extra training for the fire department.

In other business:

• The council received a rough draft of the annual audit. Reports indicate that bookkeeping is on track. "Nothing looks bad," said Clerk Zinn. "There's some low numbers but nothing in the negative."

• Alderman Ray Cooper inquired about seeking bids for a concrete pad and two basketball goals in order to build a basketball court at Blankenship Park. The council agreed to put out bids for the project.

• The council voted to purchase a new printer from Lakeland for use in City Hall.

• Cooper asked if aldermen were to be paid for time spent at special meetings -- such as the one called after flooding in April. The council confirmed that aldermen are paid for each meeting and Clerk Zinn said she would add the additional hour to their next check cycle.

• Clerk Zinn spoke about extending the wall in City Hall to increase the clerk's privacy after a recent incident involving a resident in the restroom. She provided quotes for the construction and the council suggested putting the item on the next meeting's agenda.

Community on 10/12/2017