Anderson's city council voted on Tuesday to accept a bid for the paving of two troublesome roads in town -- Sellers Road and Park Street. Previous estimates placed costs between $50,000 and $65,000. Council members voted to accept the low bid from Hutchens Construction at the cost of $67,453.50.
Resident Megan Grimes approached the council seeking an exception to the city's livestock ordinance. Grimes lives on Sunrise Hill Road and would like to raise 8 -- 10 chickens in an attached run on her property. She provided a letter of support, signed by her neighbors. The council voted to grant Grimes an exception.
After swearing in re-elected officials, Alderman Don Hines and Mayor John Sellers, the city welcomed David Roark as the newest West Ward Alderman. Roark filled the seat previously held by Chris Cable.
The council then appointed Alderman Chester Neel as mayor pro-tem and Jonathon Pierce as city attorney. Mayor Sellers asked that Pierce research an ordinance prohibiting "jake-braking" in town.
Eagle Scout-hopeful Korbin Fischer approached the council regarding a potential Eagle Scout project. Fischer said he would like to build a new pavilion at Town Hole to beautify the area and provide additional shelter. The pavilion would be wooden, concrete-reinforced with a metal roof. Family, friends and trained troop leaders would assist Fischer in the construction. The council expressed positive interest and asked Fischer to return at the next meeting with blueprints and a cost estimate.
Ken Schutten with the Anderson Betterment Club updated the council on a recent trail planning meeting. The council appointed Schutten as the city's trail planning liaison in regards to the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council. Schutten will represent the city while attending meetings and site reviews.
Schutten informed the council Missouri Department of Transportation engineers and HSTCC representatives will be visiting Anderson from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, to conduct a feasibility review regarding trail paths that were suggested at the aforementioned trail meeting. Schutten encouraged council members to attend if possible.
Departmental Reports
Alderman Gene Cantrell asked Fire Chief Shelby Turner if a new A/C unit was secured for the fire department. Turner replied the bid for a replacement was $4,700. He said he's looking to purchase a unit and install it himself at a fraction of the price. The council voted to approve the purchase of a new unit.
Council members discussed the need to compile a list of operable fire hydrants in town.
Police Chief Seth Daniels reported renting a storage unit to make space in the police department and securing destruction orders for outdated evidence.
Daniels informed the council that two patrol vehicles need new tires at the cost of $115 each. The council voted to approve the purchase of new tires.
Public works director Ben Shoemaker reported repairing four leaks and installing floodgates on Jefferson Street -- a stream crossing prone to flooding. He said he ordered new bulbs for the wastewater plant's UV system at the cost of $3,700.
Alderman Neel inquired about progress on the used water tower the city purchased from Pineville last year. Mayor Sellers said the property owner is reviewing the city's easement request and the city is awaiting DNR permits.
Shoemaker provided estimates on a mini-excavator, per the council's request. The street department currently rents a mini-ex for $1,600 per month. Shoemaker proposed purchasing the equipment at a total cost of $45,000 over the course of three annual payments.
Mayor Sellers asked Shoemaker to research a lease-to-own possibility.
In other business, the council:
• Paid $2,500 toward the city's Arvest line-of-credit;
• Transferred $2,500 from the General Fund to the Summer Recreation Fund;
• Renewed the city's membership with the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council at the cost of $650; and
• Heard complaints from resident Daniel Dillard regarding washout near his home, unwanted public alley access next to his property, the condition of the Second Street Park, and a potentially unsafe parking situation.
General News on 04/19/2018