Southwest City welcomed two new council members and bid farewell to three at Tuesday's regular meeting. Karen Wallgren and Craig Martin were sworn in to fill the West and East Ward seats, respectively. Following last week's election, Wallgren replaced Tammie Martin and Craig Martin replaced Ron Jackson.
The council appointed Steve Reece as mayor pro-tem. Reece will take on the duties of mayor in the event of Mayor David Blake's absence.
As the meeting wrapped up, Alderman Ray Cooper informed council members he has moved outside city limits, thus he no longer qualifies for the council and submitted his resignation.
The city is now seeking a volunteer from the west ward to fill the open seat.
Departmental Reports
Fire Chief Shane Clark reported a pump issue with the city's tanker. He said he ordered the replacement part and a spare at a cost of approximately $200.
Public works director Clark said street employees have mowed property throughout town, cleaned and repaired the restrooms at Blankenship Park, fixed the bleachers at the ball field and are currently preparing to cold-patch roads. The water department has been locating water lines in town so that MoDOT can clear ditches without damaging the water system. Clark said sludge hauling at the wastewater plant has begun, and the UV light system is repaired. He noted the gearbox on the city's Zero Turn lawnmower recently broke but he hopes to repair it for less than $1,000.
City clerk Missy Zinn updated council members on projects at the senior center. She said a new front door and overhead lights have been purchased. Installation is pending on both.
Zinn spoke about upcoming clerk training that she believes would benefit assistant clerk Danielle Smith as well. She said the cost would be $1,349 for both to attend and estimated there is $1,300 remaining in the budget for training.
Alderman Steve Reece asked for an exact number of the remaining funds at the next meeting.
In other business:
• The council voted to instate a cell phone usage policy prohibiting city employees in company vehicles from using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.
• The council approved Elsworth "Ozzie" Amos to serve as a reserve officer for the city.
• The council reviewed assistant clerk Smith's first 90 days and approved a pay raise.
General News on 04/12/2018