Several people called for the closing of the recycling center in Noel, saying it wasn't cost effective and served no purpose.
Some Noel residents voiced their concerns during the open forum at the council meeting Tuesday night at city hall, asking if the recycling center was fiscally sound. A grant -- and money from other departments -- help subsidize the cost of operations, city officials said.
Noel city council mayor pro-tem, William Rose, said the center is "operational." When asked if the center could be closed, he replied that is one aspect currently being discussed.
Rose filled in for Mayor Lewis Davis and his wife, Alderman Faye Davis, who were at a conference.
The center's operation and disarray were subjects of discussion earlier this summer. Recycling center officials were given 30 days' notice to clean up the center. Several on hand Tuesday night pointed out that more than 30 days have passed. City officials said the center has been cleaned up some but not totally cleaned up.
An exterminator was recently called in to see if he could spray for bugs and fleas. He said until the center was completely cleaned up, his efforts to spray would be fruitless, city officials said.
"It (the center) needs to be axed," said Councilman Lonnie Huckaby.
Residents asked who would make the decision to close the center and what timeframe city officials are considering.
Alderman Ally Peck said she believes the situation will be rectified. "There will be a resolution coming very soon," she said.
In other business, the city council appointed several members to a new planning and zoning committee. Peck explained that the city has to have such a committee in place to be able to apply for grants for a trail.
During reports, Fire Chief Brandon Barrett said the department responded to one structure fire, three vehicle fires, one brush fire, eight motor vehicle accidents and had 15 EMS calls in the past month. Of all those calls, staff members had to utilize the Jaws of Life in three of the accidents.
Staffers also delivered a baby, he said.
Barrett asked if the department could return two trucks to Lanagan which were acquired in 2011 as part of the area's transition into the Noel operation. Barrett said the department has not used those two trucks and would like to return them, he said. Council members agreed.
Randy Wilson of the Noel Marshal's Office reported the department received 300 calls, including two burglaries, 15 citizens' assists, six disturbances, 10 domestic, 10 thefts, three fraud, two missing persons, one sexual assault and 17 suspicious incidents in the last month.
He added that the city has experienced 14 driving while intoxicated charges, compared to only three charges this time last year.
Wilson said he had just learned today that the department will be the recipient of a grant, which will enable it to purchase one or two radars and three new radios.
Council members also:
• Agreed to begin meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at city hall. The city council had met at 6 p.m. -- a change from 7 p.m. -- during summer months to try out the new time. Members, staff and those attending could not agree on one particular time. The council decided to split the difference and begin meetings at 6:30 p.m.
• Said letters may be sent to all businesses in town regarding keeping their trash dumpsters contained. Peck said some businesses may need more than one dumpster and the trash becomes overflowing, which creates a mess. Wilson said warnings are usually given, and the business has 10 days to clean up the mess per a Missouri statute. If not, a citation is then given. Fees also can be increased for repeat offenders, city officials mentioned.
• Agreed to place a barn door on the recycling center as soon as possible.
General News on 09/13/2018