Homer May
County Reporter
Preceded by a 6:45 PM August 17 public hearing on a proposed tax levy, the city's aldermen met in open session at 7:00 PM and approved a 2023 real estate ordinance which establishes a tax rate of $0.4734 per $100 valuation of property, thus maintaining the current tax rate. Because of an increase of about $931,000 total valuation of all property categories, including a real estate new construction total of about $68,680, this unchanged tax rate may be expected to raise some additional revenues for the City of Cole Camp.
Aldermen present as the session opened were Jon Beckman, Diana Burdick, David Locke, Mindy Fox. Mayor Bob Meuschke presided; City Clerk Dawn Paul recorded. First actions by the Board were to approve the eve's agenda, and minutes of the July 24 regular meeting and August 2 special meeting, plus an approval to pay June bills and receive financials for the city. A proposed budget amendment resolution was deferred to the September meeting.
Benton County Economic Development Director Jo Ann Lane said the Entrepreneurial Conference is still open, with Mayors from Cole Camp, Lincoln and Warsaw, plus the county's Presiding Commissioner expected to give presentations. She added that a pre-event will be held September 19 at Drenon Ranch Arena, breakout sessions will be held mid-morning on September 20 in Cole Camp and September 21 in Warsaw, and morning tours will be held at various locations in the county.
Visitor Charles Hunter discussed an informal Cole Camp working group which seeks to identify safe biking and walking in town. Additionally, the group, which has received an ALCP grant to study these issues and to look at future trailheads along the Rock Island Trail where locals and visitors could park and access the Trail. On July 24, the group provided a related study to the city board. It contains a summary of the information collected over the past year and has suggestions related to those interests. The study does not require any specific actions by the city but serves as a framework to help guide future improvements. Currently, the group is assisting the city in preparing a related MoDOT grant which could provide funding for a trailhead at Hwy U and the Rock Island Trail.
Aspen Williams, with Great River Engineering, discussed her firm's studies relating to planned downtown sidewalks and providing access to businesses there. Final design has not been set.
In old business, the group approved on second reading an ordinance which will provide residents using outside irrigation on their property a price reduction.
In new business, aldermen authorized expenditure of $80,000, payable to the PVAG firm, for development of a comprehensive 10-12 year development plan for the city, as required by state statute. They also delayed an answer to a citizen's letter requiring a written response, to be dealt with in an upcoming conference. The group then amended its water leak ordinance to potentially levy a maximum of $300 on someone having a substantial water leak.
Clerk Paul reported that one firm has bid $355/hr. to repair city hall windows; then talked about the streamline internet access project for city hall; and discussed ARPA funds received, most of which have already been spent. Sentiment on the ARPA account was to close it; the streamline project will be on the September agenda.
Public Works Director Heath Roark reported that "Not a whole lot has been done." on the water project, but he added the city has experienced several water main breaks in the past few weeks.
Police Officer Randall King, reporting for Chief Jeff Canfield, said the Police Department has recently issued a number of tickets for speeders. He was excited to report that the department recently received new laptop computers and other upgraded technical equipment to bring that department into a more modern stance.
Mayor Meuschke reported the city will be using several Sheriff's deputies during the upcoming Cole Camp Fair. He added that he signed an agreement with Co-Mo Electric on August 15, which projected a very quick build for the city ... shooting for completion of its internet project by the end of 2023.
The meeting closed at about 9:00 PM. The city welcomes visitors to its open sessions, which are usually held on third Thursday eves.
