Homer May
County Reporter
In late session Monday eve, Mayor Glen Nelson introduced a proposed ordinance dealing with construction of a semi-long term "tent city" built by outside residents which, he indicated, would deal with a possible influx of persons who may be drug-addicted refugees from larger cities. He said the City might do well to study its response to such a scenario. The group agreed to study the matter.
The meeting opened at 6:00 PM on September 11, with City Aldermen Jack Lietzke, Janice Swearngin, Phil Fisher, Barbara Hammond present. Mayor Nelson presided; Deputy City Clerk Kerrie Casey recorded.
First actions by the group were to approve the eve's agenda and minutes of its August meeting, then agree to pay bills presented.
Lauren Mote, a City resident, next spoke of a house on city property she owns, saying it has sewer problems. The age of the house suggested to some that it could have a septic system, grandfathered in when the city constructed its centralized sewer system. Mayor Nelson advised that if the house has a septic system, the homeowner is responsible for repairs to that system.
Jim Bentch, on the City's Airport Board, thanked City Board members who helped prepare the Municipal Airport before the recent fly-in. Mayor Nelson commented that the airport's grass strip is considered by some to be the best airport grass strip in Missouri, and the recent fly-in there likely was the best such event recently held.
Benton County Economic Development Director Jo Ann Lane reported that the Pink Silo Co. is now open with updated hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The company is closed Sunday. She added that the County Entrepreneurial Conference pre-event will meet in Lincoln on September 19, and the conference itself will kick off on Wednesday, September 20, at 11:00 AM in Cole Camp. There was no old business.
Police Chief Jason Wenberg reported that August was a slow month and the Labor Day event went smoothly. His deptartment made 18 traffic stops and issued 11 tickets during that month. He added that the recent "Active Shooter Training" went well and all emergency sirens are now working properly. Public Works Director Josh Cole reported PW has finished work on bathrooms in the parks, several drains have been installed on Locust St., the airport was prepared for the fly-in, his department is working on potholes and flushing deadend hydrants.
The meeting closed about 6:35 PM. Open sessions are usually held on 2nd Monday eves; visitors are welcome.
