Sarah Jo Morgan briefs the council on what the Kennett Chamber of Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Committee has been busy doing during the city council meeting at Kennett Tuesday. [Click to enlarge]

Sarah Jo Morgan approached the council on behalf of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Committee.

Morgan discussed a variety of ideas the committee has been working to enhance and improve the marketing and tourism of the local community.

In doing that, she introduced newly appointed Agri-business chairman Charlie Hilburn,, who proposed the idea of marketing the First Missouri Waterfowl and Outdoor Festival.

"As I'm sure you are aware, our area is a hotbed for waterfowl hunting," Hilburn said. "The idea behind this will be to attract hunters from all across the country to attend, resulting in a large income to the city as a result of taxes that will come from various businesses that will benefit from the flow of traffic we would see through this festival."

Hilburn touched base on several highlights and benefits that raised the brows of nearly all the councilmen. After hearing from Hilburn and learning how the community as a whole could benefit from such an activity, the council agreed that Hilburn and the committee should move forward with the planning of the event, which Hilburn said would be held at the Little River Conservation Area, located at Lake Jerry Paul Combs, east of Kennett.

City Administrator Ken Goslee announced the city would be receiving approximately $325,000 as a result of the class action settlement against AT&T. "We should look to receive that money somewhere around the end of June," Goslee said. During his report to the council, Goslee announced that the Ely Walker Shirt Factory building had officially been accepted to the National Registry. "That is certainly a big thing for us to be proud of," Goslee said.

Street Commissioner Randy Carter advised the council that the city compost had been very busy the past couple of months with its intake of shipments of compost.

After hearing Carter's report on the compost's activity, Councilman Tony Crawford proposed the idea of increasing the amount charged for a load of compost.

Crawford's suggestion was to raise the cost from $2 per bucket load to $3 a bucket and $5, for the richer mulch that has more preservatives, which the council approved doing.

Jan McElwrath, executive director of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, announced there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2008, at the new Ely Walker Apartments. "Although I'm sad to say that Gov. Matt Blunt will be unable to attend, I'm very pleased to say that Ms. Sheryl Crow will make an appearance," McElwrath said. "So we are expecting a wonderful turnout for this event."

Other items of business included approving an ordinance for the placement of a four-way stop at the intersection of Depot and Second St.

* Approving an ordinance amending the city's business license renewal procedure.

* Approving ordinance amending the agreement with Southwestern Power Administration.

* Approving the city's contract with ASA Asphalt.

* Hearing reports from Fire Chief John Mallott and Police Caption Steve Cook on each department and activities for the month of April.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at the Municipal building at Kennett.