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 Staff photo by Trina Bell City Clerk Erma Branum and Mayor Lonnie Gibson, Jr., discuss the city's upcoming Watermelon Festival during the city council meeting Monday night at Arbyrd. [Click to enlarge] |
Friday, July 11, 2008, has been selected as the day for this year's watermelon festival. Although the city is fumbling a bit with its line-up of entertainment this year, it has decided, the show will go on.
"As of right now, we will just be having a parade, followed by a meet and greet session in the park, where candidates who have filed for office, and are running in the August election, will get a chance to speak to residents of the City of Arbyrd," Gibson said.
"After the politicians speak, we will have a concert there at the bandstand in the park," he said. "But as of right now, that's all we have for this year's festival."
Gibson said people just aren't as enthusiastic as they have been in the past. "We have to have people who want to get involved in order to make our festival a success," he said. "Our problem this year is that we don't have enough who want to get involved and help or volunteer."
Gibson said if anyone is interested in joining the City of Arbyrd by participating in its annual Watermelon Festival or parade, call the city hall at (573) 654-3834.
"We welcome all bikers, antique car owners, tractors, police departments, fire, EMS and church groups, or anyone who wishes to be involved," Gibson said. "We also want to welcome any vendors who want to set up at the park during the concert."
Gibson said if there are enough bands, vendors or groups who want to participate in the event, it may continue into Saturday, depending on the number of contacts between now and then.
Other business addressed by the council included approving the resignation of officer Tom Vallee. Vallee submitted a letter to the City of Arbyrd thanking it for its cooperation and help during his time of employment and that he regrets he will be resigning as of Wednesday, June 24, 2008.
City Marshall Mitch Skelton advised the council that the city has only six individuals who have yet to purchase a city sticker.
"The six who have not purchased a city sticker will be issued a citation and will be summoned to court," Skelton said. "That will take care of all of our city stickers," he said.
Skelton advised the council that he had completed the License to Carry class. "I went ahead and paid for the class," Skelton said. "I didn't know if it was my responsibility or the city's," he said, "so I went ahead and paid for it myself."
After a brief discussion, the council agreed to reimburse Skelton for the cost of the class. "I think we should pay for the class," Councilman Brent Pierce said, as the remaining councilmen chimed in, agreeing with Pierce.
Before adjourning, City Clerk Erma Branum read a report submitted to the city on behalf of its grant writer Mitzi Dell. The letter included updates on where the city stands with some its applications, as well as a list of those grants that have already been closed out.
The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Arbyrd city hall.
I didn't see anyone else's name on the ballot for city marshall, so I give props to Mr. Skelton for stepping up to the challenge. Even if not yet certified, he is willing to take on the "headache and stress" of the position on top of the responsibility of the water dept. The position of city marshall is not easy, as past city marshalls have quit, neglected, or abused the position, so give Mr. Skelton credit. Plus, I feel it is in the best interest of the city that some handgun class be taken. Instead of saying, here is a gun, and it is okay to carry as long as it is not concealed. And a concealed weapon permit is offered for anyone who wants to take the class and become certified. My husband has had for years and has never held any kind of public position much less city marshall. So, until someone else is brave enough to put their name on the ballot, give Mr. Skelton the credit he is due
Offer free beer and all those alleged drunks from Hornersville and Cardwell will show up. Heck you may even get a few Arbyrd folks to show up.
I am just curius why the city of Arbyrd would agree to pay for a NON-Commissioned Police Chief to be able to carry a firearm? It appears to me that it is a privildge under state law for any citizin meeting qualifications can carry a concealed or non concealed firearm with the proper license. This license to carry a firearm doesnt in any way give Mr. Skelton the ability to write a citation or make an arrest based on ANY law whether its a city ordinance or state law. The Missouri Revised Statutes are very clear on what an elected police Chief in a 4th class city (Arbyrd) can and Cannot do?? here is copied and pasted direct from the Revised Statute's on what must happen for Mr. Skelton to keep his position as city marshal under state law
City marshal, training requirements, fourth class cities.
79.055. 1. Any person who is elected to his first term as city marshal in a general election or in a special election in any fourth class city of this state shall, within six months of such election, cause to be filed with the city clerk of the city and director of the department of public safety proof that he has completed the training program formulated pursuant to sections 590.170 and 590.175, RSMo, or some other comparable training program of not less than one hundred twenty hours' instruction approved by the director of the department of public safety. If the newly elected city marshal is unable to complete the training program within six months due to the proper course not being available from the department of public safety, an extension may be granted until such a course is made available.
2. Whether any person elected to his first term as city marshal attends such a training program prior to or after assuming the duties of his office shall be left to the discretion of the governing body of the city from which he was elected. During the time that a marshal-elect is enrolled in such a training program, he shall be hired as a city employee and receive as full compensation from the city from which he was elected, compensation at a rate equal to that of city marshal.
(L. 1997 H.B. 69 & 179 & H.B. 669 § 2) aw;
It appears that Mr. Skelton has only a few months to be at least enrolled into an approved training program before he can keep his position as city marshal. I wish you the very best of luck Mr. Skelton HOWEVER I just dont see where the city should have paid for your class whenever its NOT against the law to carry a firearm of any kind by any person as long as its not concealed? if you carry a gun along side a badge although you are elected you are still convictable under missouri state law for impersonating a commissioned police officer..
I think personally that we should have a Co-ed Adult Softball Tournament!! I think it would be alot of FUN and EVERYONE LOVES SOFTBALL!!!