Kennett residents approach city with plans to build two duplex apartments

Sam Goodrich hands out pictures showing the types of apartments that he and Chris Higgins are looking to build on Maple Street if the rezoning request is approved. Staff photo by Joshua Payne

Sam Goodrich and Chris Higgins have made a rezoning request in order to build two duplexes, one at 612 Maple Street and the other at 706 Maple Street.

Goodrich, representing himself and Higgins, discussed the reasons for the rezoning requests during the Public Hearing portion of the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Goodrich explained that the size of the lots and duplexes could show Higgins' property to be about five feet short according to the city variance, but his own lot should be within regulation. He added that the two lots are on the exact opposite sides of the road from each other.

Mayor Roger Wheeler, Sr., reminded the council that the duplexes were recommended by the city's planning commission.

Alderman Jake Crafton ask if any neighbors to the lots have complained about the project.

Goodrich informed Crafton that he and Higgins own all of the property surrounding the duplexes.

Goodrich showed council members photographs of apartments, which he will use as a model for his construction.

The rezoning request met no opposition during the city council meeting, but will not be voted on until the July 7 meeting.

Also during the meeting, the council heard reports from the city departments.

Street Commissioner Randy Carter noted that the Street Department had been exploring proposals for the repair of the hole in the street at the intersection of Jones Street and Hastings Drive. One proposal was for the removal of the groundwater and excess water from the hole and would cost the city $64,000, a second proposal was for $9,000 from a different company, but was not a workable plan, according to Carter. The third proposal was for $6,000 and involved the city providing the supplies to place 20 two-inch wells in the hole, Carter noted that this was still excessive in his opinion. The department has one more proposal still in the works and still looking to proceed on with the project, according to Carter.

Police Chief Barry Tate followed Carter's report and informed the council that totals for the Police Department were up for the two week period. The miles were up from the previous report by approximately 2,000 miles, while the dispatch calls were up to 906, which is approximately 50 more than the last report's amount.

Wheeler asked Tate if the runaway prisoner was still on the lose.

Tate responded, informing Wheeler that the individual was apprehended at 5 p.m., Tuesday, in Memphis, Tenn.

"We received different tips that led us to Memphis and were eventually able to track his cell phone," Tate said. "I don't know why he was even in Kennett since he was originally from Kennett. I can't believe they brought him to work in his own home town."

Tate added that dispatcher Justin Beard, who was previously contacted to return to service, was released on medical clearance and already back in Kennett and working for the Police Department.

"It is good to have him back," Tate said.

Next, Fire Chief John Mallott reported to the council that the city received a letter from the National Weather Service informing that the city passed the credentials for being storm ready. The initial period is for three years and expires on June 11, 2012, according to the letter. Mallott added that a reception will be held at a future date from the National Weather Service.

The sirens being activated during the storm on Monday was a result of a police officer spotting rotation in the clouds by St. Francis River, according to Mallott. He added that citizens should not wait for the sirens to seek shelter if weather stations on the radio or television have issued a tornado warning.

"The sirens mean we have spotted something, but are used more as a last ditch effort," Mallott said. "People need to be prepared before the sirens are activated."

The city recently received the Communication Management Response Trailer, which is built so it will hopefully last the city 10 to 15 years, according to Mallott. He added that a few more items need to be added to the trailer and that training will begin in the Fall.

"It doesn't cost for the training and the entire community needs to be involved not just the Fire Department," Mallott said.

The meeting on Monday, with property owners with substandard properties, did not include all of the property owners and another meeting will be held at a future date in the form of a formal Public Hearing, according to Mallott.

Mallott informed the council that the Fire Station Grant process has opened for applications through July 10 through the Federal Stimulus moneys. He added that a grant application will be submitted for fire station replacements.

The city council approved the bid on the construction of the dog pound by the Knuckle Brothers for approximately $150,000, which was recommended by Wheeler. City Engineer Mitch Skelton will primarily oversee the project, according to Wheeler.

"This has been a long time coming and I think the citizens will be happy when it is completed," Alderman Diane Risner said.

Wheeler informed the council that the city had received 10 denials to bid on the city health insurance from different companies. The council voted to contract for an additional 30 days with the current insurance to allow more time for additional bids.

"Hopefully there will be some bids," Wheeler said.

The council also approved the 2009-2010 budget, which was "as good as the budget can get under the circumstances," Wheeler said.

"The public needs to know we are doing without," Wheeler said. "The departments are going without new equipment, allowances, and restricted travel expenses. This will keep us in business for another year."

Risner added that on behalf of the finance committee, they appreciated the departments looking hard at cuts in the budget. She added the she wanted to remind the citizens that the money is not there.

Crafton followed this approval by informing Wheeler that he would appreciate a few more reports during the meeting, for instance, court reports. He added that he would like to see budget reports for the different city boards on a yearly basis.

"More information is never a bad thing," Crafton said.

The council approved the contract allowing $25,000 to be withdrawn from the tourism account to contract with the Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism and to pay $14,150 to the Chamber of Commerce for economic development.

The council approved the renewing of the housing authority contract which pays for officers and vehicles to patrol the HUD housing, which is funded by HUD.

In other matters that came before the council:

* The ordinance amending street break procedures was postponed to be adjusted by City Attorney Terry McVey. This ordinance will be on the agenda for the next council meeting.