LIVING GREEN

Missouri Department of Transportation employees spray weeds growing along Highway 412/South Bypass on Wednesday. The employees sprayed the chemicals from the truck along highways throughout the area. Staff photos by Joshua Payne, Deanna Coronado, and George Anderson.

Current officials say that concerns directed at the City of Kennett regarding grass and weeds growing in the cracks of sidewalks, and along the curbs of area streets not located on city property, should be re-directed toward property owners, as it is not the city's responsibility to maintain these areas.

Kennett Mayor Roger Wheeler told the Daily Dunklin Democrat he was recently contacted by individuals in the community who are concerned with the issue.

Tall weeds protrude from the sidewalk, into First Street in the Downtown District of Kennett, next to privately owned property.

Wheeler said that in recent years, the street department has been given the task of spraying for weeds along curbs and gutters when there were plans for a special event, but that it has not been the city's responsibility for some time.

"The mayor would request that the street department clean up those areas," Wheeler noted. "Once that happens, the public expects it to happen all the time. However, there is no real difference than the way we maintain our own front yard."

According to Wheeler, property owners, such as those in the downtown district of Kennett should be held responsible for keeping the areas in front of their businesses or residential properties maintained, just as he takes care of his personal residential lawn.

Weeds grow along the sidewalks and in the city owned parking lot across from City Hall, next to the Dunklin County Museum.

"I, for example, mow my lawn all the way to the street even though I know the street right of way extends into a portion of the lawn I am mowing," Wheeler said.

Wheeler added that some years ago, an ordinance was passed that specifically states that the property owner is responsible for the care and maintenance of sidewalks, curbs and gutters adjacent to their property.

The Daily Dunklin Democrat requested a copy of the ordinance referenced by Wheeler from the city clerk and reviewed the document for specific information regarding the subject.

Ordinance No. 2414, covering criteria for constructing, replacement and adjustments of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and setting out specifications in the city of Kennett was signed by former Mayor Charles B. Brown on Dec. 20, 1994, and approved by the council.

In the first three sections of the document, the ordinance states:

* "It shall be the responsibility of each owner of real property within the City of Kennett, Missouri, to construct, maintain, repair and replace the public sidewalks, curbs and gutters adjacent to such property in good repair and a safe condition, and in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance;"

* "It shall be unlawful to construct, maintain, repair, remove or replace any sidewalk, curb or gutter within the city, except in strict conformity with the requirements of this ordinance, and;"

* "All maintenance and repair of public streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters and other public way shall be under the supervision of the Street Committee and the Street Superintendent. All sidewalks, curbs and gutters shall be constructed at the expense of the owner of the lot or tract fronting or abutting thereon. Said owners shall bear the expense for all materials necessary for any repairs to sidewalks, curbs and gutters."

Although, the concerns raised do not surround repair or construction issues, the mayor said they do fall under the category of maintenance, which is covered under the referenced ordinance.

"As part of trimming the budget for 2009-2010, the street department did not allow anything for chemicals to spray for weeds along the streets. For now, I need to ask the property owners to pull the weeds," Wheeler said in a written statement provided to the DDD.

The budget constraints have also made it difficult for the city to address issues surrounding weed and grass control on its own properties. However, Mayor Wheeler said stretched finances have not made it impossible.

According to the mayor, the street department has recently sprayed areas belonging to the city, including city-owned parking lots and miscellaneous tracts, for weeds and grass, and plans to continue to address these issues in the days that follow.

Wheeler explained that the street department is currently operating with limited materials, and on a reduced staff, due to the resignation of an employee whose position the city has yet to fill. The position has been advertised and the city has received responses from interested individuals, but has yet to make a decision.

For now, Wheeler asks residents to understand that the city is taking what measures they are able to in order to correct problems the city is responsible for, but is also asking that property owners in Kennett do the same in reference to their structures and the sidewalks, curbs and gutters surrounding those properties.

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Transportation has been seen throughout the area, spraying chemical along area adjoining Highways 84 and 412, which runs throughout areas within the city limits.