Ordinances covering rezoning, street break procedures and the airport project approved

This section of the street, located at the intersection of Michael and Fifth Streets in Kennett, will be under repair for the next several days, according to Street Commissioner Randy Carter. Carter noted that the Street Department has patched Fifth Street three times in five weeks. Staff photo by Joshua Payne

The Kennett City Council approved three different ordinances during the regular meeting held on Tuesday. The ordinances consisted of rezoning requests, street break procedures, and amending the contract for the airport project.

The ordinance approving the rezoning requests made by Sam Goodrich and Kris and Tiffany Higgins will allow Goodrich and Higgins to build two duplexes, one at 612 Maple Street and the other at 706 Maple Street. The rezoning requests changed the two properties from RI single family residential to RII multi-family residential, according to city officials.

The approved ordinance involving street break procedures amends the outdated ordinance that was previously in use by the City of Kennett, according to City Attorney Terry McVey.

"This ordinance just updates the old ordinance and procedures on street breaks and excavations," McVey said.

The amendment of the contract with MoDOT for the airport project was also passed in the form of an ordinance. McVey noted that this amendment was made due to new construction being added to the new contract with MoDOT. The new construction will consist of a T-hangar building and also remove runway 18/36 and associated runways at the Kennett Airport. The runway will be removed from the contract because it has become federally funded, according to McVey.

The city will need to pass an ordinance to accept the $192,000 in funds from AT&T over the landline lawsuit, according to McVey. He noted that he would have an ordinance ready for the next council meeting for approval from the council.

"The payments have been estimated to be made by the first of the year," McVey said.

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

Jan McElwrath, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, began the reports by thanking the city council for renewing the chamber's contract.

She also noted that she recently graduated from the Delta Leader Institute. In order to graduate, she completed group projects throughout the year and linked businesses throughout the Delta area together, according to McElwrath.

She added that the Chamber will be ordering flag poles and other items in the near future.

Street Commissioner Randy Carter followed McElwrath with the Street Department report. He noted that the department is still operating short of one employee, but hired an employee through a State program.

The employee has had no individual training because of short staff, but has picked up abilities very quickly, according to Carter.

"We feel we will make great strides in the program this summer," Carter said.

He noted that Fifth Street continues to sink, which was caused by old culverts in Buffalo Ditch, and that the department has patched the street three time in five weeks. Also on Fifth Street, at the intersection of Michael Street, a storm water box has deteriorated and the intersection will be receiving service for the next several days, according to Carter.

Carter also noted that if city officials see low hanging limbs in the city to contact the department. He added that the department has been working three days on city streets to one day on city alleys.

Mayor Roger Wheeler, Sr., informed Carter that the two would soon be discussing the letter received from MoDOT on rerouting trucks through the city. He also asked Carter to investigate widening Industrial Drive off of Ely Street, with funds for the project being used out of the Capital Improvement funds.

Police Chief Barry Tate informed the council that the department received approximately 140 calls during the holiday weekend with Ward I having 71 calls, Ward II having 25 calls, Ward III having 20 calls, Ward IV having 17 calls, and Ward V having seven calls.

He also noted that the new computer software had been installed at the department and that three individuals, including himself, would be attending a training on the software Wednesday, July 8.

"We are looking forward to the software and appreciate the help with the funds," Tate said.

He informed the council that the department is waiting for a response on several grants including a chest protection grant, a cop grant, a radio grant, and a grant from USDA for vehicles.

He noted that the department recently completed a traffic study on the East end of First Street, which resulted in some tickets being given to individuals who were 19 miles per hour over the speed limit in some cases.

Fire Chief John Mallott followed with his report noting that the department saw two injuries and one structure fire as a result of the fireworks over the holiday weekend. The two injuries were not serious, Mallott noted.

The structure fire occurred on North Vandeventer and was the result of bottle rockets, according to Mallott.

He added that while the fire fighters were on the scene, juvenile began firing bottle rockets at the team. As a result, two juveniles were arrested and taken to Bloomfield to serve time, according to Mallott.

Since the last council meeting, the department has responded to 103 calls in the City of Kennett with Ward I having 13 calls, Ward II having 29 calls, Ward III having 27 calls, Ward IV having 19 calls, and Ward V having 15 calls.

The fire department is using four summer interns through the future program, which is at no cost to the city, according to Mallott.

He added that one of the interns is looking to go into the explorer program and could become a part-time firefighter once he turns 18-year-old.

After the reports, Alderman Diane Risner recommended hiring Tammy Masterson to replace the retiring Secretary for the City Clerks Office, Rita Orr. The recommendation was approved by the council and Masterson will need to give a two-week notice, according to Risner.

Alderman Larry McDowell noted that the ordinance previously passed by the city allowing officers to remove vehicles will be ready by the first of the month. The ordinance will allow officers to remove vehicles of individuals breaking driving laws including DWI, no insurance, revoked driver's license, and suspended driver's license. The individuals will have to post bond and pay before receiving their vehicle, and also have to finance the towing bill, according to McDowell. He added that the city was not liable for the vehicles.

The council followed by approving the motion to move into closed session to discuss real estate. Details were not immediately availale at press time.