Arbyrd council discusses utility rates, looks into addressing trash issues

According to Arbyrd City Clerk Erma Branum, after a discussion of how PDEC handled the ice storm and the work involved afterwards, Crawford was questioned about recent rate increases.

Branum said Crawford addressed the questions but "couldn't give a good answer" as to why there was an increase.

Branum said Crawford said AmerenUE had an increase as well. She also said that Crawford invited the city to attend a PDEC meeting on July 23.

Also during the meeting, Branum said a lengthy discussion took place about trash and junk cars in neighborhood yards.

Branum said the city is looking at different ways to enforce the use of plastic trash containers with lids as opposed to the homemade trash receptacles currently used by some residents.

Branum said that during the discussion about junk cars, many property owners said they have a problem with renters leaving old cars at the property for the owner to get rid of.

Branum said the city tabled the discussion until the next meeting in an effort to come up with a solution to the problem.

The city clerk then said the council approved the city to request a permit for the sewer line extension, which will be done through Smith and Company Engineers of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Branum said the approval should come through within 30 days.

In other matters, the council:

* Approved the city to start seeking bids for the inspection and repainting of the city's water tower;

* Approved the 2009 amended budget;

* Approved the 2009 combined financial statement;

* Set the tax rate hearing for Aug. 4, 2009. The hearing will begin at 4 p.m.;

* Tabled a discussion on joining Bootheel Regional Planning;

* Approved repairing leaking seals on the city's tractor, and;

* Renewed the city's trash hauling contract with Branum's Disposal of Kennett at a rate of $10.25 per household. The rate was contracted for three years.