Volunteer Fire Dept. voices concern regarding fundraising

The CVFD recently hosted a Boston Butt fundraiser and plans to host more fundraisers in the future. The funds raised during these events have been submitted to the City of Cardwell with the city having control of the funds.

The first proposal from the CVFD was to create its own organization with its own tax I.D. number, according to Fire Chief Anthony Parker.

Parker noted that the department had spoke to bankers and lawyers and been informed that this was the best way to set up the organization.

Mayor John Prince informed the council that his recommendation was to ensure that all parties were covered legally before proceeding with the approval of the organization.

City Clerk Mary Vaughn explained to the department members that the funds recently collected had to go into a city account because they were collected by a city department, which is according to Missouri State Law.

She added that the money can be dispersed but has to be accounted for with receipts.

Volunteer Fireman Larry Russell informed the council that he had been on a volunteer fire department for 26 years not just in Cardwell.

"I worked 36 hours over the weekend for volunteer fireman not Cardwell," Russell said. "We made the money for these guys sitting right here and it won't bother us a bit to hand these radios in."

Vaughn informed Russell that 'if that was what he wanted to do then that was fine, but the money was city money.'

Prince reiterated that the city would have the program checked out by the auditor and city attorney.

"We need to make sure this is all done properly and legally for the city and for you guys as well," Prince said.

Vaughn noted that the department raised the funds in the city's name which makes the city accountable for it.

"I am not saying you guys can't use it for what you want to use it for, it just has to be accounted for," Vaughn said.

Russell noted that previously raised funds had been used to pay city finances.

Prince noted that 'he did not know about that because it was before he was mayor.'

"If you had any money coming to you since I have been Mayor then you have got it," Prince said.

The council agreed to create an ordinance to ensure that the Volunteer Fire Department receives all funds raise during fundraisers hosted by the department.

In other matters that came before the council:

* The council approved the use of Loeb Street for 'Trunk or Treat';

* The council approved the hosting of a city Christmas Parade;

* The council approved stopping mosquito spraying on October 31, 2009, and resuming spraying on May 1, 2010;

* The council approved the creation of a Neighborhood Watch Program within the City of Cardwell;

* The council agreed to create a policy involving unauthorized individuals riding in City Emergency Vehicles;

* and the council approved the purchase of new Christmas decorations for the City of Cardwell.

The next Cardwell City Council meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m., on Thursday, November 12, 2009.

See a photo from the meeting

on Page 16.