HAYTI, Mo. -- The Board of Aldermen got a bit of good news from Mayor Richard Ashbaugh at its meeting Monday evening.
Ashbaugh said the Pepsi Cola Company of Marion, Ill., has been looking at a building in Hayti in which to locate a transfer station.
"This is something where they would load their distribution trucks," he said.
Ashbaugh said Pepsi opened a similar transfer station in Paris, Tenn., which proved successful, and is now in the process of building a million dollar distribution center there. He said Pepsi is looking at a two year lease, and the city would have to extend water and sewer service to the proposed site.
"This would not be a money-making deal now, although it would create a few more jobs that we need in Hayti," the mayor said. "But if they do like they've done in Paris, it would be a big asset to us.
Ashbaugh said the firm had looked at sites in Kennett, but likes the proximity of the site in Hayti to U.S. 412 and Interstate 55.
Citizen discontent
A large group of citizens noisily made their dissatisfaction with the quality of water from the city water system known to the board--several bringing samples of water with them to the meeting.
None of the residents speaking identified themselves and much of the time more than one person was talking to the board at the same time, some raising their voices to be heard over the other speakers.
The major complaint from the residents is their water water supply is discolored and they are reluctant to drink it, use it in cooking or to bathe in and that clothing is often ruined when laundered in the water. Several declared they have experienced problems with their water supply for several years.
One man declared people are getting sick from the water and added, "I haven't been able to drink it for years. Lives are going to be lost before long."
"I check the water every day," City Water Superintendent Leonard Plunkett told the group. "It meets the standards of the state."
He also said the Department of Natural Resources inspects the water system twice a year to ensure it meets state standards for water purity.
Plunkett said the discoloration some residents are experiencing in their water is unsightly, but not harmful.
Mayor Ashbaugh agreed with the residents the city has a problem with its water supply, but that not all residents are experiencing the problem.
"The problem didn't happen overnight and it can't be fixed overnight," he said. "I know you're concerned about your water. But I assure you, we are working daily trying to solve the problem."
He said the city recently spent $7,000 to have its water storage towers inspected and cleaned, and that the city will change the gravel and sand in filters at the water plant at a cost of $12,848.55 to see if that will help.
Ashbaugh said the city's engineeers [Waters & Associates, Sikeston, Mo.] has recommended a $1.5 million project to redo much of the water system. This would include a new water storage tower at the water plant, new water mains and updating the water plant.
Such a project, which must be approved by voters, would increase the cost of water service to residents.
Many of those attending the meeting vocally indicated they would be willing to pay higher water bills to clean up their water.
Ashbaugh asked Fire Chief Milford Chism if the fire department could flush city fire hydrants Thursday in an effort to clear up the water.
"Thursday night," Chism responded. "We can't do it during day time. We can start at 7 o'clock."
Alderman Allen Taylor asked that if the latest efforts to clean up the water supply were unsuccessful, that a water system improvement proposition be presented to voters.
The board agreed, and most of the residents present appeared willing to wait a little while to see if their water supply will clear up.
Christmas decorations
On another issue, Alderman Taylor told the council that a deal had been worked out with Winterland Inc. that would void the second and third years of a three year contract the firm has with the city to supply, setup, maintain and store Christmas decorations.
Taylor and Alderman Kathy Harris were named by Mayor Ashbaugh as a special committee to look into the possibility of terminating the contract.
Taylor said the company will bring the decorations to the city November 1 and set them up. "When they leave December 31 the decorations will belong to us."
The city will make a final payment to Winterland of $6,940.
Aldermen again tabled any action on renovating the old fire department facility in the city hall for use by the police department and municipal court. The board was told there has been a complaint filed because neither the police department or municipal court is handicap accessible.
Although conceding the work needs to be done, aldermen have been reluctant to appropriate the money needed to do the work because of city finances and the need to solve the city's water problem first.
In other business, aldermen:
* Set the Halloween trick-or-treat observance in the city for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.
* Were informed the city was unable to move the voting precinct from city hall to the Conran Library for the Nov. 2 election. City Hall offices will close election day to facilitate voting.
* Approved a 5 percent beer license for Lavada Nelson, Lavada's Supper Club, 1402 Washington.
* Were informed the Pemiscot County Commission will host a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. October 7 at Hayti City Hall. The meeting will be on the tax rate the commission is asking county residents to approve November 2.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11. The meeting will be in the Hayti City Hall and is open to the public.