Kennett council hears reason for name change

If Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents agrees with the Kennett Area Higher Education Center's Marsha Blanchard. Kennett Mayor Donald Parker and the entire Kennett City Council, the center soon will change its name to Southeast Missouri State University -- Kennett.

Blanchard addressed councilmen at Tuesday's meeting, and asked for their blessing regarding the change.

Parker read a resolution concerning the issue into the minutes, and received overwhelming support from the council.

"Whereas, a partnership between Southeast Missouri State University, the City of Kennett, and the citizens of the Kennett area has resulted in the creation and expansion of an educational facility currently known as the Kennett Area Higher Education Center;" the mayor read. "And whereas Southeast Missouri State University now provides all post-secondary undergraduate instruction being offered at the facility, including complete programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degree;

"And whereas the Kennett Area Higher Education facility serves more than 300 Southeast Missouri State University students each year;" the mayor continued. "And whereas Southeast Missouri State University is responsible for staffing the facility and for its cost of operation; and whereas Southeast Missouri State University is considering changing the name of this facility to "Southeast Missouri State University -- Kennett;" Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Kennett, Missouri, that the Council endorses this change of name and urges the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents to approve this new identity for the facility at the earliest possible time."

In other business Tuesday the council:

* Heard from resident David Vrooman about the removal of American Flags from city streets prior to Veteran's Day. Vrooman requested the flags remain on display through Veteran's Day. The flags were purchased by the Kennett Image Committee and are erected and dismantled by City Light, Gas and Water employees free of charge, said Kennett Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jan McElwrath. Also, Vrooman suggested the city begin looking into additional recycling opportunities, and said an extra recycling bin might be needed in addition to those stationed at Wal-Mart Supercenter of Kennett. Parker said the council's Health Committee will consider and address the issue.

* Heard from McElwrath, who reminded those in attendance that the Delta Fair parade is slated for Sept. 26, and said the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will erect signs indicating congested traffic areas. McElwrath commended Kennett Police Department Chief Barry Tate for his department's efforts with respect to both traffic and crowd control in previous years. She added that longtime residents Jack McDaniel and Bill Walsh celebrate 50 years of lining up parade entries this year.

* Considered City Administrator Ken Goslee's report that indicated a request for a USDA Rural Development grant to fund a dog pound for the city went unfunded. Goslee said he received word on Sept. 13 that the city was not included on the funded projects list. Goslee said he provided a final report regarding a Delta Regional Grant for the Industrial Park to the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission "showing that all contracts have been completed and all bills paid." The city should receive $30,000 from the commission in the near future, Goslee said. Also, the city administrator said he submitted additional information with respect to the Downtown Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the CDBG office regarding the project and the change order. "I hope to be able to bring the change order and final approval to the council for payment at the next meeting. A response should be received soon, Goslee said. He added that he submitted the application packet to the Congressional Grants office regarding the $400,000 Downtown Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant. Goslee said he submitted an Historical Review form to the state Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), and that the city should receive a response soon.

* Councilman Larry McDowell said the Police Committee met with Goslee and Tate prior to the council meeting, and recommended hiring Tasha Nicole Green and Noel Brandon Moore as new officers. Both candidates have post-secondary education hours from Southeast Missouri State University and law enforcement experience, McDowell said. The recommended starting salary for each officer is $1,700 monthly. Councilmen agreed unanimously with the recommendations. Also, Tate recommended the city offer Officer Aaron Waynick a pay raise of $100 monthly since he was promoted to criminal investigator. Detective Waynick's pay raise was approved by councilmen unanimously.

* Heard a resolution honoring former Ward II Kennett City Councilman Bob Peterson for his decade-long service to the community. Peterson resigned his post recently because of health concerns, the mayor said. Parker recommended James "Jingo" Cole as an interim councilman. That suggestion was approved unanimously.

The Kennett City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Kennett Municipal Building, 200 Cedar St., Kennett.