Storm aftermath and city improvements: Key takeaways from the Kennett City Council meeting

Editor's note: This is the second and final installment of a two-part series regarding the Kennett City Council's most recent meeting. The first installment appeared online Thursday and in print in Saturday's edition of The Delta Dunklin Democrat.

The Kennett City Council at Tuesday's meeting engaged with city officials regarding last Saturday's tornadic storms.

All councilors were present, along with Kennett Mayor Jake Crafton, City Attorney Terry McVey, City Clerk Jan McElwrath, Police Dept. Chief Kenny Wilson, Fire Dept. Chief Lance Davis and Street Dept. Supt. Gerald Moss.

After dispensing with normal housekeeping, the body heard from committee chairs and officials, including Wilson, who requested the council's cooperation in making Kennett a Blue Shield City, a program announced by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe that would "open up about $10 million in grants for law enforcement equipment" and training.

The chief said a few steps must be hurdled for the city to participate.

"The first step in this is having a resolution on file, and they're going to check, about the city's support for law enforcement," Wilson said. "And the continued funding of law enforcement for the future.

"We cannot go any further in these steps until we get this resolution in order," Wilson added. "The sooner we get this in, I think it will just look better on us with the state. So if we can get this passed tonight, that would be the first of 10 or 12 steps we've got to meet. The new fiscal year starts July 1. So that's when funds would start becoming available. I'd like to get our name on this list as soon as possible."

The resolution was read aloud by McVey, Ward 4 Councilor Steve Panousis made the motion to approve, the motion was seconded and adopted unanimously.

Panousis then offered the Finance Committee report that indicated the city is down $143,460 "on the operating side" compared to this time last year.

Street Dept. Supt. Moss reported most of the debris that resulted from last Saturday's tornadic storms was cleared, and the department is moving forward with restorative activities.

The mayor and council commended the department for its hard work regarding the storm cleanup.

Crafton announced the compost facility is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 31 and will accept all limbs and yard debris associated with the EF-2 twister that rocked the city last Saturday.

"Storm debris will be accepted at no charge," the mayor said. "That's lumber, shingles, siding, wood fencing, and other building materials from the affected areas only at no charge for our citizens.

"Standard Operating Procedure though, if you bring a couch up there," he added. "That's not part of the storm."

Crafton said residents should be prepared to offer addresses and signatures stating the debris is in fact, storm-related.

"Any metal from carports and things like that, please take it to a recycling center," the mayor said. "That keeps the weight down for our own.

"We have to pay for each pound that gets dropped off out there," Crafton continued. "So take the metal to a scrapyard, and we'll take everything else that's storm-related, at no charge to our citizens. This is only effective until the end of this month. So you have two weeks to clean your mess and get it out there to the compost facility."

Crafton added that a notice was delivered "to make citizens aware that contractors are arriving to the city," and they must possess city-issued Tradesmen's Licenses to work at Kennett.

"That's at no cost to them whatsoever," Crafton said. "The purpose is to make sure they have the proper insurance.

"So if one of them gets hurt on your property, you're protected," the mayor added. "That's all that's for. There's zero charge to them. We're not getting any money off of this. We don't charge for licenses for our city. That's just to protect our citizens. I just wanted to clear up a few things I've heard around in the public."

The mayor commended all who worked tenaciously to restore the city after the storms and said the Park Board had completed the necessary steps to see the cleanup through.

"Jones Park will be getting cleaned up soon," Crafton reported. "They (the Park Board) went through all the proper procedures and received three bids.

"The Park Board will take care of that real soon," the mayor continued. "I just wanted to give everybody a heads-up on it."

In other business the council:

After some fiery conversation, approved in a 7-3 vote a three-year contract to consolidate the Kennett Police Dept. dispatch center with the county's 911 office. One dispatcher will remain at KPD, while three colleagues will work from the county 911 office. The immediate front entrance to KPD will remain open. However, the secondary doors will lock after hours. A camera will be installed, a phone made available in the vestibule between the two entrances, and people who report to the PD during after-hours emergencies will be patched directly to 911. The move amends the $401,000 annual cost to operate the system to $250,000, the remaining $151,000 will be placed in the KPD budget. McVey reviewed and approved the contract's legal parameters. The move should be completed in the next six to eight weeks.

Heard from Health Insurance Committee Chair Ward 1 Councilor Lisa Dry, who told the council the committee's recommendations will be announced at the next council meeting.

After two readings by McVey, voted unanimously to rezone 301 and 303 E. 6th St.

Heard a report about the Dunklin County Museum work from Ward 1 Councilor Randy Carter. The councilman told the council that all replacement windows earmarked for the project were fabricated by Ace Glass of Blytheville for $22,303 and delivered. Bids were let for vendors to supply three mini-split heating and air units for the museum, which is included on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Approved unanimously a request for authorization for the Airport Board for $40,000 to fund the construction of four new aircraft hangars constructed by Zoellner Construction of Perryville. The construction cost is covered partially by grants.

Voted unanimously to release tax liens and abatement fees of $3,150 at a rate of $50 monthly for 63 months for a property at 808 N. Jackson St. The request was submitted by Carolyn Ellis, who will pay a $25 lien release fee.

Heard from Kennett Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christian Johnson, who told the council the chamber received an application from the Kennett Jaycees for $5,000 to advertise the annual Barbecue Cookoff and Carnival. The funds will be deducted from the city tourism tax fund for radio, newspaper, and billboard advertising. The council approved unanimously.

The Kennett City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of every month in the council chamber a Kennett City Hall, 200 Cedar St., Kennett.

The public is encouraged to attend.