Homer May
County Reporter
In new business Monday eve, Warsaw's Board of Aldermen, desiring to protect the public health and safety by establishing reasonable regulations concerning marijuana related businesses and qualifying customer cultivation regarding noise, air quality, neighborhood safety, security, other health and safety concerns, and time, place, and manner of marijuana facility operations, adopted a related ordinance. The ordinance, said to mirror state regulations, regulates how much and where a person can buy recreational marijuana, and stipulates for instance that such sales cannot take place within 1,000 feet of a school or church.
The meeting began at 6 PM with Aldermen Doug Hedrick, Reba Slavens, Eric Flores, Lou Breshears, Adam Howe present. Alderman Rob Coskey was absent. Mayor Eddie Simons presided,; Acting City Clerk Jill Cobb recorded. First business conducted by the group was to approve the evening's agenda and minutes of the group's April 17 meeting, then okay payment of April 15 - May 11 bills.
In early session Ron Cobb, with 911 Dispatch, presented two certificates of appreciation to Police Officer Tony Helms and one certificate to Nikki Haake for their recent actions in serving the public good. Police Chief Sean McCannon then described a proposed May 19 - 20 County Sheriff Auction involving closure of a portion of downtown Washington St., approved by the group. Then Holly Hatzenbuehler, Chair of West Central Association of Realtors, and associate Skeeter Smith, described a proposed car show to help raise money for Benton County School Districts, Lincoln Senior Center, and Harbor Village, to be held 10 AM - 4 PM July 22 at Drake Harbor, Maples Ford, or Bledsoe Ferry Park East. The group was favorable to the proposal, but will study availability of Drake Harbor for the event. The Chair asked that the usual fee be waived, if the event is held at the Harbor.
Also approved were two ordinances: (1) accepting new pay grades and steps for City employees, and (2) enacting regulations from the 2015 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code regarding barriers to be placed in the vicinity of on ground residential pools. The purpose of this measure was to be a little more specific in City regulations. The group also approved two resolutions: (1) accepting a $4,082.50 sole bid by Steve's Pest Control for service in the City's buildings and parks, and (2) expenditure of $12,737. for purchase of body and vehicle cameras for the City's Police Department, following a 50/50 grant by the State's Department of Public Safety.
City Planner Randy Pogue, responded to comments that there was a theft of a city truck and tools from the transportation barn. The vehicle was found after it had been burned on Hannah Avenue. Pogue said that cameras should be purchased to better deal with such events. At Enterprise press time the theft and destruction of the truck was under investigation. The City asks anyone with information to contact them at 660-438-5522.
The open meeting closed about 6:40 PM to go into executive session. Open sessions are usually held on 1st and 3rd Monday eves; visitors are welcome.
