Cole Camp’s City Council held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21 with a full council present. Following the routine approval of minutes, bills and financials, Public Works Director Heath Roark presented the council with three rough quotes for the construction of a storage building for his department. It was decided to pursue this further when the council begins holding budget meetings for the various departments.
LAGERS was tabled until a representative is on hand to explain the details of the program.
The council held a first and second reading by title only of Bill No. 2024-13 to extend the current street tax which will be on the April 2025 ballot. This will extend the tax at the current rate. It passed to become Ordinance 569.
Updates on grants: Nothing new or changed on Butterfield Park equipment, the cultural study is back but nothing more. It is believed construction is to begin on the North Maple Street sidewalks in April or May 2025, with assurances they will be completed by the Cole Camp Fair in September.
The city finally received the 2023 audit back. It is a clear, clean audit. Some minor issues were addressed but nothing different than from before.
There was a first and second reading by title only of Bill No. 2024-12 for zoning changes for James and Nancy Theisen property. It was changed from R-1 to A-1 and became Ordinance 568. The property is on Cash Lane behind Oak Street.
Bill No. 2024-14 had a first and second reading by title only to become Ordinance 570 and establishes the city hall office will no longer be open on Saturday mornings.
The council is studying what the rate increase will be on the water and sewer. It has been twelve years since it has been adjusted. It is strongly suggested by state agencies they be adjusted every six years.
Planning and Zoning will hold meetings on November 26 and again in December. They are considering a complete overhaul of the ordinances.
Dave Locke brought the subject of the Comprehensive Steering Committee to the floor. City attorney, Nathan Nicholaus stated, ”This is the Planning side of Planning and Zoning. It will show how Cole Camp should look sometime in the future. It includes infrastructure of sidewalks and streets.” He concluded, “State statues say we need a Comprehensive Steering Committee.”
Public Works Heath Roark said the City Hall window project is completed. Councilman Locke asked, “When are you finally finishing the Spring Street sidewalks?” Heath responded, “Hopefully next week. I’ve been called off to prepare for Christbaumfest.”
The Police Chief “The temporary Stop signs have been blowing over at North Maple and Junge Street. They have been removed for safety's sake. “
The City Clerk announced the city’s Christmas dinner will be on December 2. Dawn reported she had looked up about the library fund. The library fund is in the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the money can be paid out for roof repairs. The funds are designated for the library. City Clerk, Dawn and Linda Allcorn with Boonslick Library would need to sign off on it.
For upcoming meetings, check on the city’s website or postings on front of City Hall.
