Homer May
County Reporter
In new business Monday eve, city aldermen approved an ordinance authorizing an annexation of real property into the city's northern limits, subject to approval by city voters at the general municipal election to be held November 7.
The meeting opened at 6:00 PM on Monday, August 7, with Aldermen Rob Coskey, Lou Breshears, Eric Flores, Doug Hedrick and Adam Howe present. Alderman Reba Slavens and Mayor Eddie Simons were absent, and Flores served as Mayor Pro Tem. First actions by the group were to approve the evening's agenda plus July 10 council meeting minutes and okay payment of bills presented.
Visitor Mac Vorce, with the Benton County Enterprise, then presented a proposal to add a Memorial Day parade to the city's annual list of parades. He was approved. Next, Suzie Broderson, with Benton County Community Foundation, reported that the foundation would present $50,000 in grant money to three Benton County 501(c)3 non-profit agencies at a ceremony to be held on October 26 at the Warsaw Community Building. She asked that the city allow the foundation to serve alcohol that evening, a plan which was approved by the group.
Under new business, aldermen approved two ordinances: (1) Amending the 2023 estimated operating budget at six months to reflect ending balances for all funds within the city, and (2) Re-establishing the procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interests and substantial interest for certain municipal officials of the city. This last ordinance saw no change from a previous measure.
The group also approved a resolution to submit a $500,000 TAP Grant application relating to the city's Main Street projects. They then approved submission of a Land Conservation Partnership Grant which would expand the Drake Harbor playground and provide additional parking spaces and restrooms there, with a 50 percent match by the local entity. Luke Johnson, with Warsaw Adventures, talked about bringing five or six rental bikes for use around the Drake Harbor area. He said he has been working with City Administrator Randy Pogue on the idea. Lastyly, Pogue provided updates on the Main Street project and the RAISE Grant project. He said the first, or north side project, was moving into the final design stage and will soon be ready to go out for bid. He added he was still talking with Jefferson City officials about the RAISE Grant.
The open meeting was closed about 6:35 PM to go into executive session.
Visitors are welcomed to the open sessions, which are usually held on 1st and 3rd Monday evenings.
