City extends solid waste contract for year

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by Mark Cheffey

The Palmyra City Council Thursday extend the city’s solid waste disposal contract, voted to switch internet providers and agreed to lease the fairgrounds for this year’s Marion County Fair.

The council also approved the mayor’s committee and board appointments and voted to allow the Board of Public Works to purchase two new pickup trucks through the state bid process.

The council voted 5-0 in favor of extending the current solid waste pickup and disposal contract for an additional year through Area Disposal.

The extension, which starts Sept. 1 and goes through Aug. 31 of next year, is contingent on Area Disposal solving some recent issues with trash pickup.

The vote was also 5-0 in favor of entering an agreement with Chariton Valley to provide internet to city hall. The city will also pay $630.43 to Insight Public Sector for equipment and assistance with the change in internet service.

City Clerk Deena Parsons said the change in internet provider comes with cost savings and higher speeds and reliability

The city will also enter into a three-year lease for firewall equipment. 

A 5-0 vote also approved a lease agreement with the Palmyra Chamber of Commerce for use of the fairgrounds during the Marion County Fair, July 31 through Aug. 7 at a cost of $2,000. 

Prior to Thursday’s meeting, the council met in special session April 27, both in person and remotely, and voted to upgrade the street department’s end loader at a cost of $80,000 through Martin Equipment and finance it over four years.

The council voted 5-0 Thursday to accept a bid of $1,850 from David Juette, of Juette Brothers, to purchase a 1983 Chevrolet dump truck from the street department.

It was also voted 5-0 in favor of a resolution adopting the Marion County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as presented by the Mark Twain Council of Governments.

Following the recommendation of the Board of Public Works, the council voted 5-0 in favor of awarding Lake Construction, the lift station for a sewer project at 917 South Main Street at a cost of $36,350.

Also approved was the BPW’s purchase of a Ford F-150 crew cab pickup truck for the water plant at a cost of $32,997 and a Ford F-150 super cab for the sewer plant at  cost of $27,270.

Both purchases were from Lovegreen Motors through the state bid process.

The council heard the first reading of an ordinance regarding regulation of non-owner-occupied dwellings.

The ordinance is expected to be approved following a second reading during the upcoming May 20 council meeting.

The council voted 5-0 in favor of the mayor’s appointments which included:

Al Durand to a four-year term on the Board of Public Works;

Jeff Cissna, Chad Englehardt and Stacy Richards to three-year terms on the Parks & Recreation Board;

Darrell Comstock to a five-year term on the Board of Adjustments; and

Charles Erwin, Jim Bross, Ken Sheputis, Tav Brown and Tommy Hendren to four-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Committee.

The council continued to discussed a revised agreement with Greenwood Cemetery Board concerning the city’s obligations to help with upkeep of Greenwood Cemetery as well as the Palmyra Cemetery.

The issue was tabled until the May 20 meeting so that more information could be obtained concerning the costs of mowing and weed control.

Also up for discussion was a proposed boost in the city’s general business license fee.

City Attorney James Lemons told the council it will have to document rising costs to justify raising the fee, which has been set at $10 annually for the past 45 years.

Josh Mitchell addressed the council to complain about being ticketed for dog barking, despite his dog being inside.

City Attorney James Lemons recommended Mitchell appear in court in his own defense in the future.

Austin Dornberger, street superintendent, reported his crews have been busy pouring concrete, repairing streets and  mowing and weed cutting around the city.

Police Chief Eddie Bogue reported the original goal of raising $10,000 for a new D.A.R.E. car had been reached and that he was hopeful the total amount needed for the vehicle could be raised through local donations.

BPW Superintendent Brent Abell reported work on pole attachment fees, understanding services to annexed property and GIS mapping for the electrical system.

He also reported his department is ordering a replacement decorative light pole for one damaged in a recent traffic crash.

He also said the BPW had voted to move ahead with needed repairs to two of the city’s water wells.