Steele City Council discusses flooding

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

The Steele City Council met in regular session Monday, July 10. First on the agenda, the council passed a motion to pay the month’s bills in the amount of $77,111.40.

Next, Mayor Keith Samford explained to the aldermen that Morning Star Baptist Church had contacted him. “There used to be a road right there in the center of that cemetery. The road has collapsed, so the graves on the right side of the cemetery are flooding, because the water can’t get over to the ditch,” he stated. “They were wanting to know if they bought the culvert, could the city put it in or could they give the city some money to put it in?” The city passed a motion to put in an older plastic culvert at the cemetery with the condition that no one drive over the culvert. The work will be done in the next two weeks. The aldermen also passed a motion to pave Coil Street, while working on the cemetery.

Mayor Samford said state membership fees for the court was due. Council agreed to pay the $85 dues.

Carolyn Davis, community health worker of Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium Inc. (MBRC), was present to talk about MBRC and ask the council if they would be willing to let her use the community center two times a year for a couple of hours each time. After much discussion, the council agreed to allow Ms. Davis to use the facility. More information about the program can be found at www.mbrcinc.org .

Robinson Gym, a gymnasium in the old cotton warehouse, has asked if they can be put on the city’s sewer system. “They are not within city limits, but they have a city meter out there,” explained Mayor Samford. “They turned the old cotton warehouse into a gymnasium. They were wondering if they could get on our sewer system, and maybe pay an extra sewer rate and a fee on top of that.” No decision was made.

The water truck needs four new tires. “I talked to Mike Hicks, and he said we can buy Bridgestone tires for $500 apiece or an off brand for $185 apiece. He needs at least four. He said there is really no difference in the tires, just the name.” Council agreed to buy the tires for $185 apiece.

Aldermen passed a motion to allow a fireworks display to be put on July 15, since rain cancelled the one on the Fourth. They also passed a motion to send Kevin Hopkins to the Police Academy that begins Aug. 7. Mayor Samford made the aldermen aware of the overtime the Steele Police Department was working.

An ordinance on making the possession of chickens legal was read. The ordinance was not adopted.

Council passed a motion to adjust Keith Carter’s water bill in the amount of $101.43. He had a leak in his hot water heater, and it is now fixed.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Steele City Council will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7.