Sweet Springs receiving fewer responses to income survey than needed

Stephanie Ross of Midwest Assistance Program Inc. was present at the Monday, June 8, meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen where she discussed the responses to the income survey that the city has received.

The income survey responses will be used to qualify for grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Community Development Block Grant program.

Mayor Ray Kinney asked Ross if the 80-percent return rate the city is seeking is too high. Ross responded that a participation rate of 80 percent is required in order to receive funding.

The board is seeking this funding to make improvements to the wastewater system mandated by Missouri Department of Natural Resources. If these improvements are not made, DNR will take over operation of the wastewater system.

Alderman Jim Lindemann said the return rate is low because people do not want their personal information to be made public. Ross responded that the information will be kept confidential and added that she is the only one with control numbers, meaning only she would be able to connect responses with the respondents' addresses.

During Superintendent of Public Works Douglas Haesemeyer's address to the board, he recommended that the board change the length of breaks city employees take from two 20-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch break to two 10-minute breaks and the 30-minute lunch break. Following some discussion by board members, a motion to institute those changes was made and passed.

Haesemeyer also spoke about the state of several residents' yards, saying some have appliances in their yards, some have tall weeds, and some have other problems.

Kinney said he has been working on compiling a list. Letters will be sent to owners of poorly cared-for property, and if cleanup of a property does not occur, workers from Haesemeyer's department will clean the area and property owners will be charged for the labor.

The board also discussed the need for repair and repaving of several roads, including Union Street, Grant Street and Lexington Avenue. The board moved to seek bids for work on one block of Union Street and all of Grant Street. The motion passed. The board will look into the possibility of applying for a grant to repair Lexington Avenue.

A list of unused materials and equipment was discussed by the board, and it was decided that the board would put out a bid to sell the items on this list.

The new fire truck purchased by Sweet Springs Inc. and leased to the City of Sweet Springs has arrived, and the fire department is getting it set up for use.

The board will seek a grant to construct a new fire station. According to unofficial minutes, members of the volunteer fire department would like the new drive-through building to be 80 feet by 90 feet, have three bays, an area for offices, meetings, a living area, a kitchen, a generator, restrooms, showers and sprinklers. The estimated cost of this building is $480,000.

The 1971 Chevrolet fire truck that had been in use by Sweet Springs firefighters will be put up for sale. Because the pumps cannot be certified, the truck cannot be sold to a fire department.

Kinney appointed Nancy Eckhoff to the hospital board.

Kinney reminded those present that the city's trash hauling contract expires Aug. 1. The city is taking bids for a new contract, which may include recycling options. This matter will be discussed at the next board meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, at 324 S. Miller St.

Besides Kinney and Lindemann, Aldermen Shelly Schlichting and Lewis Bybee were present. Only Alderman Billie Clevenger was not present for the meeting.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net