Miami City Council accepts resignation of city clerk, bid for snow removal

The Miami City Council received only one bid for snow removal, reported Mayor John Bakert.

That bid came from Eddie Taylor, who said he would charge $55 per hour, with a minimum of $27.50 for any work done. These payments will be deducted from a $500 nonrefundable advance, and if the advance becomes exhausted, the city would make additional payments at that time.

Council member Dave Arends moved to accept Taylor's bid, and member Donna Hirt seconded. Member Chris Taylor abstained, and all others present voted in favor of accepting the bid.

Water Superintendent Gary Taylor told the council about a pickup truck, along with a nine-kilowatt generator, available for free through the Missouri Department of Conservation for use as a fire truck, saying that although the city would have to paint the truck, "after one year, it'll be ours," unlike the city's current truck, which still belongs to MDC.

The council voted to solicit bids for a computer for use in the water department building.

Council members discussed sidewalk and ditch repairs to a section of High Street, but the issue was tabled until the next meeting.

Members also spoke about the sign near the intersection of state Highway 41 and South High Street that welcomes visitors and residents to the town, stating their desire to replace it. The issue was tabled.

Santa Claus will be at the Community Center Monday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m., and will be at Miami School the same day, reported Bakert. Though Santa will not be paid for his time, the Miami city government will make a $50 donation to his preferred charity, Habitat for Humanity.

The city will host a community carry-in dinner Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m. in the Miami Community Center. Turkey and drinks will be provided, said Bakert.

Liz Elson was present at the meeting as a visitor, and spoke about the shooting of a stray dog about which she learned earlier in the evening.

Her husband had taken it upon himself to ensure food was made available to the dog, said Elson, and on Tuesday, Nov. 10, she received a call from someone she stated was present at the meeting Wednesday night informing her that he or she had been bitten by this dog. Elson declined to give the caller's name.

Elson said she planned to go to the Saline County Sheriff's Department with this information.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Miami Community Center.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net