Members of the Cabool City Council approved a new bike park and discussed improvements to the area during a meeting on Monday, April 15.
Ron Scheets, administrator, reported city departments have been busy working on preparing for ball games, spring clean up and fixing a 15-foot section of 10-inch main water pipe that broke at Cedar and Second streets. He also stated that the city is looking into a turning lane on Ozark from the YMCA to Highway 181, and at getting Ronnie Collins’ property condemned.
Scheets said the YMCA is looking to purchase two new diving boards, for approximately $6,000. The city pool diving boards might also need replaced at approximately $3,000 each.
A resident reached out to him about changing the name of Market Street to Airport Road due to people having issues finding the street.
Scheets reported that two city employees will be retiring soon and that the city has trained replacements. He also made the council aware of new area residents who have approximately 20 dogs. They were required to apply for a kennel license.
Ryan Wood, Cabool Bikes, presented a request to use a parcel of property owned by the city near Bluebird Road for cycling programs. The board unanimously approved the use of the property for a bike park, pending the proper waivers being received and insurance requirements being met.
Wood stated that the city should use its recent half-cent sales tax to station a police officer at the Roberts Parks restrooms to have them open to the public.
“There will not be an officer there,” said Police Chief Jerald Sigman. “A half-cent sales tax isn’t going to hire more officers to put in that park all day.”
Wood also proposed that the city allocate advertising funds to support a local newspaper in the range of $20,000 yearly. Alderman John Williams stated that he would not be in favor of the allocation. Wood went on to state that a large portion of Cabool is not being represented, citing low election turnout. He also believed that Mayor Danny Cannon and Fire Chief Brent Honeycutt owed James Gray an apology for comments made on Facebook.
Wood requested that the following items be on the agenda for the board’s next meeting: ramps at Gateway Park be made ADA compliant, ramps on the north side of Main and Cedar be made ADA compliant, opening the restrooms at Roberts Park, a bike park and a city donation to the local newspaper in the amount of $20,000.
In other matters:
- Debbie Stoutenborough stated that she will continue to come to city council meetings until she gets an answer on junk vehicles around town. Scheets stated that letters have been sent to residents, and some progress has been made.
- Kate Ellison, Ward I; John Williams, Ward II; and Danny Cannon, mayor; were sworn into office. All were incumbents.
- Brad Ellsworth thanked several city officials for their work in the community.
- The YMCA and Cabool Historical Society provided written reports.
- Kinley Pruitt, chamber, gave a positive update on chamber meetings and events. Pruitt stated that the chamber has simplified its two bank accounts to one. She also stated that it will soon operate out of an office at Western Dairy Transport.
- Scheets reported that the Cabool Development Foundation met the morning of April 15. The group is looking to grow and has taken on some microloans. The group would like to shift its focus to retail.
- Alderman John Roberts asked about the junk around the property at 328 Summit St. Scheets stated that he believed the property had been purchased to be remodeled. Roberts, and other council members, expressed interest in a city Facebook page.
- Alderwoman Kate Ellison presented a complaint about cat feces on ballfields. The city will look into the matter.
- Alderman Williams asked for an inspection of 825 Main St. He stated that the porch is falling and the roof has holes.
- Alderman John Mark Hale publicly thanked Stacy Monter and Clayton Steelman for their work at Roberts Park. He also thanked the street department for their efforts on the parking lot.
- The board unanimously approved the following appointments: Conway Hawn, attorney; Jason MacPherson, prosecuting attorney; Rizwan Ahad, municipal judge; Scheets, administrator; Kim Elliott, clerk; Honeycutt, fire chief; Cleea Walls and Tom Whittaker, board of adjustment.
The next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 20.