Knox County Smokebusters Addresses City Council

Knox County Smokebusters Addresses City Council

By Beth Hunolt
 
At 7 pm, Edina Mayor Davey Stickler, called to order the August 10th, meeting of the Edina City Council.
Margaret Gibson read aloud the minutes from the July meeting. Then the Treasurer and Collector’s reports were given and approved by the board.
The Knox County Smoke busters’ representatives, Carrie and Katie, along with sponsor Cindy Gunter, were given the floor to address the board. They informed their audience about the effects of smoking on a community level, they stated, if one percent of Missouri smokers were to quit, the state would save an estimated $30 million in health care, and that Missouri is populated with the most smokers in the nation. In Knox County 72.7 percent of the population smokes. The Smoke busters have been going around town convincing local businesses to sign a document committing to a smoke free environment for their establishment.  That day alone, four businesses committed to the promise of a smoke free environment.
The Board then opened the floor to the citizens of Edina for comments. A citizen came forward
to comment on the care of Betty Hines property. She stated that after an initial clean up of the said property by Mrs. Hines of the city; she and her husband would continue to mow Mrs. Hines lawn for her since she is physically and financially unable to do so.
Another troubled citizen was given the floor, he addressed the board about the over usage of the city’s property for personal use, and asks the board to keep better track of the city employee’s hours. He continues to say that some of the public’s employees are not concerned with upholding their public duties, but rather upholding their personal duties.  He urged the board to govern those who are governing, and set up some sort of checks and balance system to make sure the city employees are earning the taxpayer’s money.
Ron McCauley  then informed the board on a previous matter and said he needs more time to get the other property holders  signatures, the board agreed to his plea.
The next item on the agenda was building permits. The city approved two new building permits. Nelda Kingsley of 505 North Second Street was permitted to build a new 12’ x 15’ deck on her property, and Shirley Harbur of 601 East Jackson Street was approved to build a 18’ x 33’ carport.
The department reports were given next and Greg Idle stated that everything was well in his department. Then Mike Wright was given the floor to speak on behalf of the water and sewer department. He stated that there is no more blockage in the ditches of Edina and has proposed to fix the ditches of the following streets to prevent the roads from becoming too wet and destroying themselves; E. North St, N. Campbell St, E. Smallwood, E. Jackson St., N. McCauley St., N. 6th St., E. Monticello St., E. Morgan St., S. Main St., E. Reid St. N. 2nd St., W. Clay St., N. Baker St., and Broadway will be re-laid and resealed. He continued to say that the city streets would last an estimated three years longer if they were able to be treated.
Next the board discussed the issues brought to their attention. It was then decided that Mayor Strickler would set up a time for the board to meet with Jo Fourtney, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for the proposed Tax Rate Hearing and a possible ATT settlement arranged for August 24th at 7:00 pm at the Edina City Hall.
Tom Morgert then informed the other board members that the concrete job done to the firehouse in Edina, saved the city approximately $3000, thanks to GAMM Inc.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:15 pm by Mayor Davey Strickler and seconded by Albert Hagerla.