Bob Foos
Webb City Council members on Monday appeared poised to approve an ordinance to extend the fireworks sales period by four days.
But then Jerry Fisher (3rd Ward), who cast the lone vote against accepting the bill on first reading, spoke up.
He argued 80% of the purchases will be made on July 4 anyway. He argued that Fire Chief Andrew Roughton “doesn’t want this.” He pointed out only one person has asked for the extension. “Others may not want to sell that long,” he said, because it increases the cost of sales. He explained that somebody has to be there 24 hours a day for safety reasons.
Roughton acknowledged a problem last year when one group started selling too early and he pulled their permit. “We keep it fair for those who abide by the rules,” he said.
Since the first reading passed 5-1, city staff checked to see when other cities allow fireworks sales to begin.
Mayor Lynn Ragsdale concluded the city’s sales period of July 1 – 4 is pretty much in line with the others.
This time the vote was 7 against the ordinance, with 1 abstension.
City Clerk Kim DeMoss took a picture of the tally board because a column of red lights – not one green light – is rare.
“I don’t want to hear any boasting, Jerry” Ragsdale joked with Fisher.
The council approved a $598,797 contract with Emery Sapp Construction to construct the sidewalk on East Street.
City Administrator Carl Francis successfully applied for the Missouri Department of Transportation to provide a grant for the project.
The state will pay $312,000, leaving the city’s cost at $286,797.
Francis reported that engineering is complete and that the Emery Sapp bid was the lowest of two opened on May 1.
The sidewalk will go north from the roundabout on the east and west sides of East Street up to the end of Atwoods’ property. It will continue on the east side to Daugherty Street.
At Daugherty Street, it will go west on both sides past Tee Time. Then it will continue on the north side of Daugherty to join the sidewalk adjacent to Cardinal Scale Mfg.
The council approved summer paving cost estimates from Blevins Asphalt Construction that total $1,179,437.
Two of the largest projects are paving The W Club parking lot ($122,920) and a soccer field lot ($109,003).
Milling and paving Fourth Street between Main and Jefferson streets will be the most expensive street project, estimated at $135,362.
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In other action:
The annual budgeted 2% cost of living adjustment for all city employees was approved.
Several mayoral appointments were approved:
• Library board: Hilary McCaw, reappointed to a three-year term; Jennifer Hurt and Brook Shaver, new three-year terms.
• Planning and Zoning: Melissa Annis reappointed to a four-year term.
• Board of Adjustments: Clyde Thornburgh, reappointed to a five-year term.
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