Big reduction in shut‑offs attributed to automated voice message system

A new automated system that sends voice messages to warn Webb City utilities customers that their service is about to be turned off is reported to be a big success.

City Clerk Kim DeMoss provided results of the system’s inaugural use last week during the  City Council meeting on Monday.

On Monday, April 21, the system sent out voice messages to the phone numbers (land and cell) of 440 customers who were late paying their monthly bill.

These are calls that water clerks were making each month.

DeMoss said she and her staff were astounded by the response. By Tuesday (the next day), 261 customers had either paid their bill or made arrangements to – leaving 179 still in water-shutoff danger.

At a cost of only 10 cents per message, DeMoss said she decided to send out a second message to the to the remaining 179 customers.

Wednesday is shutoff day. By that morning, DeMoss said the list of addresses to shut off had dwindled to 79.

And just before deadline, when staff go out to lock water meters, the number of shutoffs dropped to 64.

“That’s the lowest (number of shutoffs) we’ve ever had – and it saved time,” DeMoss said.

The system records when the messages are answered, which negates a common customer excuse – that they weren’t warned.

The system is a feature included with the utility billing software.

Four-day extension of fireworks sales

The council voted 5-1 to accept first reading of a council bill to add four days on the front end of the fireworks sales period.

If approved on second reading, fireworks may be sold in the city starting June 27 instead of July 1.

One of the annual vendors requested the change during the April 14 council meeting.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale noted that Webb City’s sales period, the shortest in the area, would be the same as others if the bill becomes law.

Brad Baker (3rd Ward) noted that extending the sales period will allow families to make their fireworks purchases on the weekend preceding Friday, July 4. Also, “If they don’t buy here (contributing to sales-tax revenue) they’ll buy somewhere else,” he said.

It was emphasized that the fireworks discharge period will remain the same, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 – 3, and 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

Carl Francis secure as city administrator

Ragsdale addressed a little-known social-media campaign to have Carl Francis fired as city administrator because he doesn’t live in the city.

“I want my city administrator not to live in Webb City,” Ragsdale said. “That way he can never be accused of paving his street.”

Allowing a city administrator to live outside the city “is a really good thing for the community,” Ragsdale said.

In other action, the council:

• Was reminded the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, in conjunction with the Webb City Ministerial Alliance, will be at 8 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Webb City. Ragsdale explained it is not a mistake that the breakfast is not on Thursday, the same as the National Day of Prayer. By having it on Friday, he said legislators will be able to attend.

• Received the annual report of the Webb City Farmers Market from Roen Procter, manager; and David Woodmansee, board president.

• Was reminded the annual curbside Citywide Cleanup will be on the regular pickup schedule the week of May 5 – 9. Residents are allowed to pile anything not hazardous at their curb on their regular trash day. Approved hazardous items can be taken to the Public Works building, 1060 N. Madison St., from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10.

• Approved a resolution of commitment to effective law enforcement and community safety. Police Chief Don Melton said the resolution is a prerequisite to receiving some grant funding.

• Approved the sale of two surplus dump trucks to the only bidder, Nelson Enterprises. The bids were $2,500 for the 2002 GMC dump truck and $1,500 for the 1998 Ford dump truck.

• Approved Blevins Asphalt’s bid to pave The W Club parking lot for $140,000. A soccer field parking lot will also be paved.

• Learned that opening day at the ball fields was canceled by rain, but games should be going in full force on Saturday. The splash pad will open for the season on Saturday.

• Learned that buses are bringing students from area schools to enjoy King Jack Park. Ragsdale noted that about 200 Carl Junction students recently rode Streetcar No. 60 around the park.