City hopes strong odor problem can be taken care of soon

The mysterious oder that has been floating into Carterville and Webb City wasn’t addressed Monday by the Webb City Council – other than to say it’s being investigated and may involve legal action.

“There could be some legal issues, so we’re not going to discuss it (the odor),” said Mayor Lynn Ragsdale. He added, “We’re getting to the source of it.”

City Administrator Carl Francis reported several staff members have been “very focused on finding the source of the strong odor that has plagued our city for the past few weeks. We feel we are getting closer to narrowing the source and have had strong discussions with the Department of Natural Resources. We will keep you informed of our progress and hope this is taken care of very soon.”

The general theory is that the odor is coming from a material being spread on land that is southeast of the interchange where 249 and 171 highways meet.

In other action, the council:

• Approved a $6,308 bid from Overhead Door to install an ADA compliant door openers at City Hall.

• Approved a bid of $12,792 from Pryor Track & Hoe Co. to make repairs on the streetcar track in King Jack Park. The track is inspected and maintained annually.

• Learned from Ragsdale that city board members Deb and Gary White have moved out of the city. Ragsdale’s appointment of Flint Spencer was to complete Deb White’s term on the Library Board was approved. Gary White’s seat on the Center Creek 201 Wastewater Treatment Board is open.