Limb yard at treatment plant is full; commercial operators will have to go elsewhere after Jan. 1

Commercial tree cutters will have to find someplace else to dispose of the trees besides the Center Creek 201 Wastewater Treatment Plant after the first of the year.

City Administrator Carl Francis announced the new policy Monday during the Webb City Council meeting.

The reason is, he said, “We are flat running out of space.” Piles of shredded trees are up to 40 feet tall along the road leading to the treatment plant.

In the beginning of the effort to combine sludge with ground-up wood chips and manure or food waste to create compost, commercial operations were encouraged to bring the trees they cut down to the site.

“It was good when we started composting,” Francis said. But now there are even tree cutters from out of state coming here to dump their trees.

Creating the compost has been a success, but Francis says there is enough wood right now to last for 10 years.

He cited the threat of fire and wear and tear on the shredding equipment as other reasons for shutting down the site to corporations.

A sign will be posted alerting the commercial operators that they will no longer to be able to dump trees at the site after Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, Francis said he is trying to convince the EPA to purchase more of the compost to cover remediated mine land. And he recommends giving away loads of wood chips for such uses an covering playgrounds.

New digital technology contractor approved to improve cybersecurity 

The Council approved the staff’s recommendation to switch internet technology firms by contracting with Stronghold Data.

Of particular concern are protections against cybersecurity threats. He said he is impressed by the Stronghold Data representatives’ expertise and proactive approach to safeguarding the city. In addition to being a full-time local provider addressing immediate needs, he said Stronghold will provide consultation regarding future needs.

The current provider, IT Managed Services, was switching to only billing by the hour, and Francis said the technician currently working with the city will no longer be available.

Avion Bryant, IT director for Stronghold Data, was present to explain his firm’s services and answer questions.

The cost for managed care will increase from $5,600 to $7,332 per month. Stronghold Data will also migrate data from the city’s outdated email server to one with Microsoft 365 for a monthly fee of $972.

Further engineering for East Street sidewalk approved

The council approved Francis’ recommendation to contract with OWN Inc., of Carthage, for construction engineering of the East Street sidewalk project at a cost of $52,148.

Preliminary design engineering is complete and awaiting approval by the Missouri Department of Transportation, which is paying 75% of the entire project.

After MoDOT approves the preliminary engineering, OWN will prepare specifications to go out for bid by contractors. OWN will also monitor construction for the city.

The sidewalk will be constructed on the East side of East Street from the roundabout north to Daugherty Street and then west to meet the sidewalk at Cardinal Scales.

A sidewalk will also be constructed in front of Atwoods as part of the same project.

Francis estimated construction will begin in March. The council has budgeted $608,000 for the project and expects to be reimbursed for 75% of that. Counting other associated costs, Francis said the city will be getting the project done for about $200,000.

In other action, the council:

• Approved the budgeted purchase of a ditch bucket for the CAT backhoe from Fabick CAT for $3,079.

• Approved the budgeted purchase of a new track loader at a cost of $81,104 from Fabick CAT.

• Approved the budgeted purchase of a snow pusher for the new track loader at a cost of $3,870 from Fabick CAT.

• Approved the budgeted replacement of the outdated SCADA (water system control) computer and software with new versions from Automated Control Solutions at a cost of $28,943.

• Allowed the fire department to renew its ESO Solutions software for a variety of management tasks at an annual cost of $9,315.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale reminded residents that the leaf pickup program will start Monday as the vacuum crew makes its way across the city. Leaves are to be piled at the curb – but not in the gutter.