Unemptied trash carts are a lingering symptom of the snow storm

Last week’s two-day snow storm wasn’t a record-breaker, but it was enough to disrupt the trash pickup schedule in Webb City – enough so that trucks couldn’t catch up like they would after a one-day snow.

There’s no catching up. And there’s no refund, although some residents have called City Hall to say there should be one.

Here’s what to do now:

Wheel your cart to the curb on your regular day. If you have more than will fit in your cart, leave it in a bag next to the cart.

Someone in the truck will jump out and pick up the bag.

The street department and other employees who worked extra hours to keep the streets safe and clear during and after the snowstorm were praised Monday by the Webb City Council.

Gina Monson (2nd Ward) held the gavel during the short meeting as acting mayor pro tem in the absence of Mayor Lynn Ragsdale and Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Fisher.

The council approved both readings of an ordinance rezoning 515 N. Main St. from commercial to residential. Gary Highfill, who renovated the existing house on the lot, said closing on the sale of the house was delayed back in January when the zoning mismatch was discovered. That’s why there were both readings on the same night.

Tax liens on nine properties are on a list included with a council bill that was approved on first reading. The liens are a way for the city to eventually recover fees for special services, such as $150 up to four times a year for mowing or as in one case, $5,100 to demolish a house. They will be paid when the properties are sold, if not sooner.

The 2024 liens total $21,400. That doesn’t include $5,867 in previous liens (2021-2013) that have built up for one house.

Police Chief Don Melton’s recommendation to accept a $33,711 Jasper County Law Enforcement Sales Tax grant was approved. The money will be used to outfit three new police vehicles.

The council also approved Melton’s recommendation to apply for a $736,724 grant from the Division of Highway Safety for DWI saturation patrols (Wolfpacks), hazardous moving violation enforcement and enforcement equipment. If the grant is received, the city agrees to match the grant up to 50% of the amount. That match would be included in the next fiscal-year budget.

City Administrator Carl Francis noted in his report that the new digital sign at the Webb City Senior Citizens Center has been installed. The $30,000 cost was shared by the city, which also expects to use it for announcements.