Oronogo City Clerk Cyndi Jennings holds a certificate awarded to her by fellow members of the Missouri City Clerk’s and Finance Officers Association on Monday during the Board of Aldermen meeting. Jennings’ training through the organization and her years of experience have earned her certification as a Continuing MO Registered City Clerk. Fellow MoCCFOA members attending the meeting were Carl Junction City Clerk Alaina Wright, Pineville City Clerk Melissa Ziemianin, and Assistant Pineville City Clerk Sylvia Deering.

Water trapping roof above Oronogo City Hall replaced

The job of reroofing Oronogo City Hall is expected to be completed this week.

Mayor Charles Wilkins reported that tearing off the old roof revealed a lot of water trapped between layers. It smelled pretty bad, he said.

Romesburg Construction, the contractor with a bid of $33,779, is also replacing the decorative mansard roof.

City Clerk Cyndi Jennings reported a “ridiculous” natural gas cost being passed on to customers this month. At $10.25 per dekatherm, she said this is the “highest we have ever had to bill.” 

The municipal natural gas system is in the process of being sold to Spire, which passes on the price of gas less frequently.

Tony Cantrell, superintendent of public works, reported that water usage is high because the drought is causing customers to water their lawns and gardens more. He said the average monthly household use now is 5,000 gallons, with some more than 70,000 gallons.

His crew has trimmed, mulched and picked up 12 large loads of tree limbs and brush that have blocked signs, alleys and line of sight at intersections.

Police Chief Steven Weaver reported that three of his officers, Michael Weston, Derrick Richards and Hollis Cady, recently attended a hands-on active shooter training session at Jasper High School.

In other action, the board:

  • Approved the purchase and installation of a new pump from Alliance Pump & Mechanical Service for $15,784.
  • Approved the purchase and installation of a new snow plow and associated equipment, along with a salt spreader, on the city’s new truck for $11,150.
  • At the suggestion of City Attorney Derek Snyder, voted to change all permit applications by putting in bold letters the stipulation that the building inspector can be expected to visit the site at any time, not just when requested by the contractor for an inspection. Permit applications include those for buildings, fences, swimming pools, storm shelters and solar panels.
  • Discussed a proposed ordinance determining that after the Hawthorn Hills subdivision is 80% finished the city, not the homeowners association, will maintain correct operation of the detention pond. The HOA will be responsible for mowing around the edge. A similar ordinance was passed for the Greystone II detention pond.