Bob Foos
The Webb City Council on Monday took a step toward the continuation of serving meals at the Webb City Senior Citizens Center.
A $6,011 payment was approved to purchase the dishwasher and storage unit at the Webb City Senior Citizens Center. City Administrator said that is the amount still owed on the two items, which were purchased recently by the Area Agency on Aging Region X.
The agency informed the city on March 24 that after 43 years it would cease operating its nutrition site the center, which is owned by the city, on April 10.
The center was closed Monday through Wednesday this week for the agency to remove two reach-in freezers, a convection oven and supplies, along with its office equipment and files.
Volunteers are expected to open the center for activities such as bingo on Thursday.
Mayor Lynn Ragsdale credited Carl Francis, city administrator, for negotiating to keep most of the kitchen equipment, tables and chairs at the center.
The city and Senior Citizens Center Advisory Board will discuss ways to resume serving meals.
Francis said the city can’t afford to retain the three paid employees but might be able to hire a part-time manager to work with volunteers.
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The council reorganized after City Clerk Peggy England swore in the officials reelected on April 7.
Ragsdale took the oath for another four-year term as mayor. The four council members beginning new two-year terms are: Tyler Burgess (1st Ward), Alisa Barroeta (2nd Ward), Jerry Fisher (3rd Ward), and Jim Dawson (4th Ward). All were unopposed on the ballot.
Fisher was unanimously reelected by his peers as mayor pro tem. Gina Monson (2nd Ward) was reappointed by Ragsdale as chairman of the finance committee, which also consists of Andy Queen (1st Ward) and alternate Brad Baker (3rd Ward).
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First reading was approved for two measures regarding the development of a large convenience store on the southwest corner of the roundabout.
Developer Shane Burns owns the 15 parcels that are being combined with one of the council bills.
The second vacates a portion of South Elliott Street.
Both requests were advanced to the council during a special meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 30.
In other action, the council:
• Received an annual update from Roen Procter, manager of the Webb City Farmers Market. Among other things, she said she would like to open a farm store downtown to make produce and other vendor items available all week. David Woodmansee, president of the market board of directors, presented the city with a plaque in appreciation for promoting and supporting the market.
• Received an annual update from Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce. LeeAnn Crider, executive director, noted that traffic along Route 66 is picking up. In fact, she said 20 visitors, including some from South Africa and Germany, had dropped by that day at the chamber office, which doubles as the Route 66 Tourist Information Center.
• Met Corbin Beal, the new recreation manager. He was introduced by his boss, Bryan Waggoner, parks and recreation director.
• Learned that Westrum Leak Detection, a guy on a scooter with a listening device, has again discovered leaks in the water system. Six leaks in the system were found this year, along with 18 in hydrants and service line locations. Francis said the water department will now repair those leaks.
• Was informed by Francis that Crestwood and Rose streets will have to be removed from this year’s paving list because of expected cuts for new water main installations. Golf Road was previously removed because it will need deep milling so the height of new asphalt won’t worsen flooding.
• Approved a $15,000 contract with Rainbow Fireworks to supply and operate a fireworks show on Friday, July 3.
• Accepted a bid of $10,492 from Joplin Supply Co. for three new fire hydrants to replace three that aren’t working right.