Mtn. View City Council Dissolves Golf Course Advisory Board, Passes 2 New Ordinances

     The Mountain View City Council met in regular session Monday, July 13. During the meeting, the council discussed holding two meetings a month to cover the large number of issues they need to address. Until the city ordinance for the meetings is reviewed, the council will hold special meetings on the fourth Monday of each month to cover topics that are not able to be addressed within the regular meetings, which are held on the second Monday of each month.

     In old business, the council voted to change the time limitations of alcohol sales in the city to mirror state regulations. The verbiage of the old ordinance prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages from 12:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. The change approved by the council prohibits the sale of alcohol from 1:30 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. on weekdays, and from 1:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. on Saturdays. Sunday sales of alcohol would still require a Sunday sales license. 

     The council also voted to change the language of regulations for fireworks in the city. The newly approved ordinance serves to better define fireworks in general, and also sets time limits for setting off fireworks. The new ordinance prohibits fireworks being set off between 10:00 P.M. and 10:00 A.M. and during any burn ban that is in effect. Fireworks usage would not be allowed for persons under the age of 17 without adult supervision, and persons using fireworks would have to advise the Mountain View Fire Department of the fireworks being used. Debris from fireworks would have to be collected by the individuals who used the fireworks.

     A contract was approved by the council between the city and the Family Youth Center, with the city providing electric service to the Family Youth Center, as well as maintaining grass cutting and trimming. The services provided by the city would be limited to $7,000 for the year. Mayor Donnie Pruett stated that the Family Youth Center provides a valuable resource for the city’s youth, and that providing the services will help Family Youth Center to continue providing services. 

     More stringent guidelines for yard sales were discussed, with an emphasis on unsightly yard sale signs being left throughout town that are not being taken down after the sale is over. The council discussed a possible permit requirement that would allow them to better enforce guidelines for yard sales. While the permit itself would be free, it would be required, and would also detail the responsibilities of those choosing to have a yard sale. The ordinance could possibly mirror the current ordinance used in Willow Springs. 

     A concerned citizen, Tressa Halstead, spoke to the council about improving sidewalks in the city. Halstead, who uses a walker, stated that uneven sidewalks and a lack of maintenance make it impossible for her to walk on them. The council agreed that the sidewalks need to be handicapped accessible. The city may look into grants for improving the sidewalks, but council members also stated that those grants are sometimes difficult to obtain. 

     In other council business, the Golf Course Advisory Board will be dissolved, following a unanimous vote. The council also voted to resume penalties for late utility bills, after they were waived as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

     Three items were tabled for further discussion, including the possible assignment of an assistant K9 handler and subsequent changes to police office ride-along guidelines, repairs to fencing on the southwest corner of the golf course, and approval of a new city seal. The council presented three possible options for a new city seal and took comments from those in attendance. The Mountain View City Council will meet again, in a special session on July 27.