WS City Council Passes Three Ordinances

The Willow Springs Board of Aldermen met in regular session March 31, ultimately passing three ordinances. 

Bryan D. Hogan from the city's water and sewer department addressed the council about the changes made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the amount of lead and copper allowed in water lines, reducing the percentage from 8% to 0.25%. Revision of the city ordinance would mirror current EPA and DNR regulations. 

Ordinance No. 1577 amending Chapter 705 of the Willow Springs Municipal Code passed unanimously. Moving on, City Clerk Heather Duddridge informed the Board of Aldermen that Missouri laws have changed regarding the hours for sale of alcohol and that a change in the City's Ordinance would mirror those changes.

Sales of liquor on Sundays is defined as sales taking place from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday through 1:30 a.m. on Monday. Previously, the ordinance defined it as 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

Ordinance No. 1578 amending Chapter 600 of the Willow Springs Municipal Code passed unanimously. Next, City Clerk Heather Duddridge described the process of notifying businesses to renew their business licenses. Where necessary, Duddridge mailed three separate notices to businesses regarding renewals. Despite those efforts, Duddridge explained that one business has failed to renew their 2022 business license and has made no effort to contact City Hall regarding renewal.

After review of the ordinance and brief discussion, Council advised Duddridge to proceed with a written letter for personal service by Police Chief Bryan Hogan, giving that business a specific amount of time to renew their license prior to taking further action.

City Administrator Beverly Hicks confirmed the city is "sure" the business is still in operation. She also confirmed that the sales tax revenue this business generates is "small."

Hicks briefly discussed home-based businesses becoming more common in town.  Council received sample ordinances from the City of West Plains, City of Union, and Village of Four Seasons for consideration and further discussion at future meetings. There was no action taken by Council regarding home-based businesses.

Hicks gave an update on the city's energy purchasing collective. Twelve cities formed the MMMPEP group in 2013 to collectively purchase power from multiple power sources, having a joint contract with the Missouri Public Utility Alliance's (MPUA) Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC). In 2018, the group added Mountain View as the thirteenth city and approved a 10-year contract extension to 2028. Hicks stated that contract terms with some of their suppliers are up prior to 2028.

The MMMPEP group believes that it would be beneficial to amend the current contract to add more renewable energy to the portfolio of power suppliers, along with generation asset ownership. Hicks concluded that with the projected timeline, an MPUA representative will be attending a council meeting in the summer for education on the new contracts, obtain council approval, and address public comments.

In addition to the MMMPEP discussion, Hicks also informed Council that the city received a $30,000.00 credit to the 2021 Storm Event Relief Repayment Schedule after continued true-ups were calculated.

This update was for information only. No action was taken. 

As a last item of business, Hicks presented Council with an ordinance regarding the conveyance of the former MoDOT buildings to the City of Willow Springs. The city's lease with MoDot expired March 31, but the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) approved the conveyance of those buildings to the city at their March 1, 2022 meeting. 

Hicks added that the school district is still planning to maintain one of the buildings and once contracts are signed, surveying and discussion of plans will begin. She also added that MHTC has waived $490,000.00 for conveyance due to the expenses paid by the city during their lease term to maintain the buildings.

Ordinance No. 1579 authorizing Mayor Brooke Fair to execute a contract for conveyance of the real estate passed unanimously. 

In lieu of a traditional motion to adjourn, outgoing Alderwoman Susan Rackley made a "motion for cupcakes," and the assembly adjourned to enjoy cupcakes, soda, and coffee in recognition of her 18 years of service on the Board of Alderman as well as Alderman Troy Yonker's ten years of service as alderman.