Wheels Turning Slowly on Sewer Project and Library Now Closed on Fridays

An update on the city’s sewer repair project was given during the most recent meeting of the Mountain View City Council. “The wheels are turning slowly,” mayor Donnie Pruett told those in attendance when the question was asked. Rural development was given an environmental assessment to continue the process. This allowed the release of $750,000 in grant money for the project. 

An increase of fees for the rental of hangars at the airport was also considered. With a rate at $75 a month, the hangars have been used for storage areas, which is not as intended. A new rate of ten cents per square foot was proposed and discussed by the council and those in attendance. The item was tabled for further discussion in the council’s July meeting, in order to bring the rate per square foot in line with other area airports. 

The council also considered an increase in trash rates. The city has been charging $12 per month and $5 per cubic yard. This rate is the lowest amongst area towns, and has been in place for the past five years. The increase would help to defer the cost of a new garbage truck, which costs the city $34,000 a year. The motion was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting. 

Council member Judi Colter proposed the reduction of hours at the public library as a cost saving measure. The library is currently open to the public 45 hours a week, including limited hours on Saturday. Colter stated that closing even one day a week could help cut costs for the city. After discussion, the decision of trying to close the library on Friday was reached. The move would be on a trial basis. 

A motion to give the mayor the authority to enter a contact for grant administration services with SCOCOG for street and storm water improvements was given first reading. The motion was passed unanimously. 

The council discussed moving city-owned certificates of deposit to West Plains Bank for collateral on financing for a city pool improvement project. After discussion of the move, it was decided to table the measure until the July meeting. 

A measure to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission was heard. The move would save the city time and money. MJMEUC was formed under the Municipal Utility Commission Act to benefit member communities. Approval was given to enter into the agreement.

The purchase of a property at 125 North Elm, which had been donated to the city, was discussed. The roof of the structure at the property has collapsed. An investment group is interested in turning the property into an entertainment facility which would be called Multiplayer. The proposed facility would focus on video gaming and rentals. Another proposal from a local resident was presented that would clean up the property and turn it into a personal garage. While the second proposal still involves cleanup of the property, it would not generate revenue for the city. A proposal to announce that the property was available for development opportunities was agreed upon, and the motion was tabled for further discussion in the July meeting.