Marble Hill aldermen give tentative approval to Veterans Memorial Wall

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Marble Hill aldermen Monday night gave tentative approval to let the Bollinger County Memorial Wall Committee go ahead with plans to build a veterans' memorial in Railroad Park and to put up a sign indicating that the park will be the memorial's future site.

The committee gave the board of aldermen two diagrams of proposed plans for the memorial. Spokeswoman Shirley Ryan said the group has support of local businesses and individuals for the memorial, and asked for commitment from the city to use the space.

"It should draw people to this area, and that's good," Mayor Russell Masterson said. However, he was concerned about adequate parking and who would be responsible for maintenance of the site.

Currently the memorial committee is concentrating on fundraising and on getting names of war veterans from Bollinger County to be included on the memorial. Upon giving its approval, the board asked that the committee submit quarterly reports on its progress and to come back to the board after a year to plan the next steps.

Other action

Administrative assistant Gary Shrum reported to the board that after he looked further into the possibility of issuing city stickers to ensure collection of personal property taxes as another revenue source for the city, he discovered that Marble Hill can levy a small sales tax instead.

"I can't help but believe a sales tax would bring in more revenue than personal property taxes," Shrum said.

The tax, which would require a vote of Marble Hill residents, would be levied only in the city of Marble Hill. Aldermen said they liked the idea of getting extra revenue from people who may not live in the city, but use city services.

"We would be getting more money from people who come through in the summer," said alderman Clint Lacy. "It would relieve people here, and increase our revenue. It's a win/win situation."

Shrum said he would have a proposal ready for the board at the December meeting.

Lacy reported that the city will kick off its "adopt a block" cleanup effort at the Christmas in the Foothills event Nov. 28 at Twin City Park. Information about the program will be available at a booth during the Christmas craft event.

Aldermen were given a list of names of people who were owed money left over from their water and sewer deposits. Some residents moved and left no forwarding address, although they may have stayed within the area. If not claimed, the money will be, by law, turned over to the state, where it can still be claimed.

Approved a request from Police Chief Dennis Willis to buy new speed limit and stop signs, and to spend budgeted money -- which will be matched by the state -- to buy radar equipment to go with radar and breathalyzer equipment the department was able to get free. It also agreed to allow Willis to advertise for another full-time patrolman.

Shrum reported that work is progressing on water lines on Second Street. A new basketball goal will soon replace the old one in a city park, and that a merry-go-round, bought through a grant from the health department, should be installed at Twin City Park within a week. Baseball field repairs are ongoing, he said.

The board considered a monthly water bill of $101.32 from an elderly customer who always has a minimum usage bill. City Clerk Carla Watt said that the customer's meter shows water usage but checks at the residence revealed no leaks, and the next month's bill was at the normal minimal amount. The only other conclusion to be drawn, she said, would be a meter malfunction. Alderman Joel Southwick immediately made a motion to adjust the bill to the minimum amount, seconded by Lacy. "I'll third it," added Tim McCain.

"I think that's the right thing to do," Masterson said.