Scott City Council weighs concerns about ethanol plant's emissions

A rural Scott City man appeared before the Scott City Council for the second consecutive time Monday night, pressuring the council to examine the costs and benefits of ethanol production in the Scott City area.

Monty Keesee, who lives near the Southeast Missouri Port Authority, started a campaign against the building of local ethanol facilities after he heard one is proposed to be built a short distance from his home.

Keesee cites the possible negative health and nuisance effects of emissions from the plants as a key reason for his opposition.

Scott City Mayor Tim Porch said the city government should listen to Keesee's concerns and encouraged council members to take part in an upcoming tour of an ethanol facility in Malta Bend, Mo.

In other action:

• The council voted 8 to 0 to delay a public hearing on the condemnation of the old Masonic Lodge at 502 Second St. East until July 19 while the lien holder of the property, Chester Palmer of Mobile, Ala., is contacted.
• The council voted 8 to 0 to hold a public hearing June 18 on the condemnation of a structure at 823 First St. East. Police chief Don Cobb told the council that five other properties in the city have either complied with city regulations regarding unsafe buildings or are near compliance.
• The council voted 8 to 0 to authorize Porch to draft a letter to MoDOT agreeing to split state-awarded transportation funds between Kelso and Scott City. The funds total $77,762.16.