By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Truesdale officials are considering hiring a code enforcer, a move that would free up police officers who are patrolling the city. Police Chief Andy Huston, at the July 9 board of aldermen meeting, stated performing duties of a code enforcer is taking too much of his officers’ time. City officials have been dealing with several areas where tall grass has been a problem and have run into trouble finding the responsible party, such as banks and mortgage companies who own properties in the city. Huston requested to hire one or two people and added that he had someone in mind to fill the position if board approval is received. He thought the work would average five to 10 hours a week. He said enforcement officer salaries would come out of the police department’s budget. Aldermen did not take any action on the request at the July 9 meeting. “I wish there wasn’t a need for one,” Administrator/City Clerk Mary Lou Rainwater said. “Most of our citizens take care of their property. It’s the ones that have been foreclosed on or the owners don’t actually live here. A lot of it is undeveloped lots. That is where we have most of our issues.” In other news • The board instructed Rainwater to contact other cities of similar size to see what type of regulations they have in place for the mowing of undeveloped land. Officials have expressed concerns about tall grass on vacant lots in subdivisions and other areas in the city. • The city is in the process of switching to Charter Communications, a move that is expected to provide a savings of $83.84 a month. Currently, the city is spending $330.98 a month for phone and Internet service with CenturyLink. With Charter, the monthly bill for phone, Internet and cable will be $247.14. The new service is expected to begin July 21, officials said. • The city is working on arranging lead and copper sampling that is required by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The city will need 10 homes to take the sample. The last time the city was required to provide samples was in 2011. • The board discussed a need to repair a portion of Smith Street between Laura and Bolm streets. Street work in the area was not included in this year’s budget, so officials noted that an amendment may be needed. • Rainwater informed the board that K&S Tire is relocating from 808 E. Highway M to 801 Smith St. The business will be renting the front half of the building at its new location. • The city recently received information from Safeguard Properties concerning the removal of an outbuilding at 115 S. Depot St. The company is obtaining the needed paperwork to complete the project. According to city officials, an addition was built onto a double-wide trailer and it is now separating from the original structure. The home has been vacant for some time, officials said.
City of Truesdale
