The Ava Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in regular session, and with a unanimous vote, council members authorized Mayor Leon Harris to purchase a new backhoe for the city street department.
The City also reported receipt of a good quality audit with MIRMA (Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association). Out of 1,298 points available in the audit scoring, Ava received 1,248 points, ranking a 96%. Administrator Peggy Porter said the high ranking is very important for the city.
Explaining the purchase of a backhoe, Mayor Harris said the Case backhoe presently used by the street department is 16 years old and well-worn. A request for bids had been advertised and submissions were as follows:
Potter Equipment (Case) $57,800;
Murphy’s Equipment (John Deere), $69,735; and
Fabick Equipment (Caterpillar), $72,710, all of Springfield.
After a brief discussion, council selected the Case backhoe from Potter Equipment, a three-year lease purchase agreement will finance the deal.
The board approved re-zoning three properties from B-2 Central Business to B-3 General Business District. Property locations were given as: 309 West Washington, owned by Jackie Sigler; 403 and 409 West Washington, sites owned by Howard Thomas.
In a previous meeting, council tabled a re-zoning request from property owner Sharl Gower. The vote was postponed due to concerns about parking multiple cars at the site. The home is located at 301 SE 6th Avenue.
The Gowers who plan to have a counseling office in the home, had requested a change from R-2 Two-Family Residential District to R-3 Multi-Family. Based on city code specifications, the Gowers have to provide seven parking spaces, and according to Janice Lorrain, director of planning and development, the Gower’s had submitted an on-site parking plan that should easily accommodate eight cars. Council approved the request.
Aldermen Bill Long, Judy Lovan, and Burrely Loftin were present. Ric Engelhardt was absent.
Next council meeting is Tuesday, March 8, 5 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.
