By Sue Curry Jones
Administering the oath of office to mayor-elect Eddie Maggard was the main order of business Tuesday evening during the first council meeting in April. Maggard, who defeated incumbent Leon Harris in the municipal election April 5, was sworn in by City Clerk Marilyn Alms.
Re-elected as city aldermen, Billy Long, west ward, and Burrely Loftin, east ward, also took the oath of office, recouping their positions at the council table.
With a unanimous vote, council members approved and accepted the following re-appointments for the 2011-2012 term: Larry Tyrrell, city attorney; Reggie Johnson, chief of police; Peggy Porter, treasurer; Jennifer Lakey, collector; Keith Moore, fire chief; Shannon Bryant Gamble, municipal judge; Josh Wilbur and Jack Hamer, planning and zoning commission.
John Forrester, with Olsson Associates of Springfield, Mo., gave an update on the status of the new well and water line project nearing completion on the south side of Ava. Forrester reported the construction project is wrapping up, but due to unfavorable weather conditions, the crews have been unable to complete the site work. However, fence posts have been installed and unfinished tasks at the property location should be completed this week.
Forrester explained that when the new tank is incorporated into the main system, its use should stabilize and balance overall water pressure between the north and south sides of town. However, installation of the control board circuitry is scheduled, but won’t be completed for another two weeks. Once final details are in order, the project will be ready for final inspection and use. Currently, the tank is filled and undergoing a disinfecting process.
The new water tower stands approximately 160 feet high.
Council members also passed a resolution granting Mayor Eddie Maggard the authority to work with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund Program. This action, a formality or ‘changing of the guard’, allows Maggard to step-in and finalize the paper work on the new water well and storage tank, a project which also included approximately 6,800 linear feet of upgraded water lines for the south side of town.
Council members present were Judy Lovan, Ric Engelhardt, Billy Long and Burrely Loftin.
The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, April 26, in council chambers at Ava City Hall.
Video of the city council meeting and swearing-in is available for viewing on our web site: www.douglascountyherald.com .
