Ava City Council adopted the 2012 budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the financial period begins on Friday, July 1. Administrative Director Peggy Porter noted the public hearing was held Friday, June 10, and no comments were received during the session.
In the 2012 budget, projected gross expenditures for the City Of Ava were listed as $9,610,405.
Porter, who recently attended the second quarter meeting of MoPEP (Missouri Public Energy Pool) in Columbia, reported the energy source is presently supplying 35 cities, and meeting their full needs and requirements for electric. The group manages all the resources for Ava, and the other cities, to achieve the best economic scale. They also optimize use of existing supplies and utilize the strengths of the group to provide reliable low cost power through joint action. MoPEP continues to carry a diverse portfolio of energy options and renewable sources. As an example, Porter cited Buffalo, Mo. where MoPEP partnered with the city to implement a successful solar power project.
Currently, several small towns in the area are requesting a separate short-term contract with MoPEP. The municipalities are asking for a 5-year contract rather than full membership in the energy pool. Porter said they are presently in negotiations with MoPEP, and their contract with Sho-Me Power will expire in 2013.
In May, the City of Ava was awarded a Source Water Protection Grant from the Department of Natural Resources for $12,000, and during the May 12 council meeting, the board authorized city employees to advertise for qualified contractors to oversee the work. During the meeting Tuesday evening, council voted to hire Upper White River Basin Foundation (UWRBF) as the qualified entity. UWRBF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting water quality in the upper White River watershed; the foundation is located in Kimberling City, Mo.
An application was also received from Aquaterra Environmental Solutions, an engineering firm in Springfield.
In closed session, a resignation tendered by City of Ava Police Officer Charles Bunch was accepted by council. Officer Bunch is leaving Ava to assist with family, and his last day with the police department will be July 2.
Councilwoman Judy Lovan said several Ava residents had expressed concerns about the new stop signs installed at the intersection of West Washington and 6th Street. The intersection is located one block west of the Ava Post Office, and has been changed to a four-way stop.
Lovan noted the individuals questioned whether or not the city had a policy for implementing new stop signs, and if so, was this type of action going to be put into practice in other locations. The citizens viewed the signs as an impediment to the sub-division and traffic flow.
According to Administrative Director Peggy Porter and Ava Police Chief Reggie Johnson, city ordinance allows for streets to be modified or altered if the change is approved by the street department supervisor or city engineer, and this policy was followed in the decision. Street Department Supervisor Randy Hawkins was consulted on the issue.
Accounts payable were approved for payment.
Council members present were Judy Lovan, Burrely Loftin and Billy Long.
Ric Engelhardt was absent.
Council members will meet again on Tuesday, June 21, 5 p.m., at City Hall in council chambers.
