Sep 25, 2008

Ava Board of Aldermen voted to join the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission on Tuesday evening during a session of city business. The decision to join the commission was recommended as an initial step to a possible solution to the electric rate hike imposed by Sho-Me Power. The Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) is an electric joint action agency which provides community-owned utilities the ability to pool resources, buy and sell electric power, or join together and invest in power generation and transmission facilities. Peggy Porter, administrative director for the City of Ava, said joining the commission at this point had no cost or obligation factors. However, this initial step would open the door to future possibilities and the option to buy power from MoPEP at a later date. MoPEP, an acronym for Missouri Public Energy Pool, is a coalition of cities partnering to purchase power and develop electric supplies through contract and ownership interests. MoPEP allows for greater diversity in supplies, and is governed by a pool of members and each member city has one vote. Once again city council voted to rezone several properties/lots in two subdivisions referred to as Potter Row and the H.M. Miller's addition. This zoning issue was approved by council during the last meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9; however, city officials had not followed proper process by holding a public hearing on the change. Therefore, council members voted again Tuesday evening to implement the zoning change, since the public hearing was held last week. A change in zoning designation was also approved for a building located at 400 East Washington, on east Highway 14. The site is commonly called the old DoCo building or Carnation plant. Council approved changing the zoning from A-Agricultural District to B-4 Highway Business District. The request for change was submitted by Ernest Irwin. Sidewalk bids were opened last week on Thursday, and McKinney Construction was chosen as the low bidder and contractor in charge of the next phase of the sidewalk improvement project. McKinney submitted a bid of $205,000, and ARC Construction, $222,000. Mayor Leon Harris noted engineers are currently looking at options for constructing a sidewalk on NE 11th Avenue as previously requested by a city resident. Harris said a solution has not been found at this time, but the problem is still under review. Director of Development Janice Lorrain noted storm repairs and remodeling improvements at Jean's Healthway had been stopped by the city until architect drawings were approved and a building permit was issued. Lorrain said she had met with Jean Farbin and they are working to get issues resolved. During closed session, council approved a request from city employee Eddie Maggard to transfer to an available position in the water department. Prior to this change, Maggard was building inspector for the city. A written update from Mandy Mackey, Administrative Director of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce was given to council members for review. The report noted recent activities and meetings attended over the past few weeks, as well as upcoming events. The update said the Chamber web site is in the process of being updated, and the new design will make searches and fact finding easier for potential customers and those interested in finding out more about local businesses. Mackey said the next Chamber luncheon is being sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and the meeting will be held at the Lions Club on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 12 noon. Outstanding bills were approved for payment as presented. Council members present were Ric Engelhardt, Judy Lovan and David Norman. Councilman Burrely Loftin was absent. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.