Cabool City Council discusses business license fees, storm damage

Cabool residents voiced concerns regarding the city’s 2024-2025 fiscal year budget during a public hearing Monday, June 24.

Janet Roberts stated it was unfair that some businesses neglected to pay the $10 for their business license, yet continued to operate, and advocated for repercussions for those lacking a city license. Roberts also suggested that the City of Cabool raise the business license fee to align with surrounding towns, including Houston, where a license costs $30. City Attorney Conway Hawn stated he would investigate state statutes regarding increasing municipal rates.

Catherine Nash voiced frustrations with receiving a dog kennel license; she requested that the city consider granting her license.

There was no further discussion about the budget, and Mayor Danny Cannon closed the public hearing.

City Administrator Ron Scheets stated that the city has been working with the Corp of Engineers to clean up damage caused by recent storms. Scheets said the location has been declared a “disaster area” by the state and is hopeful that Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or both will provide funding for storm clean-up.

Alderwoman Kate Ellison raised concerns about the property at Cedar and Highland, including overgrown grass and its general condition, which has appeared to be vacant for years.

Alderman John Williams questioned the large trucks commuting on Shelton Street; he said they have been causing issues for oncoming traffic and stated that any city employee who drives a city vehicle should be subject to drug testing.

Scheets reminded the council that the city’s fireworks will be held July 4 at dark. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Chamber is hosting activities, including a beer garden, food trucks and a children’s bounce house.

In other matters:

• The council approved a fireworks sales permit for TMB Reed Auto Parts.
• Scheets stated that the city received two uniform bids from Uniform and Vestis. A sample of Vestis uniforms has been requested, and the quality of both products will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting.
• Members voted to reimburse one-third of Prosecuting Attorney Jason MacPherson’s expenses for the Missouri Municipal League’s Attorneys Association conference in July. Reimbursement includes the room, which MacPherson stated is $209 per night.
• A vote was approved to refer the plat for Park Place Subdivision to the planning commission.
• Members approved the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Scheets stated that the electric department, in tandem with the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), was set to install a portion of the new power line on Tuesday, June 25.
• The City Pool is now open for the summer.
• The police department truck has not been received yet; the police and fire department vehicles are in good condition.
• Scheets stated that he expects the city to close next week on the 100-acre land purchase at Twin Cities.
• Scheets reported that the turbidity meter – which prevents dirty water from coming out of wells – had been installed, but there were still issues with cloudy water. Flynn Well Drilling remedied this by correcting check-valve leaks, which cost approximately $38,000.
• Scheets reported that the Collins property condemnation is set for July 23.

The next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 15.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

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