In old business Thursday eve, the city council of Cole Camp adopted an ordinance limiting possession of chickens by residents to six per family and the measure excludes roosters. This action may respond to complaints by residents living near owners of chickens.
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 15, with aldermen Jon Beckman, Diana Burdick, David Locke, Mindy Fox present. Mayor Bob Meuschke presided; Clerk Dawn Paul recorded.
First actions by the group were to approve the eve's agenda, regular and closed session minutes of January 18, special meeting minutes of January 29 and Special Meeting phone vote on February 1. The group also agreed to pay bills presented.
Kim Horstman, with the 2025 Cole Camp Alumni association, requested and received a liquor permit for a July 5, 2025, event to be held in the city. Aspen Williams, with Great River Engineering, reported the city needs a historical survey for a TAP grant the city will receive for the east side of Main Street. It has also been approved for a second TAP grant for the west side of Main Street downtown, also requiring a survey, and both surveys will be done at the same time.
Also in old business, the group approved a trash ordinance on first reading only, and may further consider the matter at the next meeting.
In new business, aldermen approved a $25,385 contract with Versacour for construction of a pickleball court then added about $2,000 for renovation of tennis courts.
In a report by Clerk Paul, she said Mayor Meuschke is running for re-election, Mindy Fox is running for east side Alderman, with Jon Beckman for west side Aldermen. She added that the city will again use the DSWR audit firm for a 2023 audit of its books and concluded that the city's office will be closed on March 11 for training of its staff.
Public Works Director Heath Roark reported the city's water project is moving along, adding that Randy Fisher has been hired by the department on a part-time basis.
Police Chief Jeff Canfield said his department wants to sell an old police truck, with a minimum sealed bid of $15,000. He added that the new Dodge Durango is expected to be in commission on February 19, and he has hired Eric Veach as a reserve officer.
City Attorney Todd Smith said the city has sent out nuisance letters and gotten some response. Steering Committee head Lee Ann Grunden reported that the committee continues to work on a comprehensive development plan for the city. Mayor Meuschke said MoDOT may repave Highway 52 through the city. He added that Brittany Mitchell is MoDOT's area engineer. The mayor added there are other areas of the city needing attention, with some having lighting deficiencies.
The meeting closed at about 8:44 PM. These meetings are usually held on 3rd Thursday eves, and visitors are welcome.
