Council Increases Commitment to New Airport.

The City Council overwhelmingly approved an increased commitment toward a new airport with a 9-1 vote to increase a general fund set-aside from $300,000 to $500,000 during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The funding is not dependent on any future sales of Myers Park property. The ordinance did, however, state that the first $500,000 received by the City from the sale of Myers Park property would be used to replenish the general fund to offset the set-aside. The bill also extended the authority of the Airport Relocation Committee from five years to ten years.

Mayor Kenneth Johnson told the Council that Relocation Committee Chair Tom Short had began reviewing the requirements established by the Federal government concerning airport property acquisition. Johnson said the City would follow those recommendations so as to be qualified if Federal funding was ever available.

Missouri Administrator of Aviation Brian Weiler told the Relocation Committee several weeks ago that Federal funding was unlikely for at least five to seven years. His frank comments about the lack of Federal funds spurred interest in moving ahead with airport plans using local funding.

Council member Jackie Boyer, who was the lone vote against the amendment introduced by Council member Mike Harris to increase the funding, stated several times that she was in favor of relocating the facility. She attempted to reduce the amount of the set-aside to a total of $400,000, stating that was a sufficient amount to commit. Council member Art Dunaway seconded the motion but it was defeated by a 3-7 vote. Bill Fortune also voted for the motion.

Harris said that reducing the commitment would send the wrong message to the State and to local aviation supporters.

Dunaway, who had originally supported the $500,000 funding level in Budget Committee, told the Council that he saw other needs for the $100,000 he wanted cut from the aviation commitment. He cited storm water improvements to River Street in his ward as an example.

Council member Trisha Burgi-Brewer said there was enough money in the general reserves to fund both the River Street project and the airport commitment.

Both Council member Donna Harlan and Larry Ross said it was not good for the Council to be seen as "waffling" on its commitment.

"We’ve been talking about waffling," said Dunaway "Well, I’m the waffler."

Dunaway explained that after he voted for the full increase in Budget Committee, he received phone calls from constituents in his ward that were concerned about more immediate problems.

"Out of those who voted for me," continued Dunaway, "they are not all for the airport. I represent all the people in my ward." He also expressed his concern for the City’s ability to fund improvements to River Street needed because of the new fire substation.

After Boyer’s motion to reduce the amount failed, both Dunaway and Fortune voted for the Council bill establishing the $500,000 level and the extended time for relocating the airport.

In other business the Council heard discussion on the first reading of Council bill 98-37 which would mandate that property owners could only do electrical improvements to property they personally occupy. Rental property owner Robert Johnson told the Council that just wanted to state that "I stand against Council bill 98-37." Council member Dunaway and Trisha Burgi-Brewer also stated their opposition to the measure.

Assistant to the City Engineer Joe Butler told the Council that the bill could help assure that rental property was inspected for possible code violations.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

The Council didn’t think much of the idea of movin’ the Fourth of July festivities out ta Myers Park as suggested by the Park Board. Several stated that Muni Park was the location of choice by those citizens who expressed an opinion over the last couple a years. The vote was 10-0 ta keep it at Muni.

Charlie Bastin expressed his concern that there are so few confrontations durin’ Council meetin’s that the tv ratin’s will begin to plummet. "’Course I miss Lujene," piped Bastin. He referred to former Council member Clark, who was in attendance.

The Mayor made Chief Ed’s retirement official by appointin’ Capt’n Davis as actin’ Chief, beginnin’ June 6, until a permanent replacement is found. Ever’one wished Ellefsen well in his new career and thanked him for his 19 years of service. All’s well that ends.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click and Clack Talk Cars

Dear Tom and Ray:

I am involved in bird research during the spring and summer in western Oregon that has several times left me in the middle of nowhere with a car problem (usually a flat tire). I drive over extremely crummy roads and am often 20-plus miles away from the nearest town (or two people, as the case may be). What would you guys suggest as the catchall tool-kit/emergency-repair stuff that I need to take with me? A first-aid kit for the car, you might say. I don't want to carry 6 tons of equipment, but I want the stuff to fix small problems on my own. What should I have or know how to use in case of a break down? - Jenny

Ray: An inflated spare tire. And make sure your lug nuts aren't rusted tight by loosening and tightening them back up every six months or so.

Tom: I'd also carry a can of that "Fix-a-Flat" type stuff. That's the goop in a can that will fix a small puncture hole in your tire and inflate it, at least temporarily.

Ray: I'd also bring a roll of duct tape. It's good for lots of things, like when parts fall off, when a hose breaks and you need to temporarily patch it up, or when you're tired of listening to a particularly verbose in-law.

Tom: I'd also carry a gallon or two of spring water. Why spring water? Because you can use it in your radiator or use it to mix cocktails if you break down and are going to be stuck overnight.

Ray: I'd carry one of those plastic, temporary replacement belts that can be adjusted to any size by adding or removing links. That'll help if a belt breaks. Then I'd throw in two screwdrivers (one of each kind), and a pair of Vice Grips, and call it a day.

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