New ordinance prohibits drilling of private wells in Mt. Vernon city limits

Private water wells can no longer be drilled inside Mt. Vernon city limits. According to unofficial minutes from the Nov. 27 Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen meeting, the board passed an ordinance which prohibits the drilling of private wells inside the city.
The language of the ordinance reads: “It shall be unlawful for any person to drill a private water well or use a private water well within the city limits, except existing private wells and any wells on real property annexed into the city limits.”
The ordinance also stated that it is declared “to be in the best interests of the health and welfare of the citizens of Mt. Vernon, Missouri.” The ordinance went into effect immediately.
Max Springer, city administrator, said Mt. Vernon has not issued a permit to drill a private water well within city limits for years; the ordinance simply codifies the city’s policy. He also said private wells are not treated to ensure potability the way city water does, so the new ordinance eliminates the risk of city water being contaminated by water from private wells.
The board also passed two other ordinances during their meeting. One ordinance declared the official results of the ballot issue during the election held in Mt. Vernon on Nov. 6, to decide whether liquor would be allowed to be sold by drink within Mt. Vernon city limits. The issue passed with 830 votes in favor and 727 votes against.
The other ordinance authorized the execution of an agreement of a contract between the city and Jani-King of Springfield for commercial cleaning services.
In other business, the board amended its motion from their Nov. 13 meeting to accept a bid from Base Construction to remodel the building at 109 N. Hickory for $434,000. It was noted that the motion from the Nov. 13 meeting did not specify including an option to include Alternate No. 3, an option for Base Construction to provide and install a bullet resistant glazing package. The board passed an amended motion to include Alternate No. 3.
Additionally, the board passed a resolution naming Joe Kelley, director of public works, to serve as the appointed director to the Southwest Missouri Joint Municipal Water Utility Commission. The resolution also named Springer to serve as the appointed alternate.