Monett City Council approves urban redevelopment plan

Fire department fundraiser exceeds expectations
 
The Monett City Council adopted the Chapter 353 Urban Redevelopment Plan during its Oct. 13 meeting and extended congratulations to staff for several projects.
Chapter 353, a potentially controversial tool authorized by the Missouri General Assembly, has been promoted by city officials at length in three public meetings, with two more presentations slated for Oct. 23 with downtown landowners. The program offers property owners a chance to upgrade their buildings and receive full deferment from property tax increases for 10 years, and possibly a partial deferment for the following 15 years, depending on the size of the project.
City Administrator Mickey Ary has extended reassurances that the city will not use eminent domain to take over property deemed “blighted.” He has called Chapter 353 another tool to help stimulate revitalization. The specified area identified for the program extends the length of the downtown business district, from Central Avenue to 13th Street, and south from Bond Street to the railroad tracks.
The program was adopted by resolution, requiring only one vote. No one from the public offered comments in opposition.
In presenting the concept, Mayor Randy Burke noted that rules for managing Chapter 353 projects, requiring approval for each undertaking by the oversight committee, had not been written, nor had committee members been named. In his memo on the subject, Ary indicated, “The final district boundaries will be established upon approval of the Redevelopment Plan Committee.” He further reported both Monett Main Street and the Monett Area Chamber of Commerce voted to approve adopting the plan.
Another property issue came forward as an ordinance, requiring a second vote. Property owner Thomas Farris asked to have land he owns between houses at 615 West Main Street, located below the current Eisenhower Street, rezoned from industrial to Zone B for residential use. Land south of the homes on West Main was zoned industrial in accordance with the railroad tracks and its right-of-way.
Andrew Miller from the building inspector’s office said Farris would like to build a small home on the site. He presently has a small shed there. Adjacent properties at 607 and 611 Main both have two single-family residences on them, establishing a precedent.
The meeting provided a public opportunity to highlight the Monett Fire Department’s efforts to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks with its Hunt for a Cause scavenger hunt on Sept. 13. Stellwagen described the fundraiser and his hopes to raise $5,000, besting the average $2,500-to-$3,500 raised in donations and T-shirt sales on Fridays in October at First State Bank on E. Cleveland Ave.
With proceeds from the scavenger hunt tallied, Stellwagen said the fundraiser surprisingly generated $13,366.65. Additional T-shirt sales through Firefighters Local No. 2001 could push the total higher.
Joe Daues, chief executive officer for Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, said success on the level of the fire department’s is rare. He presented the trophy for the win to the team from Morgan’s Hollow bookstore, and said the foundation will use funds for free mammograms for those with no insurance and non-medical daily expenses for those in cancer treatment.
Burke presented Stellwagen and Chief Brandon Pennington with an unusual Certificate of Recognition for the fire department “in honor of their outstanding dedication and commitment to raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Their service to the community exemplifies courage, compassion and unity. Your efforts bring hope and make a lasting difference in the lives of many.”
In his verbal summary of department reports, Ary expressed appreciation for the community backing the Chapter 353 effort. He expected the program would be “really helpful” in supporting the historic business district.
Ary spoke about Project Clean Streets, an effort to get vehicles that have been parked “a long time” off the roadways, as well as cleaning ditches. He noted both the parks and the Windmill Ridge Golf Course have seen significant public activity in recent weeks.
In the 26 pages of summaries from the various departments in the council meeting packet, these items appeared:
• Police: 1,354 calls for service, resulting in 68 arrest reports. Vehicle accidents totaled 27,  damaging 27 vehicles and resulting in 6 injuries. Animal control impounded 10 dogs.
• Fire department: 107 calls, 62 for medical assists and 13 for motor vehicle accidents.
• Street: Crews finished striping Cleveland Avenue from Eisenhower to Ninth St.
• Building inspector: J&E Roofing Solutions of Monett has three contracts with the city to make roof upgrades at South Park on the City Park Casino, the employee shop, and the chicken shack.
• Emergency management: Attended 15 meetings and one technical call. Activities included a tabletop exercise on a possible pipeline emergency.
• Golf course: 3 tournaments (St. Lawrence Catholic School, VFW, Bible Baptist Church). Served as part of the Monett High School’s cross-country meet, “showcasing Windmill Ridge’s role as a versatile community venue.”