Mt. Vernon reconfigures tethering ordinance after citizen uproar, introduces new chief of police in Sept. 22 meeting

The city of Mt. Vernon revised its tethering ordinance at their regular meeting on Sept. 22.
 
After much public input, the aldermen of the city approved a change to the city’s tethering laws, setting a limit for the amount of time an animal can be tethered outside.
 
Citizens have been demanding the change for months, making their voices heard in the public participation portion of the meetings for multiple months now.
 
The issue began with a specific animal that Mt. Vernonites noticed had been tethered outside for much of the day in the sweltering heat. Worried about the dog, citizens presented their case to the board over the course of multiple months, arguing that the city should step in to protect its well-being.
 
When city officials and police arrived at the residence with the tethered dog, it appeared to have food and water and so, there was nothing they could do under current city laws. That law has now changed. A modification allowing an animal to be tethered outside for no more than 12 hours was passed by all aldermen in attendance.
 
Mayor Jason Haymes said that he would let the dog owner know the ordinance has been changed so he is not caught by surprise.
 
 
Hail to the chief
 
The Board also took a short moment to introduce Darren Call, the newly appointed chief of police in Mt. Vernon. Call is a 30-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and accepted the new position on Sept. 21.
 
Thomas Taylor, who took over chief duties in the interim, was congratulated by the board and by City Administrator Robert Harrington.
 
“[Taylor] has done an exceptional job during his time as interim chief and even before,” said Harrington. “He was able to really get the department back into somewhat of a working order for the new chief before he started.”
 
 
Progress you can see
 
Haymes congratulated Harrington and city workers for a job well done on the remodel of the parking lot at Spirit of ’76 Park and the square.
 
“I don’t ever remember the square looking that good,” said Haymes.
 
Harrington said that these projects are just a couple examples of a year-long campaign he dubs “progress you can see.” He said the goal of this campaign was to give back to the community that gives so much to the city. 
 
“I’ve got probably the best municipal staff in southwest Missouri, in the nation,” said Harrington. “I want to thank [the board] for allowing us the opportunity to do that, giving us the go-ahead to say, 'Hey, let’s fix something.’”
 
 
Public Works
 
Director of Public Works Dustin Davis asked the board of aldermen for funds to replace three exterior doors at the wastewater treatment plant that he described as “beyond repair.” The doors need to be insulated to protect the inside from the climate at all times, and because of this, they cost a hefty price.
 
Davis asked the board for $5,975 for the three doors and received approval.
 
Wastewater operator Alan Frantz made an appearance to speak about the wastewater system. Frantz was brought before the board by Davis to give an update over the system on which he is an expert.
 
According to Frantz, the UV system at the plant is currently outdated, and new parts have been hard to find because of its age. It would be an expensive system to replace, according to Frantz, which is why he brought it before the board now so they can make room for it on future budgets.
 
Frantz also detailed the necessity for a new bar screen, which filters out debris from the water coming in. Another costly purchase.
 
 
Parks and Recreation
 
Parks and Recreation director Katherine King brought multiple proposals before the board, as well.
 
King asked for funds to build fencing around the ADA-compliant playground and the pickleball courts. King asked for $15,539 and received approval from the board.
 
King also requested funds to create lighting around the ADA playground, pickleball courts, and the skate park. King requested $12,505 to put up lighting with the assistance of city workers and received approval.