Monett City Council names Camp new police chief

The Monett City Council made two major personnel moves, including naming Dennis Camp as the new police chief, and considered three plans for subdivision development during the Sept. 9 meeting. 
Since George Daoud announced his retirement after 10 years as chief, effective July 31, the city received five candidates for the position of chief. Camp, a Monett native who joined the department in 1998, has served as lieutenant since Greg Brandsma retired in 2019. He is the first Monett-born chief since the 1970s. A large group of supporters, including officers, turned out for Camp’s swearing-in as chief. 
Mayor Randy Burke, introducing Camp, said, “He knows Monett, he knows the people of Monett, and he knows law enforcement in Monett. We have a great police department, and Chief Camp is ready to continue that legacy. I know he will. You are the center of public safety now.” 
Camp took the oath from new city clerk Andrew Miller, then received an enthusiastic round of applause. His supporters adjourned to the hallway to express their backing. Camp said simply, “Thank you very much. I want to thank my great team for coming out. Back to work.”
Firefighter collective bargaining
Council members also approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Local 2001 of the International Association of Firefighters, running through March 31, 2028, coinciding with the end of the 2027-28 fiscal year. The 17-page document detailed wages for firefighters and officers. 
The union contract called for 2 percent wage increases for 11 firefighters eligible based on their date of hire, as two firefighters were new and not eligible. Wage ranges, starting at $15.50 an hour for the newest crew member, increased from $15.81 in April to $15.97 an hour. Senior officers capped out at $29.52 an hour at Step 10. 
Subdivision plans
Council members gave final approval to creating a minor subdivision for the 70 acres owned by the First United Methodist Church, located between Central Avenue and Eisenhower. Andrew Miller explained for the Community Development Office that the church requested splitting the property into four lots for possible sale. As a minor subdivision, no utility work was requested and no investment by the city required. The proposal, previously run through the Planning and Zoning Commission, passed without comment. 
A similar request came from Dennis and Carol Flattem, who own property on Callan Street, north of Hydro Aluminum, bordered on the east by Industrial Blvd. Jack Schulz, owner of Clark Industries, west of the property, expressed interest in expanding and wanting to buy some of the Flattems’ land. The proposal called for splitting the land into four sections so that Schulz could acquire the northwest corner. Labeled as the Clark Industries Expansion Minor Subdivision, the change only required land division to make the sale possible. 
Schulz, on hand for the meeting, said the effort had been in the works since May. Having already received approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the plan was adopted without comment. 
Council members gave first reading extending the time for Vaughn Construction to develop the first three phases of its North Hills subdivision, bordered on the west by Hwy. H and on the north by Farm Road 2230. Miller explained the subdivision rules require an extension of one year if not completed in the first 12 months.