The Cole Camp City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, July 18 in City Hall. The Mayor and three council members were present. Mindy Fox was absent due to an illness.
After the handling of routine business the meeting moved to old business. A report was given on the Cultural Resource survey done in Butterfield Park. This is required for grant funds and had been requested by the Osage Indian Nation that once inhabited the area in the very early 1800's. The Osage asked for the study to assure nothing is disturbed during the project.
Second up was JoAnn Lane with Benton County Economic Development. She spoke about the Rock Island Trails importance to the economic climate of Cole Camp. Lane defined it as “An economic opportunity, people from all over the world ride bicycles on our trails. Cole Camp has some empty business buildings but the trail could help refill those. I know the Council has concerns about the cost but there are grants I will help write. She concluded donated labor and materials are counted in the cost share.”
Next to the microphone was Francis Rehmer, vice-President of Osage Lake Greenway Corporation. Rehmer explained the organization was non-profit to promote bicycling in Benton County, at the moment on Warsaw Bicycle Trails. He said, “Our group is dedicated to cycling and promoting it and we support the Rock Island Trailhead and if we can help raise funds for it we will”
As Rehmer left the podium the Mayor commented, “I didn’t even know this group existed.”
Next on the Agenda under new business was the Brightspeed Franchise fee agreement, known as Bill No. 2024-09. A first and second reading was held and it passed, becoming an ordinance.
Planning Zoning Report: The group met on July 2 concerning the previously approved construction at the school.
The City Clerk shared in her report she was attending a Clerk’s meeting in Osage Beach on Friday, July 19.
Public Works Director, Heath Roark reported they are continuing work on the many projects and he did want council to be aware some lift stations at the sewer plant need upgrades. He said the culverts around town need lots of work following all the heavy rains that affected Spring Street and many others all over town.
The Police Chief had turned in several bids that had been made to install Security and camera surveillance for City Hall. Councilman David Locke said he liked the bid from Martin Security Systems with the best price of $7,250.00. He added, “They also offer a maintenance plan for $40.00 per month.” High bid was Nightwatch Security bidding $15,158.93.
Next up was the 3 minute sessions for members of the Community to speak. Kim Henderson from Windsor came first stating she had once worked as the City Clerk of Windsor and had experience knowing why the Council is watching the town’s dollars. Kim read a brief passage from Brett Dufur’s Rock Island Trail guidebook. He wrote” Can lightening strike twice in Missouri? Yes, it absolutely can and it will. It’s hard for me to contain my excitement at the thought of one day biking a loop, riding the entire Katy Trail along the scenic Missouri River and then winding down onto the Rock Island and getting to experience its totally unique prairie and Ozark topography, rolling hills, massive old train trestle bridges spanning gorgeous rivers, and a number of unforgettable trail tunnels. The Rock Island isn’t a copycat of the Katy, it’s got its own unique story to tell.”
Next to the microphone was a lady that resides on B highway by the golf course and she wanted to know why her complaint about an unlicensed dog running loose had not been addressed by the Police Department, to which Chief Canfield replied, “My deputies have been out there but the dog is always confined when we are there.”
Wyatt Derendinger spoke about the appeal of bike trails. He shared, “I work for the Parks and Recreation in Sedalia and my mother is a librarian there. We are both amazed at how many people ride the Katy and are from foreign countries. Thank you for allowing me to share that.”
Ben Hendershel from Clinton and the owner of Cycles and Cream shared, “I opened my business eight weeks ago and have a world map on my wall. I’m 1½ blocks from the Katy Trail and I already have pins in that map from all over the world.”
Next up was Linda Huber, a retired teacher. She shared, “I don’t ride bicycles, but my husband does. I do go with him to different areas and I shop. Last week he rode the Katy around Windsor and I shopped all day." She named many familiar businesses, including she even spent money at the T.H. Rogers Lumber yard. “Where will I spend my money in Cole Camp when you build the Rock island Trail,” she concluded.
Wanda Brown took the microphone and stated, “I have no intention of opposing the Rock Island Trail. I have issues with the cost. I want to know the cost!”
Last up to speak was Joyce Schlesselman, member of the Cole Camp Ambulance Board. She said, “I’m here about the August Ballot and the tax increase to keep the Ambulance financially sound. When you vote please remember there has not been a tax increase since 1982 and costs continue to rise. Please join us on Saturday, August 3 at WAM for an open house with details about the increase and allow us to answer your questions. We will be there from 5-7 p.m.”
With no further business the meeting adjourned. The room had a large number of people wearing bicycle riding gear that had met at 6 p.m. and toured the town and then came to City Hall for the meeting and to show peaceful support for the Rock Island project. Following the meeting they went to The German Table and spent dollars in the town before departing.
