Wright City Ward 2 Alderman Jim Toothman, who has been on the board since 2010, was elected board president during last Thursday’s meeting.
He was nominated by Ward 1 Alderman Tom Black. He fills a capacity previously held by Ward 1 Alderman Jim Schuchmann.
Toothman is currently serving the second year of a two-year term. He ran unopposed in 2011 after being appointed to fill the unexpired term previously held by Jamey Abercrombie.
During last Thursday’s meeting, Mayor David Heiliger, Schuchmann and Ward 2 Alderman Mike Smith were sworn in. Smith is the only new member to the board. He defeated incumbent Angie Reynolds by eight votes during the April 3 election.
Reynolds choked back tears while leaving last week.
“I would like to say it’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve the city here for four years as alderman,” she said. “Everyone on this board is wonderful. In the last two years, we accomplished a lot, more than we ever had in the past. I thank everyone here for helping me.”
City Adds More
Restrictions on Animals
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, aldermen agreed to add more restrictions on animals in the city.
Aldermen voted unanimously to approve an ordinance requiring all poultry or livestock to be at least 200 feet away from any single-family dwelling that is located in an adjoining lot
Previously, poultry and livestock could be located within 150 feet of a home, city officials said.
The new regulations also set the maximum number of chickens that will be allowed on a property at 12. Roosters also are prohibited from being kept inside the city limits.
The new ordinance is in response to inquiries made by residents asking whether or not chickens could be kept in the city.
In Other News
• Aldermen voted 4-0 to approve a resolution authorizing the execution of a service agreement between the city and the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council. The city has contributed $10,000 to the organization, which was created to help recruit new businesses and expand existing ones.
• The city is cracking down on businesses who have yet to obtain their business licenses for 2012. According to City Clerk Christine Martin, five businesses had yet to pick up their licenses as of last Thursday’s meeting for a variety of reasons. Officials said that the business owners will be issued summonses.
• Two city officials will be attending a local public agency training session scheduled for June 5 at the MoDOT Northeast District headquarters in Hannibal. The free training session is required for agencies applying for federal funding.
• The board awarded a bid for repairing the roof at the Diekroeger Park pavilion to Roger’s Roof Repair. The bid was for $9,580, but included sales tax that will be omitted from the amount owed by the city.
• The board voted 4-0 to approve two training requests for the police department. It will cost $460 to send Kathy Yocum to the annual Police Clerk Conference. Detective Tim Matthews will attend a training session on interviewing and interrogation at the Eastern Missouri Police Academy. That cost is $420.
• The board denied a request made by representatives of Fearsome Productions to be refunded any money related to a conditional use permit application. The company is not moving forward with a haunted house project due to internal reasons.
