Manila Wayne Wagner welcomed members of the Mississippi County Election Commission to the Monday, Dec. 17, council meeting. Members included Melisa Logan, election coordinator, Tom Wiktorek, chair, and Anthony Thomas, commissioner.
Wiktorek spoke to the council requesting a new voting site. He said it is important to get a new location quickly so voters can be informed. The voting site has been located in the depot center for several years, but Wiktorek said the Depot Committee wants them to find a new location.
“A special election is set for Feb. 15,” Wiktorek said. “We want a safe place to hold honest elections.”
The council discussed with the commission the Lions Club room (the smaller room) in the Airport Center, saying it is not in the center of town, but the parking would be good and there is room.
Wendell Poteet, Lion member and city council member, said the Lions Club will work with the election commission to make the room available for early voting. The Lions Club meets on Wednesdays.
Council voted unanimously to approve the new voting site.
Wiktorek was asked about the February special election.
He explained the half cent county tax for the hospital is scheduled to expire in 2020. The vote will be to extend the tax to 2051 with part of the money going to help rebuild the Blytheville courthouse. Also, a bond issue will be voted on. The revenue generated from the tax will repay the bonds with the remaining funds going to the hospital.
He went on to say there is a need to get the Blytheville Courthouse repaired.
Mayor Wagner asked about the Osceola Courthouse.
“The Osceola Courthouse will also receive funds for repair,” Wiktorek said.
Early voting will begin on Feb. 5.
Woody Townsend with the Pilots Association spoke to the council about the purchase of a weather machine, “Say Weather.”
He talked of the affects of wind on airplanes. Townsend said pilots need information before arriving to the airport and this weather machine will help in getting 'a bird on the ground'.
The machine is self-contained, battery operated and provides local weather. It is heard through earphones. The cost is $4,665.50 and it will be paid for out of the airport budget.
Council members voted unanimously to approve the purchase.
The council discussed allowing rentals for small parties in the park building. Councilman Donnie Wagner asked about allowing it to be used at no charge. The city could collect a clean-up deposit and if the building is left in good condition, the deposit could be returned.
Mayor Wagner said he had no problems with not charging.
“We will work out the details and discuss it again at the January meeting,” Mayor Wagner said.
Mayor Wagner presented the 2019 budget for the council to review. The budget will be voted on at the January meeting.
Councilman Jason Baltimore said it is time for the Airport Center to get a makeover.
“We need to be looking into how we can get it done,” he said.
Mayor Wagner said they will look at the numbers and can check on any grants available.
Mayor Wagner was also pleased to announce the 30 year sewer bond had been paid off.
“I think Clifford Veach was mayor when the city of Manila borrowed the money against the bond for the purpose of aiding in the construction of improvements and betterment to the waterworks and sewer system of the city,” Mayor Wagner said.
The city borrowed $344,000 on Oct. 6, 1988 and has been paying $1,875 a month for 30 years to pay this the loan off. The interest rate on this bond was 5 percent. The city had received all paper work showing the loan to be paid off as of October.
Following an executive session, the council accepted the resignation of Chief James Skinner. His last day to work is Dec. 28 and he will officially be retired on Dec. 31.
Mayor Wagner offered Officer Skinner well wishes and expressed his appreciation for his time serving with the police department.
The council voted to buy back vacation days from police officers.
Councilmen voted to do away with the old handbook and rewrite a new one.
Council members were informed that under the Municipal League, elected officials can take out an accidental life policy.
Mayor Wagner said minimum wage starts at $9.25. Presently no city employees are under that amount, other than part-time.