BY MURRAY BISHOFF
Special to the Cassville Democrat With holiday activities approaching, the Purdy City Council discussed participating and preparing for the New Year. Ken and Julie Terry, who host the July 4 celebration, will again offer the Purdy Community Christmas parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 7. City coun- cil members decided to participate this year, riding in the city’s red and white dump truck to throw candy along the parade route on Hwy. C, from the eastern entry to the high school to Redshaw’s Auto Supply.
Public works foreman Kevin Cook said he would put out Christmas lights and secure a 10-to-12-foot Christmas tree for City Hall.
In other year-end activities, Clerk Katie Prock distributed sign-up papers for the April 8 municipal election. Four of the five seats are open. Seats held by incumbents Kathy Davis from the East Ward and Heather Van Note from the West Ward are open for two-year terms. In addition, the East Ward seat held by Heath Postlewait, appointed recently to fill out the term previously held by Robert Moser, who stepped down, will be open for a oneyear slot.
Mayors, elected in uneven years, also put incumbent Brian Bowers’ seat up for a vote.
All of the incumbents gave the impression that they would run. Filings are open Dec. 10 to Dec. 31.
Department heads reported a generally quiet month.
Police Chief Jackie Lowe reported the resident in the 700 block of Howell Drive violated the city’s livestock ordinance by adding a young calf and a rooster to his backyard. Even though the resident was informed of the violation, the number of calves swelled to eight. Lowe issued a citation to owner Jonathon Rueda, but before the case came before the judge in Barry County Associate Circuit Court, the animals were apparently removed. The ticket will still require adjudication, Lowe said.
Cook briefed council members on an opportunity to buy a new city dump truck and snow plow. Open to the idea, aldermen asked Cook to shop in earnest for a buy.
They also agreed to put the 1987 yellow dump truck up for offers by placing it by Highway 37. The truck comes with a plow blade that doesn’t fit any other city vehicle. Cook noted parts are no longer available for the truck, and the reservoir for the power steering unit is leaking. Offers will be opened in January.
Cook was pleased to report water efficiency held at 87 percent since the last major leak was repaired.
Prock reviewed the December calendar. Council members agreed to delay cutting off water customers who haven’t paid their bills until Dec. 26, rather than the normal 10 days, which would fall around the holiday without a chance to get reconnected for several days.
Though the November meeting was delayed until Nov. 18 for lack of an earlier quorum, the next council meeting was scheduled for Dec. 9.
