Bethany Council Holds Reorganizational Meeting

Bethany’s Board of Aldermen swore in new council members and held their reorganizational meeting on Monday night. New Mayor Lance Johns took the oath of office. Dan Robertson has been elected to an East Ward position. Tom McFall took an oath to office following the final action of the previous council which approved his appointment to serve out the one-year term remaining for the seat that was previously held by Randy Brejnik. The council also approved Randy Mann as the President of the Board and Neita Schroff as the City Clerk.

City Administrator Jacob Taylor announced the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved the site change for the EV Charging Station detailed at the previous meeting. The DNR has hinted that the charging station could be near completion in July.

Administrator Taylor also announced a site change for the BioDump Facility. The new site will now be the site of the salt and sand mix plant on the northeast side of the city. The move of the site will take place sometime next year after new gate and security measures are taken. Taylor says the city has $267,000 in restricted solid waste funding that could be available for the move.

Administrator Taylor also says the city plans to use Nodaway County as a pattern for Bethany’s distribution of COVID-19 relief funding. Nodaway Council awarded small grants within their distribution model. The city plans to receive a portion of the funding in May. All money awarded will be approved by Bethany’s Board of Aldermen. The funding could be used for water/sewer work and broadband. At this point, city street funding is not considered to be a viable use of the funding.

The announcement was made that TriState Carports has purchased the old Bridewell Jail building and requested permission by the city, at TriState’s expense, to use new concrete on Roleke Drive. The city will provide permission. Building Inspector Norman Newlin will provide supervision on the city’s behalf.

The council was alerted to some 30th Street Drainage issues. There is a plan of action of a correction of the issues.

Several citizens have approached the city about developing a walking tour of Bethany. The city will contact the Department of Transportation about interstate signage to encourage visitors to stop and visit historic parts of Bethany. The information will also be on the city’s website.

Insurance changes for city employees were also approved as requested by Administrator Taylor.

A conrete bid for the Gas and Electric Plant was approved by Bennett and Wilmes. R/S Electric was approved for a Maintenance Contract to Electrical Work.

Howe Engineering was approved for an On-Call Engineering Work Agreement.