For many years the City of Monroe City relied on the old ‘whistle’ to alert its citizens of dangerous weather. Several years ago the City Council properly recognized that the whistle (which is actually an old air raid siren) wasn’t adequate. They purchased additional sirens that were placed around town. These sirens were made to be heard outdoors only and were mismatched (different manufacturers and frequencies). These sirens were better than what we had, but recent events have proven to me that it is time to purchase new storm warning sirens…and this time do it right.
Today we tested a new siren in Monroe City. At 1:15 we sounded the current system and at 1:30 the demo siren was sounded from the Fire Department parking lot. Keep in mind, we only sounded one demo siren from the middle of town. The demo siren is part of a proposed system that would place sirens throughout town. These sirens rotate so the alert will come and go as the siren faces your direction. Additionally, the demo siren was only 25 feet in the air, while the proposed system has sirens 50 – 60 feet high.
If you were located anywhere near one of the current sirens, it certainly would have sounded louder to you. I was standing directly next to a current siren and the demo unit…I not only heard the difference, but I could actually feel the demo siren.
The proposed storm warning system comes with a price tag of $75,000…well worth the cost if it saves just one life. But if it is still unable to be heard by families who are sleeping in their homes then it’s no better than what we currently have. No matter what, we have to make a switch. Our current sirens would have to be upgraded to narrow-band width technology if we kept them and they don’t currently have battery back-up (which means if the power goes out before they are sounded, they won’t work without electricity).
If you heard the demo siren today, please provide feedback. If you feel that we need to keep looking at other options, that feedback is welcome too.
Sincerely,
Neal R. Minor
Mayor, Monroe City, MO
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
MONROE CITY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION
CORE GROUP MEETING – 07/26/11 – 7:00 P.M.
Attendance: Neal Minor, Gene Howes, Jen Turpin & Jackie Pangborn
Minutes/Treasurer’s Report – Gene motioned to approve the minutes and treasurer’s report from June; Neal seconded it with all in favor.
Subcommittees –
Beautification – no update. Gene commented on several properties that need to be addressed. Jackie stated that the Police has addressed several of these.
Recreation is working on festival.
Economic Development – no update.
Fundraisers – No update.
Fall Festival – Information has been sent out. Jen and Jackie will meet the week of August 8th to get lined out on this.
Tax Exempt Status – No update.
July 4th – 3 on 3 Tourney profited $441.80.
Downtown Revitalization – Neal would be willing to attend this is the CBA wants to send him. The cost is $370. Jackie will send an e-mail out to the group to get authorization.
Recycling Grant – Jackie stated that the City received a recycling grant. With this grant, she would like assistance from the CBA in presenting an educational program to the schools as well as possibly assisting her with the distribution of the recycling containers. She has a meeting with the Mark Twain Regional Solid Waste District the week of August 8th and will find out additional information at that point.
CBA Contest – We had planned to present our Fall Festival as our project for this year’s awards ceremony. However, due to time constraints and scheduling we have decided not to do it this year.
Onshore Technologies – Jackie stated that Dorothy Kern brought her an article regarding Onshore Technologies expanding to different locations in Missouri. Neal stated that he’ll contact Shane.
Membership – Neal requested that all CBA members attend the next meeting and bring a future member with them. Our last several meetings we have only had about 4 people in attendance. If we are only going to have half show up, we might as well double our board size to 16 and hopefully 8 will show up. At that point we could also have elections for officers.
NEXT CORE GROUP MEETING – TUESDAY, AUGUST 9TH AT 5:30 P.M.
CORE GROUP MEETING – 07/26/11 – 7:00 P.M.
Attendance: Neal Minor, Gene Howes, Jen Turpin & Jackie Pangborn
Minutes/Treasurer’s Report – Gene motioned to approve the minutes and treasurer’s report from June; Neal seconded it with all in favor.
Subcommittees –
Beautification – no update. Gene commented on several properties that need to be addressed. Jackie stated that the Police has addressed several of these.
Recreation is working on festival.
Economic Development – no update.
Fundraisers – No update.
Fall Festival – Information has been sent out. Jen and Jackie will meet the week of August 8th to get lined out on this.
Tax Exempt Status – No update.
July 4th – 3 on 3 Tourney profited $441.80.
Downtown Revitalization – Neal would be willing to attend this is the CBA wants to send him. The cost is $370. Jackie will send an e-mail out to the group to get authorization.
Recycling Grant – Jackie stated that the City received a recycling grant. With this grant, she would like assistance from the CBA in presenting an educational program to the schools as well as possibly assisting her with the distribution of the recycling containers. She has a meeting with the Mark Twain Regional Solid Waste District the week of August 8th and will find out additional information at that point.
CBA Contest – We had planned to present our Fall Festival as our project for this year’s awards ceremony. However, due to time constraints and scheduling we have decided not to do it this year.
Onshore Technologies – Jackie stated that Dorothy Kern brought her an article regarding Onshore Technologies expanding to different locations in Missouri. Neal stated that he’ll contact Shane.
Membership – Neal requested that all CBA members attend the next meeting and bring a future member with them. Our last several meetings we have only had about 4 people in attendance. If we are only going to have half show up, we might as well double our board size to 16 and hopefully 8 will show up. At that point we could also have elections for officers.
NEXT CORE GROUP MEETING – TUESDAY, AUGUST 9TH AT 5:30 P.M.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Democratic Process and The Farmer's Market
The Democratic Process and The Farmer’s Market
The Democratic process has to be one of the most convoluted, chaotic, confusing, wonderful, beautiful things in the world…and it works exactly the way it was designed.
The Founders of our great country wanted to make sure that it was a difficult process to impose new laws on the citizens. When you see a room full of politicians debating like kindergarteners and seemingly getting nowhere, you can almost imagine Thomas Jefferson grinning from ear-to-ear at the absolute genius of those 4,500 words that have guided this country for nearly two and a half centuries…The U.S. Constitution.
But, you might ask, what does the U.S. Constitution have to do with business licenses, retail sales tax and the farmer’s market in Monroe City? It has everything to do with it. Besides the rules and laws of the U.S Constitution that we must operate under, the State of Missouri also has a Constitution and the City of Monroe City has a book of ordinances.
Sidebar: These documents were meant to be flexible and amendable…albeit difficult to change. There are laws on every book in the country that are outdated and irrelevant to the world we live in today. However, it seems that many lawmakers are only concerned with creating new encumbrances to our freedom, rather than taking the time to clean up the obsolete laws.
So, we do have laws, policies and ordinances that we have to operate under, and if we are going to enforce laws, policies and ordinances, we are going to do so fairly and equally across the board (see my view on policy enforcement from the Lake Gazette in January, 2011).
When the Council was approached by a tax-paying, small business owner in Monroe City who asked the question, “Why can people sell the same things in the park, without a business license or the collection of sales tax, that businesses sell?”, we decided that it was a very valid question, and I’ll try to explain why.
Our current ordinance (scroll down to page 150), or lack of, doesn't fully address the sale of ‘homemade’ goods or a Farmer's Market in the City limits. In general, the City has allowed 'homemade or homegrown' items to be sold without a business license or the collection of retail sales tax. This was meant to cover mainly produce that is grown in a garden and sold at a ‘Farmer’s Market’. Recently, the items being sold have included furniture, birdhouses, baked goods, etc.
All of these items are homemade or homegrown, but if I bake 20 loaves of bread and sell them in the park, how is that different than the 20 loaves of bread that are baked fresh at C&R every day? If I plant flower seeds in pots in my backyard and then sell them in the park once they start to bloom, how is that different than the owner of the greenhouse who does the same thing?
The posting on facebook and the subsequent comments are what prompted me to post this reply. I love public debate and public input; it’s what makes for a healthy community. However, those posting on facebook don’t have all the facts (probably because they got their information from the local newspaper, which will be the topic of my next post, so stay tuned for that!)
The newspaper stated ‘(Jackie) Pangborn said that she has received several inquiries whether individuals that sell items at St. Jude’s Park should be required to have a city business license and remit sales tax. The board moved to take up the matter at a later date.’
What the paper left out was all of the discussion that occurred between ‘Pangborn said…’ and ‘The board moved…’
Here are the official minutes of the meeting
‘Jackie Pangborn said that she has received inquiries why the Amish and other individuals can sell products in St. Jude’s Park without a business license and not have to collect sales tax while established businesses are required to have a license and remit sales tax. In the past the City had a Farmer’s Market in which individuals could sell the products that they made at St. Jude’s Park and not have to have a business license. Attorney Wilcox said that in his opinion the cost for managing the City’s business license program is not worth the revenue that it generates, which is about $6,400.00 per year. However, if the City is going to maintain its business licenses, everyone should be held to the same standard. Mayor Minor said that he agrees that the City should not require business licenses. After discussion, the Board decided to table this matter until it is determined exactly what the City has designated as the Farmer’s Market in the past.’
I am fully in favor, and have been for quite some time, of completely doing away with City business licenses. It is my goal to make Monroe City the most business friendly town in the nation, and charging $25 for a piece of paper signed by a few City officials does nothing to make us business friendly…it’s just one more unnecessary expense and deterrent to starting a business here.
I understand why the comments on facebook were so harsh and critical, but when the facts are presented (please come back soon to read my post regarding the FACTS about the City’s transaction with Lakeside Casting Solutions), I hope people will see that the decision makers at City Hall are not out to make a dime any way possible, and in fact are trying to do just the opposite. During my three years as Mayor the City’s annual operating budget has been reduced from $12M to $8M. That’s a 33% reduction in expenses (I’m also drafting a post regarding city expenses and utility rates, so check back for that as well.)
Let the democratic process work. We will discuss this issue again when a little research has been completed and we determine what State Law has to say about it. Post a comment on here or let your alderman know your thoughts. But understand that whatever is decided, it will be applied equally to all, and there are pros and cons to any decision that is made.
I may have gotten a little off topic here, but I have been considering this blog for quite a while and the timing was right. I want a public forum and I want input from the citizens I have been elected to lead. If you turn to the local paper for facts and details regarding decisions that are made at City Hall, unfortunately you’re going to be left in the dark. This is an opportunity for me to have an ongoing discussion, present the rest of the story and solicit feedback in hopes of making Monroe City a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Mayor Neal R. Minor
As an afterthought - I want to point out that the Lake Gazette is recently under new ownership and I anticipate having a great working relationship with the new owners and general manager. I have no reason to believe that the new management will be anything less than professional and unbiased journalists.
It is my sincere hope that the local paper will be the go to source for facts and details regarding City business and that this blog will provide a public forum for discussion of said business.
The Democratic process has to be one of the most convoluted, chaotic, confusing, wonderful, beautiful things in the world…and it works exactly the way it was designed.
The Founders of our great country wanted to make sure that it was a difficult process to impose new laws on the citizens. When you see a room full of politicians debating like kindergarteners and seemingly getting nowhere, you can almost imagine Thomas Jefferson grinning from ear-to-ear at the absolute genius of those 4,500 words that have guided this country for nearly two and a half centuries…The U.S. Constitution.
But, you might ask, what does the U.S. Constitution have to do with business licenses, retail sales tax and the farmer’s market in Monroe City? It has everything to do with it. Besides the rules and laws of the U.S Constitution that we must operate under, the State of Missouri also has a Constitution and the City of Monroe City has a book of ordinances.
Sidebar: These documents were meant to be flexible and amendable…albeit difficult to change. There are laws on every book in the country that are outdated and irrelevant to the world we live in today. However, it seems that many lawmakers are only concerned with creating new encumbrances to our freedom, rather than taking the time to clean up the obsolete laws.
So, we do have laws, policies and ordinances that we have to operate under, and if we are going to enforce laws, policies and ordinances, we are going to do so fairly and equally across the board (see my view on policy enforcement from the Lake Gazette in January, 2011).
When the Council was approached by a tax-paying, small business owner in Monroe City who asked the question, “Why can people sell the same things in the park, without a business license or the collection of sales tax, that businesses sell?”, we decided that it was a very valid question, and I’ll try to explain why.
Our current ordinance (scroll down to page 150), or lack of, doesn't fully address the sale of ‘homemade’ goods or a Farmer's Market in the City limits. In general, the City has allowed 'homemade or homegrown' items to be sold without a business license or the collection of retail sales tax. This was meant to cover mainly produce that is grown in a garden and sold at a ‘Farmer’s Market’. Recently, the items being sold have included furniture, birdhouses, baked goods, etc.
All of these items are homemade or homegrown, but if I bake 20 loaves of bread and sell them in the park, how is that different than the 20 loaves of bread that are baked fresh at C&R every day? If I plant flower seeds in pots in my backyard and then sell them in the park once they start to bloom, how is that different than the owner of the greenhouse who does the same thing?
The posting on facebook and the subsequent comments are what prompted me to post this reply. I love public debate and public input; it’s what makes for a healthy community. However, those posting on facebook don’t have all the facts (probably because they got their information from the local newspaper, which will be the topic of my next post, so stay tuned for that!)
The newspaper stated ‘(Jackie) Pangborn said that she has received several inquiries whether individuals that sell items at St. Jude’s Park should be required to have a city business license and remit sales tax. The board moved to take up the matter at a later date.’
What the paper left out was all of the discussion that occurred between ‘Pangborn said…’ and ‘The board moved…’
Here are the official minutes of the meeting
‘Jackie Pangborn said that she has received inquiries why the Amish and other individuals can sell products in St. Jude’s Park without a business license and not have to collect sales tax while established businesses are required to have a license and remit sales tax. In the past the City had a Farmer’s Market in which individuals could sell the products that they made at St. Jude’s Park and not have to have a business license. Attorney Wilcox said that in his opinion the cost for managing the City’s business license program is not worth the revenue that it generates, which is about $6,400.00 per year. However, if the City is going to maintain its business licenses, everyone should be held to the same standard. Mayor Minor said that he agrees that the City should not require business licenses. After discussion, the Board decided to table this matter until it is determined exactly what the City has designated as the Farmer’s Market in the past.’
I am fully in favor, and have been for quite some time, of completely doing away with City business licenses. It is my goal to make Monroe City the most business friendly town in the nation, and charging $25 for a piece of paper signed by a few City officials does nothing to make us business friendly…it’s just one more unnecessary expense and deterrent to starting a business here.
I understand why the comments on facebook were so harsh and critical, but when the facts are presented (please come back soon to read my post regarding the FACTS about the City’s transaction with Lakeside Casting Solutions), I hope people will see that the decision makers at City Hall are not out to make a dime any way possible, and in fact are trying to do just the opposite. During my three years as Mayor the City’s annual operating budget has been reduced from $12M to $8M. That’s a 33% reduction in expenses (I’m also drafting a post regarding city expenses and utility rates, so check back for that as well.)
Let the democratic process work. We will discuss this issue again when a little research has been completed and we determine what State Law has to say about it. Post a comment on here or let your alderman know your thoughts. But understand that whatever is decided, it will be applied equally to all, and there are pros and cons to any decision that is made.
I may have gotten a little off topic here, but I have been considering this blog for quite a while and the timing was right. I want a public forum and I want input from the citizens I have been elected to lead. If you turn to the local paper for facts and details regarding decisions that are made at City Hall, unfortunately you’re going to be left in the dark. This is an opportunity for me to have an ongoing discussion, present the rest of the story and solicit feedback in hopes of making Monroe City a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Mayor Neal R. Minor
As an afterthought - I want to point out that the Lake Gazette is recently under new ownership and I anticipate having a great working relationship with the new owners and general manager. I have no reason to believe that the new management will be anything less than professional and unbiased journalists.
It is my sincere hope that the local paper will be the go to source for facts and details regarding City business and that this blog will provide a public forum for discussion of said business.
Public Policy must treat Everyone equally
Below is the content of an editorial written by Linda Geist in the January 26, 2011 Lake Gazette. My letter to the editor reply is posted below.
Editorial by Linda Geist
Credit. It’s a funny thing. When you don’t need it, everybody wants to give you more. When you need it, it’s nowhere to be found.
The mayor and I have had some rather heated e-mails recently about credit. We politely call it an extension on your utility bill. I call it credit.
Recently the council, in closed session, extended a payment plan on utilities to a business. At the time of extension, the business, the Monroe City Inn, owed nearly $10,000. In the end, the bank is now responsible for future bills, but not necessarily the past.
The situation was not unlike one we reported on just weeks earlier when we got the bankruptcy settlement notice on another business, with no local ties.
Several local people, including small business people who have owned property here for many years and have generations of their family buried in the local cemetery, have complained that they are granted no leniency if they are late in their utility bills, and yet, businesses owned by those with no long-standing ties are given extensions. It seems to be a valid argument.
In our last lengthy conversation, I suggested to the mayor that out-of-town owners be held to a different standard. He and I respectfully disagree about this issue, he being charged to keep local businesses here, and find new ones to locate here. There is a risk factor involved. Just like when you go to the bank, one of the first questions asked is “How long have you lived at your residence?” And the one before that? Do you own or rent? Who have you had previous loans with?
They do this to determine if you have ties to the community, if you’re stable, or if you’re a flight risk if you default on a loan. The bank wants to know how to find you to squeeze blood out of the turnip should you not produce the green dollars each month. And they should. It’s their job.
Just as it is the City’s job. Because, in effect, the council is making high-risk loans with your tax dollars when they offer extensions to businesses who don’t pass the first questions on a bank loan. When they default, it is the remaining few left to pay the balance.
Again, a review of the policy is in order.
And here is my reply
January 28, 2011
Linda,
I may be misinterpreting your editorials, but I feel like you have been trying to bait me into a public argument in your paper for the past two months. In an effort to avoid a verbal war with someone who buys his or her ink by the barrel, I have chosen to not reply in public. Instead I visited with you at your office…off the record; and we had an email debate, again…off the record. However, both of those off the record discussions became part of your editorial and this week I can no longer remain silent.
I understand that my position as Mayor means that I am going to be criticized and questioned constantly. I have no problem with that and in fact, I think that public debate is healthy and even necessary to move our community forward. What I do have a problem with is when our local newspaper, the voice of the community, puts a negative spin on every decision that is made at City Hall and when the editor of that paper refuses to let facts and a little respect for privacy get in the way of a good story.
Yes, you did suggest to me that ‘out-of-towners’ be held to a different standard when it comes to paying their utility bills. I thought it was a horrible suggestion at the time and I honestly can’t believe that you printed it for everyone else to read. Maybe we can make that the slogan on the billboard at the edge of town; “Welcome to Monroe City…where out-of-towners are treated differently”. As we continue our discussions with employers looking to locate their businesses in our community, we’ll just have to point out that if they could also relocate some of their dead kinfolk to our local cemetery we can get them a much better deal on their utilities.
You also stated that several local people have complained that they are granted no leniency if they are late in paying their utility bill. I’m not sure who these individuals are, but our current policy…the one you want us to review…states that ALL utility customers can be granted an extension, ALL utility customers can set up a payment plan and ALL utility customers are subject to disconnect if they don’t pay their bill. (On a side note – before we disconnect someone, we send out a City worker to deliver a disconnect notice and give the customer an opportunity to pay prior to being disconnected. And it doesn’t matter who you are or what your last name is or that you just forgot to bring your payment by…it doesn’t matter if its your first time being late or your 50th, if your payment is late, you are going to get a disconnect notice). That’s how policies work…they treat everyone the same way.
In 1964, a middle-aged couple with three teenaged sons moved to Monroe City. They had no ties to the community and were what you would call ‘out-of-towners’. They called Monroe City their home for the remainder of their lives and their grandson grew up to be Mayor. I am thankful that during my grandparents first days in Monroe City they didn’t have to open the local newspaper, read an editorial like the one in last week’s paper and wonder if they had made the right choice.
I have no idea which business, which family, which retired couple, is considering a move to Monroe City right now. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to wait until they’re here to find out what the community is like…the newspaper is available online every week. With that being said, I think it would be beneficial if the local newspaper would recognize the role it plays in not only reporting the news, but also in promoting our community. I’m not suggesting that the paper should sugar coat everything and make Monroe City look like a utopian wonderland. I’m just asking that before you print something…stop and read it again…from an ‘out-of-towners’ point of view. You never know, the parents of the next George Spalding or L.O. Kuhlman or JC Shoemeyer could be considering a move to Monroe City right now.
Sincerely,
Mayor Neal R. Minor
Editorial by Linda Geist
Credit. It’s a funny thing. When you don’t need it, everybody wants to give you more. When you need it, it’s nowhere to be found.
The mayor and I have had some rather heated e-mails recently about credit. We politely call it an extension on your utility bill. I call it credit.
Recently the council, in closed session, extended a payment plan on utilities to a business. At the time of extension, the business, the Monroe City Inn, owed nearly $10,000. In the end, the bank is now responsible for future bills, but not necessarily the past.
The situation was not unlike one we reported on just weeks earlier when we got the bankruptcy settlement notice on another business, with no local ties.
Several local people, including small business people who have owned property here for many years and have generations of their family buried in the local cemetery, have complained that they are granted no leniency if they are late in their utility bills, and yet, businesses owned by those with no long-standing ties are given extensions. It seems to be a valid argument.
In our last lengthy conversation, I suggested to the mayor that out-of-town owners be held to a different standard. He and I respectfully disagree about this issue, he being charged to keep local businesses here, and find new ones to locate here. There is a risk factor involved. Just like when you go to the bank, one of the first questions asked is “How long have you lived at your residence?” And the one before that? Do you own or rent? Who have you had previous loans with?
They do this to determine if you have ties to the community, if you’re stable, or if you’re a flight risk if you default on a loan. The bank wants to know how to find you to squeeze blood out of the turnip should you not produce the green dollars each month. And they should. It’s their job.
Just as it is the City’s job. Because, in effect, the council is making high-risk loans with your tax dollars when they offer extensions to businesses who don’t pass the first questions on a bank loan. When they default, it is the remaining few left to pay the balance.
Again, a review of the policy is in order.
And here is my reply
January 28, 2011
Linda,
I may be misinterpreting your editorials, but I feel like you have been trying to bait me into a public argument in your paper for the past two months. In an effort to avoid a verbal war with someone who buys his or her ink by the barrel, I have chosen to not reply in public. Instead I visited with you at your office…off the record; and we had an email debate, again…off the record. However, both of those off the record discussions became part of your editorial and this week I can no longer remain silent.
I understand that my position as Mayor means that I am going to be criticized and questioned constantly. I have no problem with that and in fact, I think that public debate is healthy and even necessary to move our community forward. What I do have a problem with is when our local newspaper, the voice of the community, puts a negative spin on every decision that is made at City Hall and when the editor of that paper refuses to let facts and a little respect for privacy get in the way of a good story.
Yes, you did suggest to me that ‘out-of-towners’ be held to a different standard when it comes to paying their utility bills. I thought it was a horrible suggestion at the time and I honestly can’t believe that you printed it for everyone else to read. Maybe we can make that the slogan on the billboard at the edge of town; “Welcome to Monroe City…where out-of-towners are treated differently”. As we continue our discussions with employers looking to locate their businesses in our community, we’ll just have to point out that if they could also relocate some of their dead kinfolk to our local cemetery we can get them a much better deal on their utilities.
You also stated that several local people have complained that they are granted no leniency if they are late in paying their utility bill. I’m not sure who these individuals are, but our current policy…the one you want us to review…states that ALL utility customers can be granted an extension, ALL utility customers can set up a payment plan and ALL utility customers are subject to disconnect if they don’t pay their bill. (On a side note – before we disconnect someone, we send out a City worker to deliver a disconnect notice and give the customer an opportunity to pay prior to being disconnected. And it doesn’t matter who you are or what your last name is or that you just forgot to bring your payment by…it doesn’t matter if its your first time being late or your 50th, if your payment is late, you are going to get a disconnect notice). That’s how policies work…they treat everyone the same way.
In 1964, a middle-aged couple with three teenaged sons moved to Monroe City. They had no ties to the community and were what you would call ‘out-of-towners’. They called Monroe City their home for the remainder of their lives and their grandson grew up to be Mayor. I am thankful that during my grandparents first days in Monroe City they didn’t have to open the local newspaper, read an editorial like the one in last week’s paper and wonder if they had made the right choice.
I have no idea which business, which family, which retired couple, is considering a move to Monroe City right now. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to wait until they’re here to find out what the community is like…the newspaper is available online every week. With that being said, I think it would be beneficial if the local newspaper would recognize the role it plays in not only reporting the news, but also in promoting our community. I’m not suggesting that the paper should sugar coat everything and make Monroe City look like a utopian wonderland. I’m just asking that before you print something…stop and read it again…from an ‘out-of-towners’ point of view. You never know, the parents of the next George Spalding or L.O. Kuhlman or JC Shoemeyer could be considering a move to Monroe City right now.
Sincerely,
Mayor Neal R. Minor
MONROE CITY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION
CORE GROUP MEETING – 06/15/11 – 7:00 P.M.
Attendance: Neal Minor, Gene Howes, Kathy Anderson & Jackie Pangborn
Minutes/Treasurer’s Report – Gene motioned to approve the minutes and treasurer’s report from May; Neal seconded it with all in favor.
Subcommittees –
Beautification has not met recently.
Recreation is working on festival.
Economic Development distributed the senior mailboxes.
Fundraisers – 3 on 3 tourney is coming up July 2nd. Neal will need help w/volunteers the day of the event. E-mail Neal w/names for volunteers for that day & he’ll follow up. CBA will sell drinks. They authorized Jen Turpin to spend $300 on advertising. Gene has sent flyers to KRES and other places regarding the July 4th parade, the 3 on 3 tourney as well as the Fall Festival.
Fall Festival – This is rolling along.
Tax Exempt Status – Kathy will meet with Paul Richards in July to address this.
July 4th – The parade will be July 2nd.
Job Fair – There was not a lot of attendance – about 20 people and 13 exhibitors. Cost $300 for the hall & $360 for food & the exhibitor fees brought in $360 so this was a loss to the CBA of $300. Jackie suggested we do this every 5 years.
Biggest Loser Competition – Congratulations to Monroe City who won this challenge over Palmyra. We lost 416 pounds. Celebration will be at St. Jude’s park on Saturday, June 18th at 10 a.m. The cost is $408 ($200 for prize money & $208 for balloons). Anyone who can attend is encouraged to show up at 9:30 a.m. to blow up balloons.
Downtown Revitalization – Jackie provided information on “Get Plugged in downtown” which is a Missouri Main Streets conference. This would be beneficial if this is something the CBA plans to pursue.
NEXT CORE GROUP MEETING – WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH AT 7 P.M.
June 18th – 10 a.m. – Celebration of Biggest Loser at St. Jude’s Park
June 18th – 8 a.m. to noon – Pet Vaccination Clinic – St. Jude’s Park
July 2nd – 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney
July 7th – 5 p.m. - MoDOT/BNSF Meeting
CORE GROUP MEETING – 06/15/11 – 7:00 P.M.
Attendance: Neal Minor, Gene Howes, Kathy Anderson & Jackie Pangborn
Minutes/Treasurer’s Report – Gene motioned to approve the minutes and treasurer’s report from May; Neal seconded it with all in favor.
Subcommittees –
Beautification has not met recently.
Recreation is working on festival.
Economic Development distributed the senior mailboxes.
Fundraisers – 3 on 3 tourney is coming up July 2nd. Neal will need help w/volunteers the day of the event. E-mail Neal w/names for volunteers for that day & he’ll follow up. CBA will sell drinks. They authorized Jen Turpin to spend $300 on advertising. Gene has sent flyers to KRES and other places regarding the July 4th parade, the 3 on 3 tourney as well as the Fall Festival.
Fall Festival – This is rolling along.
Tax Exempt Status – Kathy will meet with Paul Richards in July to address this.
July 4th – The parade will be July 2nd.
Job Fair – There was not a lot of attendance – about 20 people and 13 exhibitors. Cost $300 for the hall & $360 for food & the exhibitor fees brought in $360 so this was a loss to the CBA of $300. Jackie suggested we do this every 5 years.
Biggest Loser Competition – Congratulations to Monroe City who won this challenge over Palmyra. We lost 416 pounds. Celebration will be at St. Jude’s park on Saturday, June 18th at 10 a.m. The cost is $408 ($200 for prize money & $208 for balloons). Anyone who can attend is encouraged to show up at 9:30 a.m. to blow up balloons.
Downtown Revitalization – Jackie provided information on “Get Plugged in downtown” which is a Missouri Main Streets conference. This would be beneficial if this is something the CBA plans to pursue.
NEXT CORE GROUP MEETING – WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH AT 7 P.M.
June 18th – 10 a.m. – Celebration of Biggest Loser at St. Jude’s Park
June 18th – 8 a.m. to noon – Pet Vaccination Clinic – St. Jude’s Park
July 2nd – 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney
July 7th – 5 p.m. - MoDOT/BNSF Meeting
Monday, February 8, 2010
Core Group Meeting Januay 2010
MONROE CITY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION
CORE GROUP MEETING – 1/20/10 – 7 P.M. - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Attendance: Loree Quinn, Michelle Kendrick, Gene Howes, Kathy Anderson, Jenny Quinn, Jennifer Turpin, Dorothy Kern, Phil Whelan, David Hill and Jackie Pangborn
Minutes – The minutes from the December meeting were approved on a motion by Kathy Anderson, a second by Loree Quinn with all in favor.
Treasurer’s Report – Loree Quinn presented the Treasurer’s report and it was approved on a motion by Jackie Pangborn, a second by Gene Howes with all in favor.
Beautification – They will be meeting soon and will finalize plans on Earth day. Looking at recycling technology and have not heard anything from the Police Department as to status of complaints on abandoned vehicles.
Recreation –
Talent Show – excellent turnout; they have candy left & will sell that at the 5th/6th grade basketball games.
Fall Festival – Summer group decided not to do it so her group is moving forward with fall festival plans. Preference of dates is October 1st, 2nd & 3rd with a backup date o September 11th, 12th & 13th. They will be putting in a “Letter to the Editor” for the 1/27/10 edition of the Lake Gazette. They will meet on 1/27/10 at 5:30 p.m. at Mexican to finalize itinerary and then will have a public meeting on 2/3/10 at the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. and will go to the Council on 2/4/10 to discuss the liquor. They hope to incorporate Arts in the Park, need to develop a name for the festival. St. Jude’s will be the “hub” but there will be activities in different areas & are looking into vendors. It has to be advertised as a “community event” and will need to get many people involved – including men and youth. Jackie will check w/Allen Mehrer on the geo-caching.
Marketing – Loree Quinn provided an update with her committee.
Website – She has reviewed their projects and has pieced one together from a couple of projects.
Brochure – They want everything to have a similar “look” to them, the website, brochure, etc. Looking at highlights of MC, etc.
Logo – They are working on a logo.
Business Letters – Letters did go out to the existing businesses.
Banners – Need similar design as brochure, website, logo, etc. – working on this.
501c3 Status – This is completed & we are approved – “Monroe City Special Projects Organization”. Jackie will send Michael a thank you note.
Keeping Business Local – The group presented information from a conversation between Jackie and Bob Lehenbauer with regards to ideas on keeping businesses with a locally owned majority of stockholders. The group felt that is a member is selling their shares, they are going to go to the highest bidder whether they are local or not. The group felt that this should be passed on to the Industrial Development Authority. Jackie will talk with Don LaRue.
Massillon Museum - They will be here 2/17/10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber to scan pictures & set up appointments to take interviews. They’ll need volunteers to meet & guide people at the Church.
“Why I Love Monroe City” contest – The Lake Gazette is sponsoring this event and it was decided that the CBA will enter it. Michelle will set something up on google docs so everyone can input their own ideas.
David Hill – passed out information on a grant through Monsanto for non-profit organizations – Jenny Quinn will pursue applicants. He also passed out an article on Palmyra and Continental Castings. He provided copies of the University of Missouri Extension Office’s ExCEED program – Jackie put some on the counter at City Hall.
With no additional items for discussion, Jackie Pangborn motioned to adjourn the meeting; Phil Whelan seconded it with all in favor.
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS . . .
Beautification Meeting – To Be Determined
Recreation Meeting – 1/27/10 – 5:30 Mexican & 2/3/10 5:30 Chambers
Econ Dev – 1/26/10 - 7 p.m. – Nutrition Center
Core Group – 2/16/10 – 7 p.m. – Mexican
CORE GROUP MEETING – 1/20/10 – 7 P.M. - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Attendance: Loree Quinn, Michelle Kendrick, Gene Howes, Kathy Anderson, Jenny Quinn, Jennifer Turpin, Dorothy Kern, Phil Whelan, David Hill and Jackie Pangborn
Minutes – The minutes from the December meeting were approved on a motion by Kathy Anderson, a second by Loree Quinn with all in favor.
Treasurer’s Report – Loree Quinn presented the Treasurer’s report and it was approved on a motion by Jackie Pangborn, a second by Gene Howes with all in favor.
Beautification – They will be meeting soon and will finalize plans on Earth day. Looking at recycling technology and have not heard anything from the Police Department as to status of complaints on abandoned vehicles.
Recreation –
Talent Show – excellent turnout; they have candy left & will sell that at the 5th/6th grade basketball games.
Fall Festival – Summer group decided not to do it so her group is moving forward with fall festival plans. Preference of dates is October 1st, 2nd & 3rd with a backup date o September 11th, 12th & 13th. They will be putting in a “Letter to the Editor” for the 1/27/10 edition of the Lake Gazette. They will meet on 1/27/10 at 5:30 p.m. at Mexican to finalize itinerary and then will have a public meeting on 2/3/10 at the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. and will go to the Council on 2/4/10 to discuss the liquor. They hope to incorporate Arts in the Park, need to develop a name for the festival. St. Jude’s will be the “hub” but there will be activities in different areas & are looking into vendors. It has to be advertised as a “community event” and will need to get many people involved – including men and youth. Jackie will check w/Allen Mehrer on the geo-caching.
Marketing – Loree Quinn provided an update with her committee.
Website – She has reviewed their projects and has pieced one together from a couple of projects.
Brochure – They want everything to have a similar “look” to them, the website, brochure, etc. Looking at highlights of MC, etc.
Logo – They are working on a logo.
Business Letters – Letters did go out to the existing businesses.
Banners – Need similar design as brochure, website, logo, etc. – working on this.
501c3 Status – This is completed & we are approved – “Monroe City Special Projects Organization”. Jackie will send Michael a thank you note.
Keeping Business Local – The group presented information from a conversation between Jackie and Bob Lehenbauer with regards to ideas on keeping businesses with a locally owned majority of stockholders. The group felt that is a member is selling their shares, they are going to go to the highest bidder whether they are local or not. The group felt that this should be passed on to the Industrial Development Authority. Jackie will talk with Don LaRue.
Massillon Museum - They will be here 2/17/10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber to scan pictures & set up appointments to take interviews. They’ll need volunteers to meet & guide people at the Church.
“Why I Love Monroe City” contest – The Lake Gazette is sponsoring this event and it was decided that the CBA will enter it. Michelle will set something up on google docs so everyone can input their own ideas.
David Hill – passed out information on a grant through Monsanto for non-profit organizations – Jenny Quinn will pursue applicants. He also passed out an article on Palmyra and Continental Castings. He provided copies of the University of Missouri Extension Office’s ExCEED program – Jackie put some on the counter at City Hall.
With no additional items for discussion, Jackie Pangborn motioned to adjourn the meeting; Phil Whelan seconded it with all in favor.
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS . . .
Beautification Meeting – To Be Determined
Recreation Meeting – 1/27/10 – 5:30 Mexican & 2/3/10 5:30 Chambers
Econ Dev – 1/26/10 - 7 p.m. – Nutrition Center
Core Group – 2/16/10 – 7 p.m. – Mexican
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monroe City Economic Plan
Students from the Gordon E. Crosby Jr. MBA Program completed an Economic Restoration Analysis for the city of Monroe City. The group presented their report to members of Monroe City Community Development on December 4th. Team members were: Brad Alden, Sam Deveram, Val Dixon, Tyler Graffeo, Jeff McMullan, Laura Rudolphi, and Eric Stoner.
Thanks to Brian Hays for his work with this group. To view the completed report, visit:
http://www.monroecitymo.org/links/Monroe%20City%20Final1.pdf
Thanks to Brian Hays for his work with this group. To view the completed report, visit:
http://www.monroecitymo.org/links/Monroe%20City%20Final1.pdf
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
MONROE CITY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION
CORE GROUP MEETING – 10/14/09 – 7 P.M. - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Attendance: Michelle Kendrick, Jennifer Turpin, Brian Hays, Neal Minor, Phil Whelan, Janice Schnitzler, Dorothy kern, Steve Buckman, Jackie Buckman, Loree Quinn, Kathy Anderson, Jennifer Quinn, Gene Howes and Jackie Pangborn
Beautification – Janice stated that her group is active and is a very good group. Some have particular interests and are pursuing those. She said they felt good about the Good Neighbor Day - there were some improved areas in town from this day.
Community Garden – Steve Yates is following through with the Community Garden in the Spalding area by Mosswood. Dennis is putting money into this project, he has four sections worked up with grass area in between the sections so people can more easily take care of their gardens. He will pay for seeds (not plants) and asks that if they plant a vegetable garden, he wants flowers planted as well. It would be nice if a person from the Ag department would take this on as a project. She stated that they may need a culvert from the City and possibly a water hook up.
Make a Difference Day is October 24th. She stated that the Sheltered Workshop will take all items but glass, they will also have about 20 of their people and supervisors working that day. They have about 45 jobs line up at this point. The headquarters for workers to meet is the Nutrition Center. There is an ad in the paper. The Fire Department is taking care of a project as well. Neal Minor stated that there is a demolition list. Neal said that the City bought the Lance White house on Second Street but when you purchase things at a tax sale you are somewhat limited on what you can do. He is going to get a copy of those on the demo list and see if he can get some things cleaned up.
Recreation – Jennifer Turpin stated that their group has been meeting and have several ideas underway. They would like to see new recreations as well as enhance what we currently have.
Tennis Courts – Pfaffs would do the asphalt work & we would need volunteers to help with the labor. The school would purchase the nets.
Movies – There wasn’t a lot of interest in the movies – didn’t want to split up the crowd between us & Shelbina.
Bike Trails
Pool – They have several ideas on getting the attendance up at the pool, would need marketing. They will need a proposal to the Council, possibly split the passes up between family type passes and punch card passes. Possibly rent out the room for parties.
Sports Equipment Exchange – People donate the stuff (bats, gloves, shoes, sliding pads, etc.) that they don’t use, want or need and then those that do need it can use it. The drop off will be at LOI. They will be advertising this.
Fall Festival – We currently have nothing. They’d like to try & revive the fall festival/homecoming. Jenny Quinn and her sister Lindsay would like to take this on. We need to get enthusiasm back into the arts – possibly combine this festival with Arts in the Park.
Marketing – Loree Quinn provided an update with her committee.
Web Page & Brochure – She is partnering with the High School on the development of a MC CBA web page and a brochure for Monroe City.
Brochure – We have a lot of photographers in the area and it would be nice to have a contest for prime photos for our brochure.
Facebook – There is a Monroe City facebook page. So far we have 480 friends. This is a way to outreach to all of Monroe City alumni and encourage donations once we obtain 501c3 status.
It was mentioned that there was a Tri-State Summit in Iowa which we may want to look at attending next year.
New Business – Steve & Jackie Buckman gave an update on this. They have had a lot of discussions and they are trying to put together the qualifications on the workers that we have in Monroe City. They also are looking at doing the mailboxes for the graduates.
Resource – Jackie stated that the purpose of their group was to develop a listing of what to do if you want to start a business in Monroe City. They currently have stopped meeting for two reasons. Charles Holland of the University of Missouri Extension Office in Paris will walk people through what they need to do if they want to start a business. We didn’t feel we needed to re-invent the wheel if it was already being addressed – it just needs to be advertised more. Secondly, Trulaske is working on a strategic plan of Monroe City and it should be completed in December. Once that has been completed, it will hopefully give us ideas of how to proceed in some areas. Jackie also provided a sheet of information on grants, meetings, etc. that were coming up and websites with the respective information.
Monroe City Blog – This should be up and going – trying to add a calendar of events.
501c3 Status – The letters were sent to individuals on the Monroe City Special Projects group but little response has been received. Therefore, letters requesting their signature will be hand delivered to those in the area & mailed to the others with self-addressed, stamped envelopes.
Organizing & posting groups activities – It was stated that we are a clearing house for all of the civic organizations and we need to try to keep everyone updated on what is going on. We need to use the blog, try to put regular information in the paper and keep track of what the committees are working on. Jackie did send a letter to the editor providing information and dates of upcoming meetings.
It was questioned whether or not anyone followed up with Ed Brown regarding his interest in expanding his business – Neal would follow up on this.
Discussion was held on the status of Intermet & Pace.
Neal stated that Robert Hawkins gave us money & would like it to be a charitable contribution to our group – we are still pending 501c3 status.
In follow up to some of the above information:
Neal & Jackie attended the MCB Awards banquet on October 19th in Jefferson City. The Monroe City CBA received a Certificate of Merit which was a very nice plaque. The plaque has been hung in City Hall with plenty of space so that others can be added. The project book is also at City Hall so that we can keep those for future reference as well as to build on our history. We had enough donations from different business for two baskets to be auctioned off. Those donating were LaRue Insurance, See Real Estate, Abels, Dr. Hull, Ben Franklin, Shelter Insurance, HNB Bank, Alliant Bank, Monroe Cit Fire Department, CW’s and the Applebee Tree. Thank you notes will be sent to each of those businesses as well as Harold and Sue Garner for allowing us to use their vehicle when showing the MCB judges around town.
Jackie attended the Highway 36 Heritage Alliance meeting in Chillicothe on October 27th. It was an interesting meeting. She did arrive in Chillicothe a bit early and drove to their bowling alley/recreation building which was owned by the City. She talked with a lady there and the building was put up in 2005 but the City ended up taking it over. Jackie was given the name and number of the attorney that is on their board and she stopped by his office but he was gone. She will follow up with this for additional information. Most likely it is a similar type of venture that the City of Monroe has with Mosswood Golf Course. An update will be provided at the next meeting.
Make a Difference Day was a huge success. There 72 volunteers ages 7 to 75 and 41 projects that were completed. All food and supplies were donated. They will have a follow up meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS . . .
Beautification Meeting – None scheduled at this time.
Recreation Meeting – 3rd Wednesday – 5:30 p.m. – LOI Building
Econ Dev – Last Tuesday - 7 p.m. – Nutrition Center
Core Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month – Council Chamber – 7 p.m.
CORE GROUP MEETING – 10/14/09 – 7 P.M. - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Attendance: Michelle Kendrick, Jennifer Turpin, Brian Hays, Neal Minor, Phil Whelan, Janice Schnitzler, Dorothy kern, Steve Buckman, Jackie Buckman, Loree Quinn, Kathy Anderson, Jennifer Quinn, Gene Howes and Jackie Pangborn
Beautification – Janice stated that her group is active and is a very good group. Some have particular interests and are pursuing those. She said they felt good about the Good Neighbor Day - there were some improved areas in town from this day.
Community Garden – Steve Yates is following through with the Community Garden in the Spalding area by Mosswood. Dennis is putting money into this project, he has four sections worked up with grass area in between the sections so people can more easily take care of their gardens. He will pay for seeds (not plants) and asks that if they plant a vegetable garden, he wants flowers planted as well. It would be nice if a person from the Ag department would take this on as a project. She stated that they may need a culvert from the City and possibly a water hook up.
Make a Difference Day is October 24th. She stated that the Sheltered Workshop will take all items but glass, they will also have about 20 of their people and supervisors working that day. They have about 45 jobs line up at this point. The headquarters for workers to meet is the Nutrition Center. There is an ad in the paper. The Fire Department is taking care of a project as well. Neal Minor stated that there is a demolition list. Neal said that the City bought the Lance White house on Second Street but when you purchase things at a tax sale you are somewhat limited on what you can do. He is going to get a copy of those on the demo list and see if he can get some things cleaned up.
Recreation – Jennifer Turpin stated that their group has been meeting and have several ideas underway. They would like to see new recreations as well as enhance what we currently have.
Tennis Courts – Pfaffs would do the asphalt work & we would need volunteers to help with the labor. The school would purchase the nets.
Movies – There wasn’t a lot of interest in the movies – didn’t want to split up the crowd between us & Shelbina.
Bike Trails
Pool – They have several ideas on getting the attendance up at the pool, would need marketing. They will need a proposal to the Council, possibly split the passes up between family type passes and punch card passes. Possibly rent out the room for parties.
Sports Equipment Exchange – People donate the stuff (bats, gloves, shoes, sliding pads, etc.) that they don’t use, want or need and then those that do need it can use it. The drop off will be at LOI. They will be advertising this.
Fall Festival – We currently have nothing. They’d like to try & revive the fall festival/homecoming. Jenny Quinn and her sister Lindsay would like to take this on. We need to get enthusiasm back into the arts – possibly combine this festival with Arts in the Park.
Marketing – Loree Quinn provided an update with her committee.
Web Page & Brochure – She is partnering with the High School on the development of a MC CBA web page and a brochure for Monroe City.
Brochure – We have a lot of photographers in the area and it would be nice to have a contest for prime photos for our brochure.
Facebook – There is a Monroe City facebook page. So far we have 480 friends. This is a way to outreach to all of Monroe City alumni and encourage donations once we obtain 501c3 status.
It was mentioned that there was a Tri-State Summit in Iowa which we may want to look at attending next year.
New Business – Steve & Jackie Buckman gave an update on this. They have had a lot of discussions and they are trying to put together the qualifications on the workers that we have in Monroe City. They also are looking at doing the mailboxes for the graduates.
Resource – Jackie stated that the purpose of their group was to develop a listing of what to do if you want to start a business in Monroe City. They currently have stopped meeting for two reasons. Charles Holland of the University of Missouri Extension Office in Paris will walk people through what they need to do if they want to start a business. We didn’t feel we needed to re-invent the wheel if it was already being addressed – it just needs to be advertised more. Secondly, Trulaske is working on a strategic plan of Monroe City and it should be completed in December. Once that has been completed, it will hopefully give us ideas of how to proceed in some areas. Jackie also provided a sheet of information on grants, meetings, etc. that were coming up and websites with the respective information.
Monroe City Blog – This should be up and going – trying to add a calendar of events.
501c3 Status – The letters were sent to individuals on the Monroe City Special Projects group but little response has been received. Therefore, letters requesting their signature will be hand delivered to those in the area & mailed to the others with self-addressed, stamped envelopes.
Organizing & posting groups activities – It was stated that we are a clearing house for all of the civic organizations and we need to try to keep everyone updated on what is going on. We need to use the blog, try to put regular information in the paper and keep track of what the committees are working on. Jackie did send a letter to the editor providing information and dates of upcoming meetings.
It was questioned whether or not anyone followed up with Ed Brown regarding his interest in expanding his business – Neal would follow up on this.
Discussion was held on the status of Intermet & Pace.
Neal stated that Robert Hawkins gave us money & would like it to be a charitable contribution to our group – we are still pending 501c3 status.
In follow up to some of the above information:
Neal & Jackie attended the MCB Awards banquet on October 19th in Jefferson City. The Monroe City CBA received a Certificate of Merit which was a very nice plaque. The plaque has been hung in City Hall with plenty of space so that others can be added. The project book is also at City Hall so that we can keep those for future reference as well as to build on our history. We had enough donations from different business for two baskets to be auctioned off. Those donating were LaRue Insurance, See Real Estate, Abels, Dr. Hull, Ben Franklin, Shelter Insurance, HNB Bank, Alliant Bank, Monroe Cit Fire Department, CW’s and the Applebee Tree. Thank you notes will be sent to each of those businesses as well as Harold and Sue Garner for allowing us to use their vehicle when showing the MCB judges around town.
Jackie attended the Highway 36 Heritage Alliance meeting in Chillicothe on October 27th. It was an interesting meeting. She did arrive in Chillicothe a bit early and drove to their bowling alley/recreation building which was owned by the City. She talked with a lady there and the building was put up in 2005 but the City ended up taking it over. Jackie was given the name and number of the attorney that is on their board and she stopped by his office but he was gone. She will follow up with this for additional information. Most likely it is a similar type of venture that the City of Monroe has with Mosswood Golf Course. An update will be provided at the next meeting.
Make a Difference Day was a huge success. There 72 volunteers ages 7 to 75 and 41 projects that were completed. All food and supplies were donated. They will have a follow up meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS . . .
Beautification Meeting – None scheduled at this time.
Recreation Meeting – 3rd Wednesday – 5:30 p.m. – LOI Building
Econ Dev – Last Tuesday - 7 p.m. – Nutrition Center
Core Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month – Council Chamber – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Economic Development - 9/21/09
Becky Cleveland - Econ. Dev. Dir. of Brookfield, Missouri did a presentation with citizens last night. It was very beneficial and a lot of knowledge was gained. Minutes will be sent to those that I have e-mail addresses for. If you would like to be included on the e-mail list, please contact me -- 573-735-4585 ext 224 or via e-mail at jpangborn@monroecity.org.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Good Neighbor Day
Saturday, September 26 has been designated as Good Neighbor Day in Monroe City. We would like for everyone in Monroe City to participate in some way to put Pride into their Neighborhood! Perhaps as individuals you can help a neighbor with lawn chores or washing windows or simply taking them a plate of cookies. As a group you may want to help a neighbor paint a garage or trim shrubbery. All projects, large and small, are just a way of being a good neighbor. While September 26 is being designated as Good Neighbor Day, we hope you will take the initiative to be a good neighbor all year long. Look for flyers and ads in The Lake Gazette.
Also, October 24 has been designated as Make-A-Difference Day. This activity has been going on in our community for the past few years. We hope you will participate on this day as well. More information will be forthcoming.
Thanks!
Also, October 24 has been designated as Make-A-Difference Day. This activity has been going on in our community for the past few years. We hope you will participate on this day as well. More information will be forthcoming.
Thanks!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Economic Development Follow-up
Tonight, August 10, 2009 a follow up discussion was held regarding economic development in Monroe City. As was discussed in the town hall forum last week, several main areas of work are needed.
1. Developing an entrepreneur and (existing and new) small business resource center.
2. Compiling a community wide asset list.
3. Exploring development opportunities at Mark Twain Lake.
4. Marketing and advertising our community and assets.
5. Recruiting new business to town.
Approximately 30 people attended tonight's meeting and joined one of three committees to address the above topics and develop specific actions to move forward.
If you were not there, but have any interest or insight and would like to contribute to your community's future, please watch this blog for future meetings, or email me personally at neal.minor@hrhonline.org and I will put you in touch with the committee chair.
Progress is certainly slow and feels a lot like baby steps, but we refuse to go down without a fight. In the future, we want to be able to tell our children and grandchildren that we did everything we could to rebuild and preserve their hometown.
1. Developing an entrepreneur and (existing and new) small business resource center.
2. Compiling a community wide asset list.
3. Exploring development opportunities at Mark Twain Lake.
4. Marketing and advertising our community and assets.
5. Recruiting new business to town.
Approximately 30 people attended tonight's meeting and joined one of three committees to address the above topics and develop specific actions to move forward.
If you were not there, but have any interest or insight and would like to contribute to your community's future, please watch this blog for future meetings, or email me personally at neal.minor@hrhonline.org and I will put you in touch with the committee chair.
Progress is certainly slow and feels a lot like baby steps, but we refuse to go down without a fight. In the future, we want to be able to tell our children and grandchildren that we did everything we could to rebuild and preserve their hometown.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The rebuilding has begun
On August 4th, 2009 the citizens of Monroe City, MO met to discuss the future of our community. The meeting was diverse and the ideas broad on what direction our town should take. Certainly, there is no one path that will rebuild this once thriving and still proud community.
Our days as the die-casting capital of North America may very well be coming to an end. However, there is still some hope that we can preserve a small portion of the nearly 2,000 die-casting jobs that Diemakers and Khulmans were once responsible for. That fate, we are sure, is mostly out of our hands.
What we know for certain is that collectively we have the brain power, ambition and motivation to save ourselves. But, it's going to take a community effort. Who's going to be there to assist that young entreprenuer while they turn their idea into a viable business? Who's going to ensure that recreational opportunities exist for both current citizens and newcomers? Who's going to keep our town beautiful and visually appealing? Who's going to reach out to the next generation of business owners and community leaders?
We will! And if we think that someone else is going to step in and throw us a lifeline then we've already accepted our current reality as our fate.
The showing at the town-hall forum on the 4th was promising. I ask that everyone who attended stay involved and at the next meeting, bring a guest.
Our days as the die-casting capital of North America may very well be coming to an end. However, there is still some hope that we can preserve a small portion of the nearly 2,000 die-casting jobs that Diemakers and Khulmans were once responsible for. That fate, we are sure, is mostly out of our hands.
What we know for certain is that collectively we have the brain power, ambition and motivation to save ourselves. But, it's going to take a community effort. Who's going to be there to assist that young entreprenuer while they turn their idea into a viable business? Who's going to ensure that recreational opportunities exist for both current citizens and newcomers? Who's going to keep our town beautiful and visually appealing? Who's going to reach out to the next generation of business owners and community leaders?
We will! And if we think that someone else is going to step in and throw us a lifeline then we've already accepted our current reality as our fate.
The showing at the town-hall forum on the 4th was promising. I ask that everyone who attended stay involved and at the next meeting, bring a guest.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Town Hall Meeting
The Monroe City Community Better Organization invite citizens of Monroe City and the surrounding rural areas to a town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 4th at the Monroe City High School. Do you have ideas for our town? Economic Development? City Beautification? Education? Youth Activities? Downtown Rejuvenation? We would like to hear what issues you would like to addressed at our town hall meeting. Please post your ideas by clicking on the comments link in the green bar below.
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