Cable Franchise Transfer Recommended.

Southwest Missouri Cable TV representative Ruth Kolpin spoke with the Public Works Committee Tuesday night to request a resolution to transfer of their cable franchise contract with the City to TCA Cable TV, Inc of Tyler, Texas..

The document, originated in 1965 and extended in 1994, allows owners, heirs, and their assignees to sell or transfer all interest to another. During a lengthy discussion City Attorney David Mouton advised the Committee that the cable company is not considered to be a "public utility" and therefore is not subject to public utility franchise regulations spelled out in the City Charter. Inquiries as to the City’s ability to review or modify the contract by Committee member H.J. Johnson and City Administrator Tom Short prompted a responses by Dean Peterson and Kolpin.

Mouton advised that unless the City had legitimate concerns with the companies, there were no legal impediments to stop a timely transfer.

Committee Member Charlie Bastin made the motion to recommend to the full Council that the City allow the transfer. After some discussion the motion was accepted 3-0. The contract expires September 2007.

Mornin’Mail spoke with TCA Regional Manager Russell Rogers who said TCA would assume day-to-day operations in the fall and he would assume the position of General Manager at Carthage. He said there would be "no immediate changes in programming or service."

"I can’t guarantee there won’t be a rate increase," said Rogers, "but I will promise to listen to customers. I have always done that."

In other business, landscaping of the Police Department facility and the adjoining parking lot to the south was temporarily delayed when the proposals, although close in total cost, came in more than the budgeted amount of $6500 for the project .

The proposal by the Botany Shop Garden Center of Joplin for $7392.50 included a site plan that designated low-maintenance plants and shrubs, maple trees and river rock. Sod was excluded.

Pinewood Nursery of LaRussell did not have a total site plan but did offer area sketches as a way of reference. Their proposal of $7476.60 included low-maintenance plants and shrubs, Bradford pear trees and creek gravel. The option of sod was offered for a portion of the area around the parking lot that would reduce the cost by approximately $1,300. The Committee felt the maintenance cost for the grass would outweigh the initial cost of creek gravel.

Both proposals included weed barrier, one year maintenance to help establish healthy root systems and a live plant guarantee of one year.

A motion to reject the proposals ‘as presented’ passed 3-0. The bidders will be asked by Director of Engineering Joe Butler to resubmit revised proposals at a total cost of under $6500 and to include a complete site map. Parks and Recreation Director Alan Bull will be invited to attend the next meeting to comment on the proposals.

In other business a motion approved Monday night 3-1 at the Public Safety Committee to stop engineering for site work at the proposed south fire substation and to let bids for the proposed interior construction was sent to Public Works where it was approved 3-0. The motion will be forwarded to the full Council for action.

Joe Butler reported that 38 property owners had signed up to take part in the City sidewalk repair project. He said approximately one-half of the sidewalks had been inspected and approved.

"Of those approved, two have permits and one is almost completed," Butler said.

If all the applicants complete their sidewalk projects there would still be approximately $25,000 left of the budgeted $50,000 for fiscal year 1999/2000. The City sponsored project reimburses $1.50 per foot of sidewalk replacement/repair to property owners.

Land Transactions

A. Hoover Construction Company have purchased of Highland Realty Co. Incorporated the property at 701 and 711 Bellaire PL. Jan A. Bowman of Donal M. Myers Realty handled the transaction, in cooperation with Janell Manuval of Century 21 Homefolks Real Estate.

Linda Dian Stair-McCown sold the property at Old 66 Hwy Carthage, MO 64836 to Beverly Rose and John Rose, wife and husband. The sale was handled by Donal M.Myers with Donal M. Myers Realty, in cooperation with Century 21 Homefolks Real Estate.

James E. Stanley sold the property commonly known as: 610 S. Francis Carthage, MO to John M. Shields and Ann E. Shields, husband and wife. The transaction was handled by Ann E. Shields with Donal M. Myers Realty.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Watson have purchased of Highland Realty Co. Incorporated, the property at 625 Belle Air Place Carthage, MO. Jan A. Bowman of Donal M. Myers Realty handled the transaction.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I don’t suppose that I should be surprised. It just seems odd to me to see what I have always called a ‘garden tractor’ that prob’ly moves at a whoppin’ five or six miles per hour tops, bein’ designed to look like it’s goin’ a hunderd and ten.

In fact, I’ve never seen a ridin’ mower actually used as a ‘tractor’ in the traditional sense, pullin’ a little plow or little disk. I suppose there are some bein’ used for heaver tasks than mowin’, but they are mainly just big grass cutters.

I still like the old fashioned ridin’ machines that cut a wide swath and looks like it’s tractor namesake. Lots of engine and tires with a comfortable seat. All of it out in the open where you can see the workin’s. Who would wanna cover up a beauty like a Briggs and Straton?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Dear Tom and Ray:

My 1992 Geo Metro (45,000 miles) gives me a nasty shock whenever I get out and close the door. Ooowww! Is something wrong with it? It has done this occasionally for years, but lately it seems worse.

Could it have something to do with the night I was driving in a really bad storm and think we got hit by a lightning ball?

-Gina

RAY: Hmm. You think there's residual electricity that's still floating around in your Metro from the lightning? And it discharges itself a little bit at a time on your finger?

TOM: I don't think so, Gina. You're experiencing the joys of static electricity. And the main problem is the tires. Most modern tires are now "low rolling resistance" tires. And they do a worse job of discharging static electricity than older tires that decreased your mileage.

RAY: You say it's gotten worse recently. Have you also replaced the tires recently? That wouldn't surprise me with 45,000 miles on the car.

TOM: Unfortunately, when circumstances combine to create static electricity - dry weather, poor discharge and polyester leisure suits - your option are limited. You can't change the weather. You don't want to reduce your gas mileage by buying old, "higher rolling resistance" tires.

RAY: There are two options. One is to touch the car with the tip of the key before you close the door. That would discharge the static throught the key, leaving you finger unzapped. The other is to buy a couple of static-discharge strips from your local auto-parts store. They are rubber strips with wires embedded in them that hang off the bottom of the car and discharges the electricity into the ground.