The Princeton City Council approved the tax levy rate on August 12. It was set at 10 cents for the band tax and $1 for general revenue for the 2024 sales tax.
Meeting minutes indicate that Rapid Removal agreed to pick up the four trash cans around the square once a week for $80 per month. The company requested that two holes be drilled into the bottoms of the cans and that no liners be placed inside. It was noted that if anything blocks access to the cans, such as parked vehicles, Rapid Removal will not empty them.
Citizens brought up two issues to the council regarding the trash cans around the square. One concern was why the city was paying for this service when it does not pay for trash collection in front of other businesses around Princeton. The other issue was that without liners, rainwater could pass through the trash, causing a mess on the sidewalks and creating unpleasant odors.
New Zeppelin Bar and Grill Owner David George stated that he assumed the trash can in front of his establishment was his business’s responsibility. City Superintendent Greg Goodknight clarified that the sidewalks around the square are owned by the businesses, but the city has been asked to provide trash service around the square for the community.
The council agreed to reevaluate the trash service arrangement in a couple of months to assess how it is working.
George also expressed interest in acquiring the lot located on the south side of his building, which is currently owned by Daniel Green and listed for unpaid tax sale. The council approved waiving the city liens on the property.
The council approved a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) municipal agreement and ordinance, allowing for sidewalk improvements on Highway 136 to be completed. Deputy City Clerk Jami McLain reported that there is no fee required from the city for this agreement.
The Conflict of Interest Ordinance was also approved.
It was reported that residents have lodged complaints at city hall about foxes in Princeton. Council members agreed that the city has no control over wild animals within city limits, and any concerns regarding wildlife should be directed to the Conservation Department.
Goodknight reported that city employees have removed the concrete, old outhouses, and dugouts at the old ball fields. The fences have also been removed. Goodknight is to contact Grundy Electric Cooperative to see if the light poles can be cut down just above the breaker boxes. The future of the lights, scoreboards, and concession stand is still under discussion.
Eric Stevens with Far West Civil Engineering presented information about his company’s engineering services. The city currently does not require any engineering services.
City hall staff members were instructed to create a remodel proposal to present to the council before soliciting bids for a front office and bathroom remodel. The council will then consider approval of the proposal, after which an ad will be placed in the paper inviting bids to be submitted to city hall.
Council Member Tony Johnson announced that the Mercer County Commission recently voted to place a one percent sales tax initiative on the November ballot to fund the return of dispatch services to Mercer County.
Goodknight provided updates on the water tower project, indicating that the tower should be completed by the end of the week.
He also reported that progress is being made on installing new water mains around Princeton.
