Council handles myriad of business, recognitions at June meeting

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The June meeting of the Monett City Council began with recognition of caring in the community as it presented new monthly recognition program established by the City Council.

Monett Cares was presented with the inaugural Monett Matters Award during the meeting.

The Monett Matters Award is meant to honor individuals and community organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving Monett residents through beautification projects, community development and other efforts that enhance the quality of life in the city. The award is part of the City’s Project Curb Appeal initiative, which promotes community pride and beautification throughout Monett.

Monett Cares, a local civic organization, was selected as the first recipient in recognition of its ongoing efforts to revitalize the Monett Community Garden.

The organization continues to support the garden through weekly volunteer workdays held every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m., providing opportunities for residents to contribute to the improvement and upkeep of this valuable community resource. 

The council also recognized yet another milestone in local business as they presented a proclamation in celebration of 50 years in business to Jack Henry which was received by Ken Gaspar been with Jack Henry for 33 years.

“If it weren’t for Jack Henry I wouldn’t be here,” Gaspar said. 

The proclamation states “For five decades, Jack Henry & Associates has been a cornerstone of innovation, technology, and economic strength in Monett, helping to shape the region’s identity as a hub for financial technology excellence.”

According to the city, the financial technology business based in Monett, celebrated its 50th anniversary with activities on June 2 and 3 that included the burial of a special time capsule for the benefit of those who will open it in 20 years. 

The time capsule contained 10 items. These included historical items such as a copy of the 1977 corporation income tax return signed by Jack Henry, and a copy of stock certificate from 1985, marking a pivotal point when the company became publicly traded. A copy of the biographical book detailing the creation of the company, “You Don’t Know Jack (and Jerry)”, signed by Brenda Henry and Pat Hall, was added. 

The city moved forward on the establishment of a new fire station as they officially approved an ordinance  accepting the donation of approximately three acres of real property located in the north portion of the city for the construction and operation of Fire Station Number Three.

Which authorized the mayor and city administrator to execute the land donation agreement and set an effective date.

The project and donation were first presented in a first reading during the May city council meeting where the city approved the land donation by the Rauch family for the new station. 

“I feel like what you have done tonight has really set the future for the city, public safety wise,” said City Administrator Micky Ary stated. 

Ary added that following multiple surveys and analysis, has long showed that a third fire station has been the most significant need in the area.  

Based on work that the council had done during “strategic planning” in 2023, both the mission statement and vision statement were developed for the city. 

The Vision Statement says “To be a safe, progressive, vibrant, and thriving destination community for all generations and backgrounds. A place to put down roots.”

The Mission Statement says, “Professionally provide superior city services and economic development, while enhancing quality of life.”

The city then gave the statements to the GoCaps program and tasked students with finding the “core values” in the statements.

The GoCaps students recently presented their findings to the council which were approved to be officially adopted by the council and city.  

The core values were to be presented at the next town hall gathering in June. 

During the city administrator’s report, Micky Ary spoke on safety advancements in the city. Ary explained that the city has recently obtained new equipment for extracting people from accidents. 

He also described the training firefighters went through to use the tools in life-saving situations. Ary went on to speak about a joint effort between the fire department and the American Red Cross which held at the local Walmart to promote smoke detectors in homes. 

Ary said over 30 residents signed up to have detectors installed. Another event was held on June 27 at Lowes to sign more residents up for fire detectors. 

Ary also moved a storm siren to better aid the city from North Park to Central near the well house to give better coverage for the city. Another siren is still located at North Park for safety in that area. 

Council members also gathered on Flag Day to unveil the city’s newest addition to the park system, Freedom Park. 

Situated between the city’s pavilion and the newly restored Freedom Silo which is adorned with the image of a bald eagle and the American flag, the park offers a green space for residents to relax and recreate. 

Commissioner Darren Indovina gave a statement as the marker for a future monument was unveiled. 

“June 14th, we celebrate our flag, our own flag,” Indovina said. “The original flag was introduced in 1777. Our flag has been carried by our patriots on foot, on horseback. It’s a celebration when raised high in victory and is mourned, when draped over coffins of our defenders of our liberty. It is the most recognized symbol globally. It currently carries 50 stars and 13 strikes since the 4th of July 1960.”

“This year, we celebrate 250 years of freedom, and I can’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off the celebration of that 250 years at Flag Day than to dedicate freedom park and celebrate the full restoration of the Freedom Silo over here,” said Mayor Randy Burk. 

A permanent monument for the park will be placed at the location at a later date. 

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Monett City Annex located at 100 South Maple St., with video available on the city’s website the following day.