Jax sworn into service Aug. 13

By Melonie Roberts Special to the Monett Monthly

Monett Mayor Randy Burke administered the oath to a new police officer at the Aug. 13 City Council meeting.

K-9 Officer Jax took the oath via his owner and handler Ethan Youngblood.

“I, Ethan Youngblood and my K9 partner Jax, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and the government of the United States, and the State of Missouri, against enemies both domestic and foreign, and that I will bear allegiance and loyalty to the same, to any law ordinance, or resolution of any state. I promise that I will perform all the duties of the office of a police officer on which I am about to enter and to which I have been duly appointed so help me God,” he recited.

“After both Jax and Thor came on the job, they were key elements in about three cases in their first week,” Burke said. “This is a unit. When they are working together, they have the same protections and authority of a police officer.”

As the regular meeting got underway, commissioners heard from Melissa Cole, a Monett resident with concerns about the lack of a recreational venue for youth.

“I’m here tonight to talk about expanding our local recreational options,” she said. “Currently, our community lacks indoor, year-round entertainment spaces that cater to everyone. I would love to see the city explore bringing a skating rink and a bowling alley to Monett. These facilities would give our youth a safe, positive place to hang out after school and during the weekends. It would also give families and seniors a fun, accessible way to stay active and socialize close to home.

“Right now, residents have to travel to other towns to enjoy these activities, which means Monett is missing out on local economic spending. Investing in multi-generational recreation will strengthen our community spirit and make Monett an even better place to live. I encourage the council to look into potential spaces, grants, or public-private partnerships to bring these ideas to life. Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our town.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Burke said. “No promises there. You’ve got to remember, we’ve got to have someone to come in — the city can’t build it itself. So, I appreciate your comments.”

Burke and Commissioners Darren Indovina and Ken Gaspar joined Kip Cullers, who received the Monett Matters Award.

“I first realized what was going on here when I drove on Kyler, south past Tyson’s, and I noticed one by one, it seemed like in just a few months, all these houses were in really bad shape,” Burke said. “But all of a sudden, there were things where they looked good, and they were rented. That’s what Monett needs. We need those smaller homes, and instead of them building all new homes, we’re able to repurpose what’s already existing. And that’s what I’d like to see more of in Monett.” 

Cullers not only renovated the four on Kyler, but has also renovated between 70 and 80 others in the city. 

“Now with the number of homes that you’ve done, and you’ve done a lot for the city of Monett,” Burke said. “So, I’d like to present you with the Monett Matters award, and thank you very much for what you’ve done for Monett.”

Commissioners discussed the city’s Comprehensive Plan, a 160-page document outlining the city’s history and future planning.

“It’s hard to summarize a plan in just a few words, but it’s our roadmap of where we want to be in 20 years,” Burke said. 

Commissioners approved both the second reading and the ordinance adopting the plan.

The plan is available for download at MonettMo.gov.

Commissioners also approved a bill regarding vacant properties within the city limits.

The move allows for creation of a database of vacant buildings and properties within the city, and then also provides a mechanism for those property owners to work with the community development department to put together a plan of action to mitigate vacant buildings, especially those that have vacancy as well as code violations, and ultimately move those properties to a higher and better use, and increase the overall curb appeal of Monett.

Commissioners also awarded a bid contract award for the Chapell Drive overpass to Hartman and Company. The cost estimate on this project was $7.6 million, and the bid came in at $6,078,000. 

In other business, commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for state block grant funding regarding improvements at the Monett Municipal Airport.

Issued a reminder the season was winding down at the Monett Municipal Pool.

The next meeting of the Monett City Council will be at 6 p.m., Sept. 10, at the Monett City Annex, 100 S. Maple in Monett.