Skidmore to add walking trail at park

At the April 12 Skidmore City Council meeting, Skidmore Community Betterment was approved to build a walking trail around the water tower and city park.

SCB has raised $10,000 and is applying for grants. The group members are deciding between recycled rubber and gravel for the surface and landscape timbers or edging material for the boundaries.

Jerri Dearmont, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, suggested SCB contact the regional council office about possible grants if recycled rubber is used.

The council approved up to $3,000 for Councilman Rick Allen to work on the lights for the city ball field. The lights were donated by the ball field association. The first game on the field is May 15 and the ballfield association would like the lights installed by then.

The association will also build up the pitcher’s mound and extend the infield to meet regulations. The only expense expected is for clean sand. Mayor Tracy Shewey can approve up to $500. If more is needed, she will call a council meeting to approve.

With City Clerk Jennifer Poland being unable to work because of an accident, city hall will be open after 5:30 pm weeknights for the payment of water bills. Shewey is manning the office. The council approved paying her weekly for her time.

City hall furnishings will also be updated to make it a more enjoyable workspace. The wicker furniture will be removed, with bids being taken. Shewey is hoping to add bookshelves for more storage.

Citywide cleanup will be Monday, April 30 through Monday, May 7.

Allen reminded the council that street repairs will be necessary with the upcoming sewer project and money needs to be set aside.

A memorandum of understanding was approved for the Nodaway County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dearmont explained that this makes the city eligible for assistance in case a hazard strikes the city.

Sludge removal is needed at the sewer plant. The sludge is spread over a field and the weather hasn’t cooperated with the day-long project. Concern was voiced as to when the field would be planted.

City council members Allen and Tim Slagle as well as Shewey were sworn in. Allen was named as mayor pro tem.