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City gets new leadership with board experience

Staff writer

Tom Spencer was sworn in as Peabody mayor Monday, following the official resignation of Larry Larsen, and unanimous approval by the city council.

“I want to thank Larry for his service,” Spencer said. “I’m going to learn and do the best I can for the city, as I did as a councilman.”

After resigning, Larsen had a request for onlookers.

“Those of you in the audience, continue to come,” he said. “Bring those who aren’t here next time. Have people take an interest in their community, and speak up for what they like.”

Council members discussed improvement of city streets, slated for 2020, but no action was taken.

“I don’t care if a company out of Missouri wants to go on the project,” Spencer said. “If they can do it cheaper, let them.”

Concrete streets and chip-sealing were discussed as possibilities, but councilman Travis Wilson said the chip-seal work done five years ago did not turn out well.

“I was here at the time,” he said. “We voted to chip-seal Peabody and it was the worst mistake we ever made, period.”

While chip-sealing is not ideal, completely rebuilding every street is too expensive, Spencer said.

“We can’t afford to make everything a pristine, asphalt, beautifully-guttered street in Peabody,” he said.

The de-annexation of the properties of Mark Diecker, and Martin Nellans, to the north of US-50, was discussed. Both of their homes fall within city limits, but the only things they get from Peabody are water and taxes, Diecker said.

“Since the highway was built, we’re not even connected to the city properly,” Diecker said. “The highway’s between us, so we’re just over there in limbo.”

Peabody planning and zoning will discuss a de-annexation Monday.

Grace periods for residents buying dog tags will not be extended through February, the council decided.

“I don’t see any reason to have an extra 30-day grace period,” councilman Lindsay Hutchinson said. “A $5 dog tag is pretty darn cheap, ask any other community.”

In other news, council members:

  • Approved a 50-cent raise for public works employee Clayton Philpott.
  • Approved purchase of two new computers for the city office.
  • Approved purchase of a new door for the police station.

Prior to Larsen’s resignation, a short executive session was held with the council, city clerk Jylle Wilson, and treasurer Liz Harder present. No action was taken.

Gfeller was chosen as new council president, while Spencer said he would appoint a new councilman soon to fill the empty seat.

Last modified Jan. 31, 2019

 

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