By Annabeth Miller
ShowMe Times Editor

Parking. A business district has to have parking available for shoppers and visitors. But what happens when vehicles stay in the same parking spot for hours on end – limiting the parking available for more shoppers and visitors.

It’s like a circle with no end.

Parking in the downtown district was a topic of conversation Monday evening at meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen. City Administrator Mark Stidham explained that some merchants have in the past made complaints about long-term parking in the downtown district, and that he and Police Chief Sammy Stone were studying the issue.

“It’s an ongoing issues – we know that,” Stidham said. One suggestion Stidham offered to aldermen was to make a stretch of Stoddard Street limited to two hours parking in a spot. The proposed area could possible stretch on Stoddard Street from Catalpa to Poplar.

“I think we should do something,” said Ward 2 Alderman Dr. Rick Hux. Also was presiding at Monday’s meeting as the President of the Board of Aldermen in the absence of Mayor Joe Weber. “I would like to have input from the citizens and see how they feel. I definitely feel it is something we need to consider.”

During Committee Reports, Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Corder suggested that additional signs are needed for the new Dexter Welcome Center at the Depot in the downtown district.

“The sign that is there in front is wonderful, but I think there needs to be something there on Walnut Street,” Corder commented. He suggested smaller signs visible on Walnut directing visitors to the new center.

The city will be hosting an Open House at the New Dexter Welcome Center from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The public is invited to visit the newly renovated Depot.

The Public Safety Committee met prior to the Board, and recommended the appointment of Stephanie Credille as a fulltime dispatcher for the Police Department.

Hux, as the president of the board, agreed with the committee and appointed Credile to the position. The board unanimously confirmed her appointment.

Also on the recommendation of the committee, Hux appointed Jeff Hueckel as a paid on-call member of the Dexter Fire Department. His appointment was also unanimously confirmed by the board.

Parks and Recreation Department Lawson Metcalf reported that the Dexter Aquatic Center has been filled with water and it has been chemically treated in preparation for the summer season. In fact, Metcalf reported a lifeguarding class had its first lesson Monday evening at the complex.

“The water is 58 degrees tonight,” he reported, bringing many to shivers in the room.

In other business Monday, the board:

• Received a report from Water superintendent Tom Espy that work was underway on the construction of the new lift station on Fairground Road;

• Was informed by Library Director Pam Trammell that Dexter will host the Southeast Missouri Library Directors meeting on April 26;

• Confirmed the reappointment of Greg Mathis to a new four-year term on the Cemetery Board; and Pat Miller, Tracey Elfrink and Ben Worley to new two-year terms on the Parks and Recreation Board.

The next regular meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen is scheduled for Monday, May 2.

Photo Above: Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Corder discussed signs directing travelers to the Dexter Welcome Center at Monday's meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen.