By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

When Mary Ann Taylor first started on the Dexter Park Board, the “old” Dexter swimming pool was in operation, the many opportunities for team sports for young people were limited, and there was not a walking trail at the West City Park.

Things have changed drastically in the last 33 years – with a new Aquatic Center, improvements and growth in programs and parks, and the addition of a new gym at the East City Park and more. And Mary Ann Taylor was a leader and influential voice that helped the city programs grow and expand and succeed.

Taylor was honored Tuesday night at the regular meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen on her retirement from the Dexter Parks and Recreation Board after serve 33 years as a volunteer member of the board.

“Words cannot really express our gratitude,” Mayor Joe Weber said to Taylor. “We certainly cannot express the thanks for the things you have done. It’s been great. We certainly appreciate it.”

Taylor told the aldermen that she thought they should be proud of how the members work together for the community. She praised the city’s departments for working together to accomplish a task and work together. 

“With the first swimming pool that we had when I first came on the board, the Water Department virtually ran the pool,” Taylor commented.  “It was to their credit that it was able to stay in operation as long as it did. I thank you for all of that cooperation.”

She added that the city board of aldermen have always been cooperative, especially with the Parks and Recreation Board would make requests before the parks sales tax was passed in the city.

“You were willing to support us with our programming,” she said to the current aldermen. “It has been a pleasure working with all the people on the board. I’m grateful to have been a part of it,” she concluded.

In other business Tuesday evening, Auditor Eddie Cato delivered his report for January 2012.

City Administrator Mark Stidham reported he has been working for officials of the Missouri Department of Transportation concerning the enclosing of the ditches on Business Highway 60 in two sections - from Cooper Street to Highway 25, and from One Mile Road to Route AD.

“We’re getting closer,” Stidham said at least one phase of the project – from Cooper Street east – could take at least 18 months to be completed. Stidham explained that changes within MoDOT, in addition to the logistics of such a project, would completion of the project difficult.

The state agency is now looking at expanding Business Highway 60 from One Mile Road west toward Route AD into a five-lane roadway.

“So for that to happen it will take MoDOT to acquire property to put five lanes,” Stidham said. There would be a center turn lane in the center of the five-lane roadway. “That will happen. But it’s going to take a little longer.”

Stidham also reported the new Dexter welcome sign facing east near the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 25 has been completed.

In other business Tuesday evening,

• Stidham reported he is currently taking bids for mowing the city right-of-way along Highway 60.
• The mayor recommended and the board approved issuing a plumber’s lives to Coomer’s Plumbing Heating and AC
• The mayor recommended and on a motion by Alderman Kent Essner the board unanimously confirmed the following appointments on city boards:
• • Marty Thomson, City Housing Board (3-year term)
  • Rick Miller, Library Board (3-year term)
  • Richard Hodder. Planning & Zoning Commission (4-year term)
  • Clifford T. Manlove, Airport Board (5-year term)
  • Hannah LeBeau, Parks and Recreation Board (unexpired term, 2-year term)