Dexter, MO - The Dexter Board of Aldermen approved the results of the April 2021 election on Monday, May 3rd at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. City clerk Crystal Bishop administered the oath of office to incumbents Terry Battles in Ward I, Tim Aslin in Ward II, and Michael Shepard in Ward III. All three were elected to two-year terms. After the oath of office, the board elected Frank Killian as the president of the board.
The board approved an ordinance allowing Mayor Jason Banken to execute a MO Highways and Transportation State Block Grant Agreement. This grant allows the design and construction of two box hangars at the Dexter Municipal Airport. This grans shall not exceed $483,333.00. The city will pay the matching amount up to $16,666.00. The project will begin in July of 2021.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Jamie Rowe, explained to the board that the Aquatic Center will open Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately the pool will not be able to stay open seven days a week due to a shortage of lifeguards. "We have 9 lifeguards completely trained and able to work. We typically have at least 16 lifeguards on staff each year," commented Rowe. "Because some of these lifeguards are only 15 years old, there will be restrictions as to the number of hours they can work. We are still looking to hire lifeguards at this time."
Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alisha Trammell was happy to announce that a new business was coming to Dexter. Wings Etc has purchased the building at the corner of Business 60 and Walnut Street, commonly known as Cox Corner. They closed on the building on Friday and renovations will begin shortly. She said they hope to open in August.
"Our Farmers Market will kick-off on Thursday, May 6th from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at 19 N. Elm," stated Trammell. "The market will be held each week through October 7th."
In other business Mayor Banken appointed two new police officers to the Dexter PD. Cody Trout and Holden Duckworth with the board approval. Banken also appointed Benjamin Hickle to the Dexter Fire Department also with the board's approval.
New City Administrator, Trevor Pulley, extended his thanks to the mayor and the board for the opportunity to serve the city. He noted that there was new software being installed at city hall and there were a few bugs, but all the issues were being resolved. He stated that residents who pay their water bills online will have to create their online account again.
Several appointments were made to city boards during the meeting. All were approved. June Lawrence and Kurt Lovelady were re-appointed to the Library Board. Kirby Taylor was re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board. Nichole Guethle and Donna Becker were new appointments to the Library Board. Devin Miller was appointed to the Tree Board. All standing committees were re-appointed.
