August 2009 ~ Vol. 69 Published by the City of St. John
MAYOR’S LETTER LeeRoy M. Taylor
Law Enforcement Day/Concert In The Park - The plan is to completely rebuild North Ave. from
Will be held on August 29th this year at Home Heights Woodson Road to Valleywood. Because of utility
Park. The day will start at 2 pm with representatives conflicts, work began on the stretch of North between
from numerous organizations, various activities Eminence and Brown Road. The next section to
and equipment all sponsored by the City’s Police open was from Brown Rd. to McKibbon, and then
Department. There will be opportunities to meet your from Eminence to Gordon. The contractor has
local neighborhood watch group, your police officers excavated out the old street, replaced new curb and
and your City Council representatives. In addition gutters, placed the base lifts of asphalt, and has begun
local restaurants will be participating so that there replacing driveways and sidewalks along these areas.
will be a variety of food to choose from. That evening All the work activity on North Ave. east of McKibbon
starting at 7 pm, a concert will be held. Music will be is various utilities (electric, water, gas) relocating or
provided by “British Export” an award winning Beatles replacing their lines. They are taking advantage of
Tribute Band. Many of you have seen them perform at the fact that we are replacing this street and they in
Woodson Terrace Days. The concert will run until 10 turn can replace some of their older lines at the same
pm. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers if you like time.
(no glass bottles please). We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding
North Avenue Project Update - The project is as the various contractors work to make our City
finally underway. The bid was awarded to Gershenson better by updating the utilities, and by re-building
Construction Company in May of this year and they North Ave.
have been working hard on the project ever since.
2009 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
During the past ten years, the St. John Police Department has
awarded over $30,000 to Ritenour High School graduating
seniors. The St. John Police Scholarship Program is funded
through various fund raising efforts and community
partnerships with local businesses. This year, four graduating
seniors were awarded $1,000 scholarships to assist them with
future college expenses. This years Class of 2009 recipients
are:
(From left to right) Rachel Weatherford; Joshua Hahn; Kyle
Lavelle; Office Chad Rackers; Jacob Myers.
Congratulations And Good Luck To All!
FALL CLEAN UP
On Saturday, October 17th, the City will once again may be legally placed in a landfill. City staff will be
provide dumpsters on the Bristol Parking lot for on hand both to verify residency, and to examine
residents to discard trash and debris from the fall the items to be thrown away so we can ensure that
clean up. Just like last year, these large dumpsters no hazardous items are being thrown into these
will be provided to allow residents to throw out items dumpsters.
that may be too large or just too much to put out for Items considered hazardous or unacceptable include
the regular trash day pick up. paint, batteries, pesticides, fertilizer, railroad ties,
Residents may come to the Bristol parking lot behind tires, oil, old gasoline, etc. Residents are encouraged
the St. John Municipal Center between the hours of to come early because once the dumpsters are filled
8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m to dispose of any items that up, they will be removed.
ANNUAL CHILDREN’S LIMB CHIPPING
HALLOWEEN PARTY The Street Department will begin
running the chipper through
The City will hold its annual Children’s Halloween the City on November 2nd and
Party on Saturday, October 24, 2009. The party will will continue through the week
take place at the St. John Municipal Center, 8944 St. of April 26, 2010, as weather
Charles Rock Road, “C” level, starting at 11 am. permits.
All St. John children and grandchildren, up to The chipper will cover the east
nine years old, are invited and COSTUMES ARE side of town (Marshall to the east
DEFINITELY ENCOURAGED. Entertainment, City limits) on the first and third
hotdogs, chips & drink will be provided. Mondays, and the west side of
Tickets are required for admission but town (Marshall to the west City limits) on the second
are free of charge. Please have proof and fourth Mondays. If there is a fifth Monday in a
of residency available when picking month, the chipper will not run that week.
up tickets. A limited number of tickets As always, please remember that the chipper can
will be available from September only handle limbs 3” in diameter and smaller, and
1st until they run out, or until 5 pm, the fat parts of all limbs should be placed toward
Friday, October 23rd. For questions the street. This makes the chipping operation more
call the City Hall at 427-8700, ext. 3. efficient and safer for the operators.
STREET SWEEPING
We have two street sweepings planned for this fall. Weather permitting, the sweeper will run through the
City according to this schedule:
August 17th - 19th and October 19th -21st Schedule:
Monday, all streets between I-170 and the east side of McKibbon.
Tuesday, all streets between the west side of McKibbon and the east side of Boswell.
Wednesday, all streets between the west side of Boswell to Edmundson and all streets east of I-170.
If it is raining the sweeper will move the scheduled sweeping back a day. Please remember that in order to
get the most efficient use of this contracted machine, we will need you to park in your driveway on the day
your street is scheduled to be swept. Also please remember that the street sweeper is not a leaf vacuum, so
please do not rake leaves or other yard waste into the street. The machine will not be able to pick it up and
that area will not be swept. Thank you for your cooperation with this effort to keep our streets clean.
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CONTACTING AN OFFICER
Are there times you need to talk to a Police Officer after regular work hours but not for an immediate emergency?
You can contact the St. Louis County Dispatcher at 889-2341 and tell them you’re a St. John resident and you
need to talk to an Officer. They can take your name, number & reference and have a St. John Officer call you
back when they are available.
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SENIOR EVENTS
Monthly Luncheons Movie Day cont.
Cost: Residents $5 Non-residents $7 Monday, September 14, 2009
Tickets may be purchased until noon on the Monday “Australia”
before each month’s lunch. Call Jackie @ 427-8700, Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham
ext 214 for more information. and Bryan Brown.
Pre-World War II Australia. An English aristocrat
Wednesday, August 19: Grilled hamburgers w/fixin’s, inherits a sprawling ranch, and a rough-and-tumble
potato salad, slaw, and dessert. cattle driver helps protect her property from greedy
English cattle barons. While herding cattle hundreds
Wednesday, September 16: BBQ Chicken, steamed
of miles across the treacherous Australian outback,
broccoli w/cheese, bread, and dessert.
they are stunned to bear witness to the bombing of
Wednesday, October 21: Pork chops w/dressing, Darwin by Japanese forces – who just a few months
mixed vegetables, salad, bread, and dessert. prior launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.
Run Time:165 minutes; Action, Drama, Epic,
Movie Day Historical and War; Rated: PG-13
All movies start @ 1:00 p.m. Cost: Free
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009 “He’s Just Not That Into You”
“Bolt” Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew
Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly,
Mark Walton and Malcolm McDowell. Bradley Cooper.
When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally Gigi, a young woman attempting to understand the
shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York mixed signals she gets from the men she’s dating,
City, he begins his biggest adventure yet on a cross- gets advice from a bar owner who prides himself on
country journey through the real world to get back to understanding the ins and outs of the dating scene.
his owner and co-star. Gigi’s co-worker Janine finds herself involved in a
Run Time: 1 hr, 43 minutes; Adventure & Comedy; major redecorating project with her husband Ben.
Rated PG Unbeknownst to Janine, Ben contemplates an affair
with Anna, an attractive woman trying to make a
Monday, August 31, 2009 career as a singer. Another of Gigi’s friends at work,
“Gran Torino” Beth, enjoys a successful, healthy relationship with
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Neil, but storm clouds hover over them as he has no
Christopher Carley and Brian Haley. interest in getting married.
A racist Korean War veteran living in a crime-ridden Run Time: 129 minutes; Comedy: Rated: PG-13
Detroit neighborhood is forced to confront his own
lingering prejudice when a troubled Hmong teen Monday, October 5, 2009
from his neighborhood attempts to steal his prized “House on Haunted Hill”
Gran Torino. Starring: Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Richard Long,
Run Time:116 minutes; Action, Crime, Mystery and Alan Marshal, Carolyn Craig.
Drama; Rated: R A perennial favorite of the “Shock Theatre” TV
circuit, House on Haunted Hill stars Vincent Price as
sinister gent (you’re surprised?) Frederick Loren, who
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Movie Day cont. Trips cont.
resides in a sinister mansion on a sinister hill, where Spend A Day for A Lifetime Of Memories in Nauvoo, IL
seven murders have occurred. He makes a proposal Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
to several strangers, offering $10,000 to anyone who Cost: $66
can last the entire night. Loren festively gives each of Includes: Transportation, Lunch, and Admissions
his guests a tiny coffin containing a loaded handgun, Depart: City of St. John @ 6:30 a.m.
designed to protect them from the spooks that emerge Return : City of St. John at approximately 6:45 p.m.
in the house over the course of the night. The picture
hinges on its surprise ending, which packs in several Living History Tour of Alton, Il & an Autumn Cruise
by-now-familiar twists. on the Mississippi River
Run Time: 75 minutes; Horror; Rated: Not Rated Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cost:$72 per person
Monday, October 19, 2009
“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” Share in the fun of the Holidays All Around Alton, IL
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A pampered Chihuahua accustomed to the living the Cost: $62 per person
good life in glamorous Beverly Hills must rein in her
heiress instincts and rely on the kindness of strangers The Glory of Christmas
in order to find her way back home after becoming Sunday, December 13, 2009
hopelessly lost in Mexico. Cost: $25 per person plus the cost of dinner.
Running Time: 91 minutes; Comedy, Family & Kids,
Animation Rating: PG
Craft Classes
Trips Monday, November 23, 2009
Christmas Craft – 1:00 p.m. - Cost: $10 or less
For more information on any or all of the trips please
call Jackie @ 427-8700, ext. 214. All trips must be paid Exercise Classes
for in full at least 30 days in advance. A $5 or 10%
“Aerobics”
deposit (which ever is more) must be paid on each
trip within 2 weeks of signing up UNLESS it is less Looking to increase your activity level? Join our
than 30 days to the trip. Then the full amount is due. senior oriented aerobics class involving low impact
Refunds will only be given if the trip is cancelled, aerobic exercise and the use of Dyna-bands.
there is someone to take your place, or if the venue Monday and Wednesday, 8:45 -9:30 a.m.
will give a refund. Checks need to be made out to: Fee: $2.00 per class, pay as you go
City of St. John.
“T’ai Chi”
Swansea Raffle/Bingo Join other area seniors for exercise of the mind and
Tuesday, September 8th, and November 10th, 2009 body through slow movements and concentration.
Cost: $38 Thursdays 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Includes: bingo, and 1 chance on power ball. Fee: $1.50 pay as you go
Depart: City of St. John’s parking lot @ 9:45 a.m.
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NEW EMPLOYEES
Public Works
John Lich is the newest
edition to the Street
Department. John
comes to us after
many years in the
construction industry,
most particularly as a
foreman of a concrete
crew for Mon-Clair
Construction. In that Police
position, John was responsible for laying out Jim Davis is the newest edition to the Police
and installing sewer mains, storm sewers, and Department. Prior to joining our ranks, Jim worked
sidewalks. He brings a wealth of knowledge and for Sunset Hills P. D. Jim’s experience and training
experience to the Street Department and we are will be an asset to our community. He is married, has
pleased to have him on board. three (3) children, and is currently working towards his
Bachelor’s Degree.
VACATION CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Vacation is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. It can also be the time for crime victimization if the
appropriate crime prevention measures are not followed. The following are some of the crime prevention tips
or recommendations which are designed to allow the vacationer to enjoy their vacation more by not having to
worry as much about their house while they’re away.
Before Leaving Secure Your Residence . . . . .
• Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them.
• Leave shades and blinds in a normal position.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your residence while you are away and leave your vacation address and
telephone number with them so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Test your smoke and burglar alarms.
• Stop all deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
• Plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.
• Engrave your valuables with your driver’s license number and post Operation Identification decals on
entry doors and windows. Consider taking them to a bank safety deposit box.
• Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you
normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
• Ask local police to place your home on their vacation watch list and then call to advise them of your return.
Although nothing is guaranteed, by following these few simple tips you will hopefully be able to rest easier
while you’re away and have a more safe and enjoyable vacation.
Remember, be proactive not reactive - Join A St. John Neighborhood Watch Group!
For information Contact Sgt. R. P. Selby at 427-8706
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MyContact411.com • Police, Fire, and neighbors can quickly and
directly contact a citizen or business owner
MyContact411 is an Emergency to help with their home or business in cases of
Preparedness and Child property damage, suspicious behavior, lost pets,
Protection service that is or natural disaster.
endorsed by the St. John Police • Senior citizens’ families can be contacted
Department. It allows our immediately in cases of emergency.
citizens to receive calls directly • The Medical Information Registry allows
to their cell phone without Emergency Responders to access health
having to provide their number information that can expedite medical treatment.
or disclose their identity. By placing
a Membership # sticker on the provided • Lost property (bikes, laptops, luggage, iPods,
home markers, key / luggage tags, My Child phones) can be returned directly to the owner.
Safeguard™ cards, or directly on your property, you • And many more.
can be contacted immediately in emergencies, by your Gain the piece of mind that your children, health,
neighbors, or a Good Samaritan on issues of your residence, and property are protected 24 hours a day,
children, health, residence and property. while at home, work or traveling, for $5 - $7 / month.
My Child Safeguard ID cards and wristbands protect To find out more information or to subscribe, visit
children’s identities from predators by removing their www.MyContact411.com. Help make St. John a
name and phone number on their bags and belongings. more connected community.
They also create a direct link to contact Parents NOTE: Representative from MyContact411 will have
immediately for safety issues, separated children, a table at St. John’s Law Enforcement Day on August
medical emergency, and lost property. 29th. Take a moment to stop by and get more info on
Some of the many benefits of this program include: these invaluable programs.
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MSD’s LOW INCOME FEDERAL TAX
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CREDITS AVAILABLE
MSD offers an expanded low income sewer assistance
program to qualified single family homeowners who Been thinking about replacing those old windows or
receive sewer and stormwater service from MSD. adding more insulation? Do you worry each summer
and winter if your air conditioner or furnace is going
Qualified customers will receive a rate reduction to make it through that season? Perhaps you might
equal to 50% of the current charges for wastewater want to think a little harder about actually replacing
and/or storm water services on their monthly sewer them now. The American Recovery and Reinvestment
bill. Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides energy incentives for
To find out more about the program call both individuals and businesses. For Residential
1-866-281-5737 or request information by e-mail Energy Property Credit (Section 1121), the new
from customersvc@stlmsd.com. law increases the energy tax credit for homeowners
who make energy efficient improvements to their
existing homes. The new law increases the credit
LACLEDE GAS’ REBATE rate to 30 percent of the cost of all qualifying
improvements and raises the maximum credit limit
PROGRAM EXTENDED to $1,500 for improvements placed in service in
2009 and 2010. The credit applies
Laclede’s rebate programs for residential and to improvements such as
commercial/industrial (C/I) customers will be adding insulation, energy
available while funding remains through July 31, 2010. efficient exterior windows
Customers can receive a rebate check for installing and energy-efficient heating
energy efficiency measures, including ENERGYSTAR and air conditioning systems.
thermostats and high-efficiency heating equipment. Contact your tax advisor for
For more information on the residential program, ask more information on any
your heating contractor, visit www.lacledegas.com/ energy credits you might
conservation or call the residential rebate coordinator qualify for.
at 866-542-4352.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ASSISTANCE FOR HOME REPAIR
A public hearing was held in conjunction with the Some of the basic requirements of the program are:
July 6, 2009 City Council meeting regarding how • The home must be owner occupied (no monies
best to use the $ 21,400 of Community Development will be made available to rental properties);
Block Grant monies the City will receive for 2010.
Based upon community input at that public hearing, • The homeowner must submit income information
the City Council decided to designate the whole to see if they qualify;
amount for low to moderate income home repair. • Each qualifying homeowner may receive up to
What this means is that those homeowners who meet $5,000 for home repairs (until the $21,400 is
St. Louis County’s low to moderate income guidelines gone);
will be able to call in to the Home Improvement • Once the repairs are made, you must agree to live
Information Line (615-8232) after January 1st, 2010, in the house for 5 years (if you move out sooner,
and have their names placed on a waiting list. Once you will have to pay the money back).
the monies are available from the federal government If you are interested in this program call the Home
in 2010, names will be taken from that list on a first Improvement Information Line after September 1st.
come first served basis and representatives from St. They will not open the sign up list until that time.
Louis County will work with those homeowners in
getting the necessary repairs made.
DRIVERS NEEDED
Do you have a few hours a month to make a to medical appointments is the most critical need
difference in the life of an older neighbor? That’s all but there are many ways you can help. Training
it takes to help an older adult continue to maintain and mileage reimbursement are available. Help
a fulfilling and independent lifestyle. The St. Louis us help others. To find out more about how you
County Older Resident Programs (CORP) offers can make a difference in an older person’s life call
many wonderful volunteer opportunities to be of 314-615-4516.
service to your older neighbors. Transportation
CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE Reminder…
Property owners, tenants or agents are required to
This year’s sale was the best one yet. Not cut, destroy and/or remove weeds or grass found
just because of the participation (which growing along their property, adjoining right-of-
was great as well) but because the weather way, sidewalks and along the street curb.
cooperated and gave us a nice sunny day.
Thank you all for your participation. In
addition, the City would like to thank
Sandy Menge for again posting and taking
down all the directional signs. Those are
really important in getting customers to
our sellers. Now you can start saving up
items for next year’s sale. Remember, it
will be the first Saturday in June, which is
June 5th.
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ST. JOHN PARK RENOVATIONS
Three years ago, the City hired a consultant to develop If you visit St. John Park now you will see that the
a master plan for St. John and Home Heights parks. walking trail is almost finished. Once completed it will
The residents who participated in the public hearings be almost a one-quarter mile long concrete walking
associated with developing this master plan said that trail with eight exercise stations placed around the park.
two amenities they wanted to see were walking trails The exercise stations will consist of air walkers, leg
and exercise equipment. presses, multi-bars, pull up and dip stations, a rowing
Last year the City applied for a grant from the Municipal machine, and a sit up board. These exercise stations
Park Grants Commission to build this walking trail and are scheduled to be installed in early August. As a final
related improvements. Monies from this grant come touch, a 15’ gazebo is being constructed just under the
from the Parks and Storm Water Tax that was voted on trees in the center of the park.
by voters approximately 5 years ago.
TRASH SERVICE TIDBITS: WOODSON TERRACE
Please remember to properly place your container
at curbside for pickup. Please utilize the proper SWIMMING POOL
procedures: Residents should note that
1. Place cart one foot from curb or edge of Woodson Terrace is only
street. making family swim passes
2. Place the cart four feet mailbox, tree or available for non-Woodson
automobile. Terrace residents. In the
3. Keep container ten feet from cars parked past they have been gracious
in street. enough to open their pool to a
4. If you have multi carts, please keep three couple of adjacent communities
feet between carts. for their residents’ use. Due to problems in recent
5. Remember to place the arrows on the lid years, they have decided to limit non-residents usage
pointing towards the street and handles toward to families only. For further information on obtaining
the house. a family pass, please call 427-2600.
Shepard Funeral Chapel
9255 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, MO 63134
Bus. (314) 426-6000 • Fax (314) 426-8999
Family Owned and Operated by the Shepard family since 1906
Prearrangement Services and Counseling are available
Services include: Est. 1906
• Traditional Service with visitation • Immediate burial with no viewing (Graveside)
• Cremation Services Traditional with Viewing • Shipping services into or out of town
Privately with Memorial Services
• Body donations to science
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NATURAL GAS
RECRUITMENT DRIVE SAFETY TIPS
Your St. John Police Department wants to teach Check connections on natural gas appliances. Flexible
residents how to be an active participant in fighting pipe connectors can begin to leak over time and
crime. Developing an active Neighborhood Watch should be inspected regularly.Connectors should be
Program on your street can be that first step. replaced if found to be in poor condition and should
Not only will you learn how and what to look for never be reused from one appliance to the next.
when observing a crime; but you will also learn how Gas Pipes should be capped whenever an appliance
to properly report crime. In addition, you will have is disconnected. Also, never use gas pipes as
an opportunity to meet your neighbors. clotheslines, free-form closets or grounds for
We need your help to make our neighborhood a safe electrical appliances.Undue stress could result in a
place. Help your police department and help your breakage or leak.
community by starting a Neighborhood Watch Group For more information, please visit
in your area today. www.lacledegas.com/safety
Contact Sgt. Selby at 427-8706 for further
information.
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
The St. John Police Department was successful in obtaining a grant from the Missouri
Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division to conduct several sobriety
checkpoints throughout the year.
One weekend each month, St. John Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints. Drivers
suspected of intoxication will be given a brief field sobriety test. Confirmed drunk drivers
will be arrested.
While some area motorists may be slightly inconvenienced by these stops,
citizen patience and cooperation will assist in this important safety effort.
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City of St. John PRSRT STD
SEAT BELT 8944 Saint Charles Rock Road U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Suite 100
ENFORCEMENT LAW St. John, MO 63114-4200 ST. LOUIS, MO
PERMIT NO. 495
This existing ordinance
was recently amended
to make all seat belt
violations become a
primary violation. In the
past, additional violations
had to exist prior to
being cited for a seat belt
violation. As a “primary”
violation, no other
violations need
to exist.
Please buckle up.
It’s the law!!
www.cityofstjohn.org
GENERAL INFORMATION Police Administrative Offices
427-8706, #5 (Mon-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm)
City Council Administration
Mayor, Lee Taylor Terry D. Milam • 427-8706 #5 Non-emergency Police Dispatcher
8917 McNulty • 423-9349 City Manager/Police Chief 889-2341 (after office hours)
Ward I Connie Sieveking • 427-8700 #3 City Hall Administrative Offices
Skip Lowry Asst. City Manager
3508 Connor • 429-3747 427-8700, #3 (Mon-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm)
Justin Saffell John R. Morris • 427-8706 #5
Police Captain Municipal Court Offices
8647 Ardelia • 428-4647 427-6544, #6 (Mon-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm)
Penny Degardin James Phillips • 427-8700 #3
3414 Ginger • 429-5662 Public Works Director Senior Coordinator Office
Ward II Kathy Wilson • 427-6544 #6 427-8700, #214 (Mon-Fri, 8 am - 2 pm)
Mary Halaska Court Administrator Court closes at 3 pm on Court Days and
9221 Central • 427-7154 reopens at 6:30 pm. No Telephone Service
Jim Hess Donna Davis • 427-8700 #3
City Clerk During Court Nights
3526 Boswell • 429-4574
Regular council meetings held 1st
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
Bill Bales
9077 Pallardy • 428-3555 and 3rd Mondays at 7 pm
2nd Floor Council Chambers