Animal Control/Ordinance Enforcement Officer Janna Barton reported to the Winston Board of Trustees that six dogs roaming at large had been picked up from the town’s streets.
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At the trustees meeting held Dec. 5, Barton said the dogs were without identification and/or rabies tags. Some of the dogs also exhibited aggressive behavior.
Several of the dogs were returned to their owners and the owners were notified of ordinances regarding nuisances and dangerous dogs. Where notice had been previously given, the dog was impounded. The owner was given written notice posted on the door of their residence.
During public comment at the meeting, John Muessig, the owner of a trailer complex, expressed concern about landlord liability for utility bills when their renters don’t pay the bills. He said if landlords are going to be held responsible they should be notified when the bill becomes delinquent. He made a number of suggestions, including that Winston should approach the Water District and ask them to work with the city on consolidating billing and shut-offs, or the city should start its own water company so that people only get one utility bill.
It was explained that under the recently passed ordinances, landlords will be notified as soon as a bill goes delinquent, and that under Missouri law they are responsible for up to 90 days of the delinquent bills. Board members who were on the board at the time explained that the Water District has refused requests to work with the city on billing and shut-offs.
Filing for town board elections is Dec. 13 through Jan. 17. Any citizen interested in filing for office should call the village clerk at 749-5855.
Check reports were approved and bills paid.
The proposed contract for sewer maintenance with Melvin McFee was approved.
Utilities clerk Angie Fuller reported that a bounced check has been made good, and some delinquent bills have been paid. There are still some delinquents pending which will have to be pursued.
Move-ins and move-outs were identified. It was suggested that "Address Service Requested" be printed on utility bills so forwarding addresses can be obtained.
Melvin McFee reported no problems with the sewer system. Locked gates will be placed at all the pump stations. An inspection recommendation was resolved by using degreaser in the manhole and periodically removing the debris from the pump station near the school.
Property issues were reviewed, and the board asked for a listing and photos for the next meeting.
A $5 key deposit will be refunded when the key is returned.
The clerk distributed a financial report showing all income and expenditures to date for the General Fund and Street Fund compared to the 2011 budget.
The 2012 General Fund and Street Fund Budget were approved.
Board members present: Arvella Eaton, Cindy Ball, Bill Michael, Jerry Lusk, Randy Turner. Others present: Lucille Lusk, Melvin McFee, Janna Barton, Angie Fuller and John Muessig.