Miner puts mitigation plan in hands of commission

MINER - The City of Miner has joined the list of area governments placing their all-hazard mitigation plan in the hands of the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission.

The Miner Board of Aldermen passed a resolution during their regular meeting Tuesday authorizing the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission to prepare their plan.

Federal legislation now requires local governments to have a State Emergency Management Agency-approved natural hazard mitigation plan in place in order to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief funds. All plans must be approved by Nov. 1, 2004.

"If we have the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission do it, it will be at no cost to us," said Mayor Frank Tatum.

In other City of Miner business:

* The board approved sending two city employees to water school in Springfield. The course will cost $600 for both employees plus travel, meal and lodging expenses, according to City Clerk Janet Tuttle.

* The lower of two bids for worker's compensation insurance was accepted by the board for $21,833. The other bid was for $30,000.

* A second $500 payment to the SEMO Regional Crime Lab's building fund was approved.

* The board approved a request from Blodgett for Miner to serve as their emergency water source.

Tatum explained all cities are required by the Department of Natural Resources to have an emergency water source.

"I don't mind helping a neighbor as long as we don't short ourselves," said Tatum.

Miner's emergency water source is Sikeston.

* The regular April board meeting was moved to April 15 due to election day falling on the second Tuesday of that month.

* Board members gave permission to Randy Baker, Miner's fire division chief, to apply for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to replace a firetruck.

Baker said he is hoping to trade in the present firetruck as the city's 10-percent match.

He also reported that they are bypassing the current truck's heater core. "It will be in service tomorrow," he said.

* The resignation of Leary Armstrong as a police officer was accepted 3-1 with Better Barnes abstaining from the vote.

Armstrong served on Miner's police force for over 15 years.