Grafton approves resolution of opposition to National Park and approves tax levy
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By Steven Spencer
The Grafton City Council approved a resolution of opposition to a National Park at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Discussions of the AltonWorks idea to create a National Park in the area were first brought to the council during the September Grafton City Council meeting.
At that time Mayor Mike Morrow said the topic would be added to the agenda and discussed in more detail by council members. He added that he would not support any idea that could possibly infringe on Second Amendment rights or hunting rights.
“As your mayor, I can not and will not support any idea, concept or plan that infringes on the rights of our citizens to exercise their freedoms to hunt, fish or recreate on private, state of federal property, or would in any way interfere with your second amendment rights under the Constitution of the United States of America to bare arms,” Mayor Morrow said in September.
Council once again discussed the topic at the October council meeting expressing concerns with park boundaries, the city’s involvement in the plan, and the impact a National Park designation would have on Grafton’s residents.
The resolution received unanimous approval as Grafton now joins Calhoun County, Jersey County, Delta Waterfowl, the Missouri Department of Conservation and more in opposition.
Grafton City Council also unanimously approved the annual tax levy on Tuesday.
There was a brief discussion about the treasurer’s report but there weren’t many changes.
“Basically we’re asking for $3,350 added to the tax levy which is only an increase of 1.7%,” Treasure Lisa Fitzgerald said.
“I would like to thank Lisa for going through and meticulously looking at what we actually need to run the city and not charging more,” Mayor Morrow said. “People think it’s only 5%, we can do that and charge it every year. But what we’re doing is charging just what we need to get by with the city. She’s done a great job for us.”
There was also a discussion about council salaries.
Alderman Richard Mosby said when he was first elected in 1999 he made $120 a month, now council makes $124.99 a month.
“It seems like 25 years is a long time and what I suggested is we basically give ourselves a raise. But I don’t really have an idea in my mind as to how much,” Mosby said.
Mosby if the salaries were changed from $120 a month to $150 it would increase the budget by $2,880. If they went to $180 it would increase the budget $5,760. That would include the clerk and the treasurer.
Mosby joked that he’s not trying to buy a new truck, but believes the clerk, treasurer and mayor all deserve more.
“It just seems like it’s time to change,” Mosby said.
The council also approved a motion to donate the old city docks to the QEM Fire Protection District to facilitate water rescue training.
In other business, the council also approved special use permits and dates for Santa’s Chocolate Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 7, SantaCon on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 21.
