Cemetery Board Members Resign, Two New Members Appointed

By Mike Scott

Four Kahoka Cemetery Board members resigned in protest of action taken last month by the Kahoka Board of Aldermen to limit decorations at Kahoka’s Cemetery.
Mary Webber, Cathy DeBuhr, Mary Jones and Robert Walker resigned after last month’s meeting, where the city council changed the policy to require decorations be attached to the headstone or on a shepherd hook.  Wayne Blum and Alderman Larry Young remain on the committee.
Cemetery Sexton James Cochenour also gave his resignation due to an unrelated issue.
“I spoke to each of them,” said Young.  “This is the only time we have gone against their recommendation.”
In January, the city voted to limit decorations in hopes of reducing the mowing expense of the cemetery.
Mayor Herb Butler appointed John Hume as Sexton,and Jerry Redding and R.C. Duckworth to the board.  Anyone else interested is encouraged to contact City Hall.
Kahoka has a new electricity agreement with Ameren UE for 2009-2001.  The city will pay $62.53 per megawatt, plus a transmission cost of $2.30-2.50 per megawatt.
“Our ability to generate electricity did help us get a lower rate,” said Young.
Alderman Curtis Mack noted that Hannibal’s rate was over $67 per megawatt, and some communities are over $70/MW.
In other business, the council:
–Discussed the collection procedure for delinquent taxes.
–Reported city employees will hear a health insurance presentation on Feb. 12.
–Awarded Keokuk Termite and Pest Control the bid for pest control in city buildings.
–Approved the appointment of Donald Harris to the Library Board.
–Amended minutes of Aug. 27 meeting to indicate the board hired Aaron Daw.
–Reported a tree trimming workshop will be held Feb. 13, as part of the city’s tree TRIM grant requirements.
–Approved pump repairs to Fire Truck 37.  Truck 36’s pump  will be repaired in next year’s budget.
–Reported the CCRFD has received a grant for hose, light bars and sirens.  The city will need to pay approximately $1280 from next year’s budget.
–Reminded the public that snow is not to be pushed into the streets.