A decision on whether an organization in an area city will be able to hold its annual sweet-treat event next month will have to wait for possible approval.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen on Monday, September 14, Dee Friel from the Optimist Club asked the board for permission to close Miller Street from Turner Street to Marshall Street for “Trunk or Treat” and a Halloween costume contest. Friel asked for the city’s thoughts on holding the events- especially with the COVID-19 crisis. She said the Optimist Club does not want to jeopardize the health and safety of anyone. After some discussion, it was decided aldermen will wait until October to discuss it further.

In other business, City Clerk Michelle Fuehring said the trash contract with WCA is about to expire. She said a representative brought an extension to the contract to city hall on Friday, September 11. Fuehring told aldermen the original three-year contract has a clause that allows the contract to be extended for three more years. Alderman Boyd Jones said he had no problem with extending the contract, but wants to make sure the city does not have to put it out for bid first. Fuehring said she will ask the Missouri Municipal League if that is an option since it is in the original contract. No decision was made.

Also, Public Works Department Superintendent Nate Lea explained the city has been dealing with a lot of sewer breaks on a pressure sewer line. He said he talked to the Missouri Rural Water Association, and it was recommended the line will probably have to be replaced. Lea said he started getting rough estimates, and the cost will be around $140,000. Lea also said needed to get an engineering report to be able to add two air/vacuum-release stations on the line, as well. Aldermen approved Lea to put the sewer project out for bid and hire an engineer for the report.

Aldermen approved setting up a checking account for the court system and to keep the next meeting on Monday, October 12, despite it being Columbus Day.