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SMITHVILLE — Discussions over downtown regulations and Smithville’s ethics policy drew public attention during a nearly threehour- long City Council meeting earlier this month.
Residents addressed the dais during the April 13 session to field complaints about potential fines and a proposed ordinance regulating substandard or vacant buildings in the commercial district. Several speakers suggested the policy was unconstitutional, which interim city manager Jeremy Frazier denied.
Councilwoman Cathy Meek stressed fines were not going to be instituted at this time.
“We’re not even close to enacting this ordinance right now. It’s a draft. It gives us a place to start,” Meek said.
The overall goal of the ordinance, according to Meek, is to develop a clear process with fair and reasonable expectations. She said the plan looks to support the revitalization and renovation of Main Street and incentivize property owners to bring their buildings into compliance with city codes.
The idea is to improve the safety and beautification of the downtown area while planning for retention and future growth of downtown businesses, according to the city.
In other business, Councilman Mitch Jameson proposed the council and city employees adhere to an ethics policy standard of conduct.
“We’re supposed to sign an acknowledgement of the entire ethics policy on an annual basis,” Jameson said.
Jameson’s proposal inferred to the recent ethics violation complaint lodged against Mayor Sharon Foerster.
In a public meeting held in March, Foerster was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Dunham agreed with Jameson’s proposal but pointed out that it did not include procedures for the ethics policy.
Foerster noted the current policy was outdated and vague.
“I would like to see (city attorney Thomas Gwodsz) rewrite our ethics policy and bring it back to us,” she said.
Council members approved both measures.
