The Memphis City Council held their regular monthly meeting Thursday night at Memphis City Hall.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, the council heard from VFW members Mike Stephenson and Lloyd Erickson who asked the council to consider the possibility of the city of Memphis furnishing a burial plot for military veterans who cannot afford one due to unfortunate circumstances.  The council unanimously agreed to furnish individual plots for indigent veterans on an as needed basis.  The council also agreed to pay the $400.00 fee required to open and close the grave.  City attorney April Wilson will look into the issue, and individual cases will be taken under advisement.  Proper paperwork will need to be provided by the veteran or their family.

It was also announced that once the winning photographs from the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce photography contest are professionally mounted, they will be hung on public display at Memphis City Hall.

City Street Superintendent Roy Monroe also advised Scotland County Ambulance Service Director Jason Moss that the city would prefer that ambulances use the Sigler street entrance to access the hospital to relieve the city of any liability.  That issue was discussed at length with a number of pros and cons discussed, including the possibility of installing a three way stop on Mety street for access by the ambulance.  The possibilities will be reviewed over the coming months.

Jason Moss also advised the council that there will be another Kid’s Safety Day on the Scotland County Courthouse Lawn Saturday June 15th.

In other action, the council approved the City Farm Plan with Lane Campbell.

City Alderman Chris Feeney told the council that he is continuing to investigate the possibility of a Cost of  Service Study regarding the hospital’s electric rate usage with the possible assistance of the MoPep group.  MoPep is a coop of cities that jointly purchases electric power for a group of 38 cities, of which Memphis is a member.  The proposed cost of the study would not exceed $14,000.00.

Bill number 13-01 to allow the placement of a stop sign on Cecil street was also read and passed.

In department head reports, the council advised the city trash department to get bids for new tires for the city trash truck and set up an annual maintenance schedule for the truck through RPM Truck Accessories in Memphis.

The street department reported a relatively normal month of pushing snow and routine maintenance.

City Marshall Bill Holland thanked city crews for their assistance at the scene of a recent wreck in Memphis when a semi accidentally dumped a load of telephone poles on one of the coldest days of the winter.  Holland also mentioned that the city police department is having some problems with their hand held radios, but those problems are being addressed.

City Water Superintendent Stacy Alexander mentioned that the lift station at the Hamilton and highway 15 junction needs some work.

Inside City Light Superintendent Mike Ahland reported that a state inspector has been in and inspected air tanks at the light plant.  Ahland will also be overseeing the mowing of the city cemetery this year.  Ahland suggested that the city get bids for two new sixty inch mowers and three new weedeaters before the next city council meeting.  City employees and community service people will be mowing the cemetery this year.

Outside City Light Superintendent Dave Kittle reported a typical month.  Kittle and his crew have also been working on the city substation.

City Attorney April Wilson is also continuing to work on various file issues, including railroad files.

Alderman Tom Glass mentioned concerns on city wastewater issues.  Research there is continuing.  Alderman Chris Feeney stated that a grant application has been turned in for a recycling project.  Alderman Lucas Remley also mentioned that there are still some overhead internet cables that need to be taken out.  That issue should be taken care of  in the coming months.