Ash Grove aldermen to ban basketball goals in streets

City restoring police department, swears in new officer to once-depleted force
 
After some discussion at the March 7 Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting, the board agreed to move forward with drafting an ordinance banning basketball goals in the road right of way. From a drive around town, Police Chief John Davis discovered 14 goals in roads.
There was some consideration of letting kids play on the goals as long as the goals were moved when finished, but that issue of liability still remained.
“The bottom line is they can’t use the street as a playground, period,” said Ward 1 Alderman Bill Wagner. “We should proceed with the ordinance.”
Some review will be given on how to update the ordinance to best follow the board’s wishes. The change will likely be codified at the body’s next meeting.
New copper joins squad
Also during the meeting, the board welcomed new police officer Ashley Dean to the city’s force. Dean was sworn in by Melissa Mau. She will be the third active duty officer along with Chief John Davis and Assistant Chief Bob Bell.
New disorderly conduct rules
The board also agreed to move forward with new language in the city laws that punishes disorderly conduct.
“One of our officers was assaulted last year and I don’t even think they (the assailant) had to spend the night in jail,” Mayor Les Gardner said. “And that’s unacceptable. That needs to change.”
Mowing season
In the early moments of the meeting, Gardner opened the lone bid for the city’s mowing duties at the Ash Grove City Park. The Grant’s Lawn Service bid of $600 per mowing was met with some hesitation by the board but was eventually accepted.