New
mayor previews his plans
by Kim
Fickett
Landmark reporter
Since taking over the helm at city hall in Platte City,
Mayor Dave Brooks' objectives for the office haven't changed.
"We want to do the best we can for the people all
the time. We want to win through communication, not intimidation,"
stated Brooks.
"It's our job to keep the people informed. I think
that's Dave Brooks and the city's responsibility to keep
them informed and we're going to try and do that."
For Brooks, the way the residents of Platte City are
treated is a main concern for the newly elected mayor.
"I want people to feel free to call me and stop
by and ask questions. It's not my or the council's city
hall, it's their (the people's) city hall. They own it
and they pay for it every day," explained Brooks.
"We care about the people of Platte City and are
concerned about their concerns."
One concern of many Platte Citians is the destruction
of their property during the work of the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP).
Brooks stated that the third phase currently underway
is going really well and is on schedule.
"The major issues with the CIP Program is working
with each property owner to not disturb anything more
than they're supposed to and clean-up the properties that
were disturbed and not returned to their prior condition,"
said Brooks.
"If there's a problem, call us at city hall and
we'll talk to you about them. I said there would be an
open door policy at city hall and there will be."
Action already taken by Brooks at last week's board of
aldermen meeting was discussion concerning the drainage
problems at the baseball fields.
Brooks stated that the stormwater commission and the
parks board have pulled together to find a temporary resolve
to the drainage problems at the ballfields.
According to Brooks the temporary plans include cleaning
out the current detention area on the east side of the
small field and possibly putting an asphalt curb along
a driveway near the fields to help move the water to the
detention area.
"These are just temporary plans, nothing has been
set in stone yet. Once everything is figured out, our
plans are to begin right away."
Brooks stated he also plans to implement procedures in
helping to make Platte City an attractive place not only
for residents but for potential residents and business
owners.
"We need to clean up the town and that's going to
take a cooperative effort between the city and the citizens
of Platte City," stated Brooks. "The city needs
the people's help in helping to control the littering
problem. If they see littering occurring, they need to
call and let us know."
A part of the clean-up puts a primary focus on Main Street.
"We're going to ask all business owners on Main
Street to take the spring weather opportunity and clean
the areas in front of their businesses," stated Brooks.
"It's good for overall business if the area's clean."
Brooks stated he also plans to talk with the fire department
about the possibility of occasionally washing the streets.
He added that hopes are to see these plans get done within
the next 30 days.
According to Brooks, plans also include creating a closer
relationship between the City of Platte City and the Chamber
of Commerce.
"We need a closer relationship and I want to personally
see that through. The whole idea is to bring quality businesses
to Platte City and bring people to town for our businesses."
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