City of Rolla Weekly Updates Jan. 9, 2012

Public Works

crews prepared

for first snowstorm

By Mayor Bill Jenks, III

Bill Cochran, Street Foreman, plows City Hall parking lot.

The unseasonably warm weather we continue to see in the Ozarks may give the impression that a snowstorm may not hit the Rolla area any time soon, but we still need to be prepared for possible hazardous weather conditions that affect both road and driving conditions for everyone.

You can be assured that the City’s Public Works Director, Steve Hargis, and the City’s snow removal crews are well informed of impending storms through Accuweather reports, and have prepared their fleet of snow removal trucks and salt spreaders.

Although it’s always hard to predict how much snow the City will receive this winter, the Public Works Department is none-the-less up to the challenge of clearing the snow from the City’s 100 miles of streets, municipal parking lots and the many City facilities located around town such as Rolla City Hall, the Rolla Police Department, the two Rolla Fire and Rescue Stations, The Centre, Rolla Recycling Center, Vehicle Maintenance, Sanitation, Rolla Animal Shelter, Street and Traffic buildings, etc.

The main thoroughfares throughout town such as 10^th Street, Forum Drive, Pine Street, Salem Avenue, Soest Road, Pinetree, etc. are first roads to be plowed, followed by the many side streets throughout town. Please be patient and be assured that the street that you live on in the City will be plowed as soon as conceivably possible, and that the Street crew works 24 hours a day to ensure the snow is removed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As we begin the first weeks of a new year, I would also like to suggest that you ‘go green’ by recycling boxes, wrapping paper and Christmas trees. The Rolla Recycling Center accepts most types of wrapping paper and boxes!  Recycle your boxes and paper in your blue bin at the curb on your scheduled day, or bring it by the Recycling Center anytime.  For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

 Christmas trees can be dropped off at the compost site located at the north end of McCutchen Drive just past the Rolla Recycling Center at 2141 Old St. James Road. This site is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. –to 11a.m. All garland, tinsel, ornaments, stands and plastic bags must be removed from the trees. Trees will be chipped to produce mulch.

In closing, I’d like to reminder everyone that filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, continues through Jan. 17. The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.

Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so during normal business hours (Monday through Friday) between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., thru Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee. For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Go green for the New Year;

recycle boxes and wrapping paper

After the dust has settled and you have a pile of boxes and wrapping paper remaining, don’t throw away the boxes and paper…recycle it!  The Rolla Recycling Center accepts most types of wrapping paper and boxes! 

Recycle your boxes and paper in your blue bin at the curb on your scheduled day, or bring it by the Recycling Center anytime.  When dropping wrapping paper at the Recycling Center, it should be place in the mixed paper bin.  Foil wrap, ribbons, Styrofoam, and other materials should be removed from wrapping and boxes before recycling.  Those items should be disposed of in your trash. For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Christmas tree recycling

available at Recycling Center

After the holidays, go green, and recycle your Christmas tree. Christmas trees can be dropped off at the compost site located at the north end of McCutchen Drive just past the Rolla Recycling Center at 2141 Old St. James Road. This site is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. –to 11a.m. All garland, tinsel, ornaments, stands and plastic bags must be removed from the trees. Trees will be chipped to produce mulch. For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Filing for 2012 Rolla

Municipal Election

continues thru Jan. 17

Filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, continues through Jan. 17, 2012.

The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.

Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so during normal business hours (Monday through Friday) between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., thru Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee.

City Council seats must be filled by candidates with the following qualifications; at least 21 years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, an inhabitant of the city for one year, and a resident of the ward which he/she is elected for six months at the time of his/her election.

The Municipal Judge's office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a licensed attorney qualified to practice law within the state of Missouri, a resident of the city of Rolla and between the ages of 21 and 68 years.

The City Attorney’s office must be filled by a candidate with the following qualifications: a person licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri and a resident of the city.

For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Rolla City Council

Mtg. set for Jan. 17

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street. 

Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday.  To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

Rolla Channel 16

live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting, Planning & Zoning meeting, Rolla Public School Board meeting or Board of Public Works meeting, you can now watch them online on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com.

Rolla Channel 16, Rolla’s premiere Education and Government channel, is also now live streaming (24/7) at http://rollachannel16.com. RC16 is live streaming all Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, all future episodes of “City Minutes”, all Rolla Public Schools board meetings, and Rolla High School Review.

Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com.

For more information regarding programming or DVD duplication of Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning meetings, and Rolla Public Schools board meetings, etc., please contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Upcoming Events

JANUARY 2012

Jan. 10 – Planning & Zoning Commission Mtg. (5:30 p.m.)

Jan. 16 – City Hall closed for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

Jan. 16 – Environmental Services closed for MLK, Jr.’s Birthday; Monday’s trash picked up on Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash picked up on Wednesday

Jan. 17 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

FEBRUARY 2012

Feb. 6 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Feb. 20 – City Hall closed for Presidents' Day Holiday
Feb. 20 - Environmental Services closed for Presidents' Day; Monday's trash picked up on Tuesday; Tuesday's trash picked up on Wednesday
Feb. 21 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Director

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

Follow us on Facebook

& Twitter at www.rollacity.org

Public Works crews prepared for first snowstorm

The unseasonably warm weather we continue to see in the Ozarks may give the impression that a snowstorm may not hit the Rolla area any time soon, but we still need to be prepared for possible hazardous weather conditions that affect both road and driving conditions for everyone.

You can be assured that the City’s Public Works Director, Steve Hargis, and the City’s snow removal crews are well informed of impending storms through Accuweather reports, and have prepared their fleet of snow removal trucks and salt spreaders.

Although it’s always hard to predict how much snow the City will receive this winter, the Public Works Department is none-the-less up to the challenge of clearing the snow from the City’s 100 miles of streets, municipal parking lots and the many City facilities located around town such as Rolla City Hall, the Rolla Police Department, the two Rolla Fire and Rescue Stations, The Centre, Rolla Recycling Center, Vehicle Maintenance, Sanitation, Rolla Animal Shelter, Street and Traffic buildings, etc.

The main thoroughfares throughout town such as 10^th Street, Forum Drive, Pine Street, Salem Avenue, Soest Road, Pinetree, etc. are first roads to be plowed, followed by the many side streets throughout town. Please be patient and be assured that the street that you live on in the City will be plowed as soon as conceivably possible, and that the Street crew works 24 hours a day to ensure the snow is removed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As we begin the first weeks of a new year, I would also like to suggest that you ‘go green’ by recycling boxes, wrapping paper and Christmas trees. The Rolla Recycling Center accepts most types of wrapping paper and boxes!  Recycle your boxes and paper in your blue bin at the curb on your scheduled day, or bring it by the Recycling Center anytime.  For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Christmas trees can be dropped off at the compost site located at the north end of McCutchen Drive just past the Rolla Recycling Center at 2141 Old St. James Road. This site is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. –to 11a.m. All garland, tinsel, ornaments, stands and plastic bags must be removed from the trees. Trees will be chipped to produce mulch.

In closing, I’d like to reminder everyone that filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, continues through Jan. 17. The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.

Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so during normal business hours (Monday through Friday) between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., thru Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee. For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Rolla Police - Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 625 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 24 arrests, 11 alarm calls, 11 traffic accidents, 18 traffic complaints, 6 check the well being requests, 131 traffic stops, 18 disturbance calls (including domestics), 11 suspicious nature complaints, 11 assists of other agency requests, 14 field interviews, 6 escorts, 4 leave without pay complaints, 5 intoxicated persons, 25 animal control calls, 3 fights and 59 security checks. This call total is down 94 calls from last week. I little better, but still a busy week!

The United States Attorney’s Office announced this week that William P. Haynes, Jr., was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Haynes, 60, of Rolla, MO, pled guilty in September 2011 and appeared this week for sentencing before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. This case was investigated by the Rolla Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Great job by all.

The Rolla Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit is comprised of Det. Sgt. Ken Nakanishi, Det. Hank Harper, Det. Robert Jones and Investigator Derrick Dillon. The CIU investigate many types of crimes and are on call 24/7, which means they are called out very often. I checked a small portion of their current case load and discovered that these are the cases that they are currently working. 1 armed robbery case, 7 sex crimes cases, 3 death cases, 8 stealing cases, 7 fraud investigations, 1 drug case,(most drug cases are handled through our Drug Enforcement Task Force), 3 burglary cases, 2 stolen vehicle cases, 3 receiving stolen property investigations and they are also conducting three employee applicant background investigations. In addition they are called out to assist the Patrol Division with crime scene processing and follow-up investigations. As you can see, this unit is only comprised of 4 investigators and this assignment comes with a tremendous responsibility. I am very proud of this Division and the quality of the investigations put forth. Keep up the good work guys!

New years eve I assisted the Patrol Divisions from 9:00 pm until 2:00 am and was very pleased with the way things went over all as it was relatively a slow night. Almost immediately I responded to a fight call at one of the local bars. While several of us were on that call we received a report of a disturbance and a possible suicidal person call at another location. I left the bar fight to respond to the suicidal person call in assistance of another officer that was responding to the same call alone. I arrived on that scene and it involved a mentally impaired person who become irate for reasons unknown. I transported that person to the PCRMC emergency room for a mental eval. As soon as I left the hospital we had a report of someone turning over grave stones in the Rolla Cemetery. I responded with other officers and upon arrival patrolled the area on foot, but did not locate anyone or identify any stones damaged. While we were there we had to have officers respond to another bar fight. We then received a call of ten people fighting outside of a 3rd bar (can’t we just all get along?). I then responded to another call of two females fighting in the street. Upon arrival, all parties were inside, and everything had calmed down. We then responded to a domestic violence call and soon after, we responded to another fight call at different bar, but everyone was gone when we arrived. The Patrol officers made several traffic stops that night in an effort to identify intoxicated drivers but traffic was unusually light. I would like to commend the bar owners for their added staff and bouncers, in their efforts to keep things under control. So overall is was a very quiet night for New Years eve in that we did not arrest any drunk drivers or have any traffic accidents. Great job Rolla!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest member to the Rolla Police Department family. Crystal Allen began her training this week in Central Communications as a telecommunicator. Crystal will replace Melissa Maddox who left to pursue other challenges. Crystal will undergo a very intense 12 – 16 week training program where she will learn all the traits inherent of a solid telecommunicator. An interested side note on Crystal is that she is the niece of a former RPD telecommunicator Julie Mayfield who is also the wife of Sgt. Tim Mayfield. (See, I told you this was the Rolla PD family!) Crystal is married to her husband Chad and they have two sons, Evan and Owen. They attend First Assembly of God in Rolla and serve in the nursery. During down time the Allens like to spend as much time outside as possible. They enjoy riding four wheelers and dirt bikes and exploring the forest property near their home. Welcome aboard Crystal and good luck to Melissa Maddox in her future undertakings!

In closing, I would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of retired MSHP Sgt. Terry W. Parker who passed on New Year’s Day after a lengthy illness. Terry was a devoted family man, a devout Christian, a courageous patrolman and a true friend to many. We will miss him!

Have a great week!


Chief Mark Kearse

Rolla City Hall to close for MLK Jr.'s Birthday

Rolla City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.s’ Birthday. The Rolla City Council meeting ordinarily held the third Monday of the month, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 North Elm Street).

The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday. There will be no special pick-ups on Wednesday. If you have any questions, please call 364-6693.

Rolla City Council Mtg. set for Feb. 6

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street. 

Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday.

To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

Rolla City Hall to close Jan. 2 for New Year's Holiday

Rolla City Hall, located at 901 N. Elm Street, will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 in observance of the New Year’s  holiday.

The City of Rolla Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 2. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. For more information, please call 364-6693.

For more information, please visit www.rollacity.org.

Mayor Bill Jenks' holiday message (Dec. 24, 2011)

Merry Christmas

and peace to all

It’s Christmas time in the Ozarks, and tomorrow being Christmas day, I would like to wish everyone a safe, peaceful, joyful Christmas and memorable holiday season!

We certainly are reminded of the Christmas spirit and holiday season when we read and hear about all of the acts of kindness, and numerous generous gifts and donations that have been made by so many organizations, businesses and individuals who care so much about our residents and community. As we approach the end of 2011, and head into the New Year, I’d like to take the opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to the Rolla City Council, all of our City employees and the businesses, organizations, colleges and institutions that make up our great community.

Go green for the holidays;

recycle boxes and wrapping paper

After the dust has settled and you have a pile of boxes and wrapping paper remaining, don’t throw away the boxes and paper…recycle it!  The Rolla Recycling Center accepts most types of wrapping paper and boxes! 

Recycle your boxes and paper in your blue bin at the curb on your scheduled day, or bring it by the Recycling Center anytime.  When dropping wrapping paper at the Recycling Center, it should be place in the mixed paper bin.  Foil wrap, ribbons, Styrofoam, and other materials should be removed from wrapping and boxes before recycling.  Those items should be disposed of in your trash. For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Trash and recycling

collection holiday schedule

With Christmas and New Year’s falling on consecutive Sundays, the Environmental Services Department will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 and Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

As a result, Monday’s trash and recycling collections will be moved to Tuesday, and Tuesday’s collections will be moved to Wednesday. The remainder of the week will not be affected.  Anyone with questions can contact the Environmental Services Department at 364-6693, or email to waste@rollacity.org

Christmas tree recycling

After the holidays, go green, and recycle your Christmas tree. Christmas trees can be dropped off at the compost site located at the north end of McCutchen Drive just past the Rolla Recycling Center at 2141 Old St. James Road. This site is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. –to 11a.m. All garland, tinsel, ornaments, stands and plastic bags must be removed from the trees. Trees will be chipped to produce mulch. For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Rolla City Hall, located at 901 N. Elm Street, will be closing on Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. The Environmental Services Department will be closing on Monday, Dec. 26 as well. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday. For more information regarding the holiday trash pick-up schedule, please call 364-6693.

The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation complex, located at 1200 North Holloway Street, will be open on Christmas Eve., Saturday, Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Christmas day, Sunday, Dec. 25. Regular operating hours at The Centre resume on Monday, Dec. 26.

For more information, please visit www.rollacity.org.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to please be mindful of the weather and road conditions, and exercise caution while driving and traveling throughout the community. A safe holiday, is just about as important, if not more so, than a healthy and peaceful holiday. Wishing you a peaceful and memorable Christmas and holiday season!