BELLE — The Belle Board of Aldermen heard resident concerns ranging from brown water to chronic speeding, along with hearing updates on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) projects and the city’s aging water lines during their Nov. 12 meeting.

Two speakers signed up for the citizens participation portion of the meeting.

The first speaker, Steven Bedwell, said his home and neighboring properties continue to experience brown, foul-smelling water despite past complaints.

Belle Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell said a water main break is scheduled for repair the following day and hydrants in Bedwell’s area will be flushed afterward. Public Works Director Jim Goben later added that a leak detection specialist will be on site to pinpoint the exact location of the break.

City treasurer and office manager Charro Reasor told Bedwell the city would also collect an official sample from his home and submit it to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for testing.

“This way, we can be sure there’s nothing in it,” she said.

Resident Tracy Creswell raised concerns about persistent speeding along Johnson Avenue.

“I’ve preached this forever,” she said. “I’m just scared the little kids will be playing on the street and here comes the speeder.”

Board members acknowledged the problem is not limited to Johnson Avenue. Reports of high speeds were also cited on First Street, M Highway and other residential areas.

Complicating enforcement, Mitchell reminded residents the city has only one full-time marshal and one deputy as an officer recently resigned.

Davis offered assistance.

“If you guys would like, I can have my car down here more often,” he said, volunteering to run traffic enforcement.

The city’s portable radar sign, owned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has also been malfunctioning. Mitchell said he would contact, or have Marshal Jerry Coburn contact, them to determine why the unit frequently shuts down.

The board approved the monthly bills, including a replacement rear glass panel for the city’s dump truck ahead of winter operations. No irregularities were reported in the treasurer’s financial update.

Mitchell reported progress, along with some complications, with a FEMA-related repair project on Alvarado. A FEMA representative advised the city to proceed with work on the creek and bridge, but Mitchell said he would not authorize any contract without written approval. He noted that price quotes received so far were “astronomical.”

A follow-up meeting for Nov. 17 was scheduled with FEMA.

Mitchell said the city is preparing to replace a decades-old four-inch water main along Belle Avenue. Only four homes connect to the line, but recurring inflow and infiltration issues have made replacement urgent.

The board discussed whether to upgrade to a six-inch main to meet long-term infrastructure needs. Mitchell said cost differences, reducers and available funding will be outlined in written quotes before the board decides.

He added that the work should occur before the weather turns and will be completed by city staff.

The mayor announced details for the upcoming Toyland Christmas celebration, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 in downtown Belle. The event will include vendors, carriage rides, pony rides, music and photos with Santa. Council members were asked to attend the opening ceremony if possible and the 6 p.m. holiday parade.

Goben told the board his department had mowed grass earlier that day because of the unseasonably warm weather. He said crews expect to repair the leak on Belle Avenue following the specialist’s inspection and will block the street during excavation for safety.

Coborn could not attend because he was handling a domestic call but asked the mayor to share departmental updates.

Mitchell said Coborn, himself and the deputies have begun holding coordination meetings on the Monday before each council meeting. The department also installed a new communication board to improve tracking and case management.

Alderman Steve Vogt reported on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission’s Nov. 6 meeting, where the commission delayed action on the proposed U.S. 63 realignment near Westphalia after public comment. The matter will return for consideration at the Dec. 3 meeting in Springfield.

Vogt also highlighted recent Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) activities, including local award recognitions for Wade Guffey, Victoria Bush and Maries County Clerk Rhonda Rodgers.

He closed his report by noting that area residents were able to see the northern lights the previous night, with visibility expected again that evening.

With no report from the city attorney and no further business, the board voted to adjourn.