A personnel issue was one of the main topics discussed by the Marmaduke City Council in a meeting Monday night, July 14. The concern surrounds the newest member of the city's police department, Matt McClung.

McClung was hired by the city in December 2007. A native of Rector, McClung was advised at the time of his hiring he would be required to relocate to Marmaduke in order to be eligible for the position. The council at that time set a six-month grace period to allow McClung and his family to find a suitable home in the city.

Seven months later, McClung and his family still reside in their Rector home. The council decided Monday night to grant McClung an additional 60 days to move to town and noted if he does not relocate to Marmaduke within that time, he may be removed from his position.

McClung and his family have requested the council allow him to keep his position while living in Rector. However city officials say the requirement that police officers live within the city limits has been in place for several years.

"If we were a larger town with more officers, it wouldn't be much of a problem," recorder/treasurer Betty Jackson said. "The city council feels that our officers need to live within the city limits. Because our police department is limited in size (there are a total of four members including police chief Steve Franks), we feel our officers need to be here in town in case of an emergency."

If an officer needs assistance, an emergency call will be made to off-duty officers. According to the council, if all officers live in town, precious seconds can be saved in relation to the time of response.

In a statement, the council noted McClung has performed well in his duties as an officer.

"There are no questions about his work as an officer," Jackson said. "We're pleased with the work he has done for the department."

Clean-up Efforts

Greene County attorney Randy Philhours was present to discuss the city's plans to require owners to clean up debris left on their property from the April 2006 tornado. Philhours discussed the legality of potential responses with the council. After discussion, council members decided to impose fines on owners whose property does not meet the standards set forth by the council.

The council has discussed the matter for the last several months. According to the discussions, many lots inside the city still have debris left over from the tornado. The owners of some these areas no longer reside in Marmaduke. The council agreed to issue fines through Philhours.

"We feel that enough time has passed for these things to be done," Mayor Byron Phillips said. "We don't like the thought of imposing fines. We didn't want it to come to that. As officials, we have to think of what's best for the people of Marmaduke. We need to clean up the city to make it more attractive to our residents and businesses and people who might be looking to come here."

In other business, the council:

* Approved adding Bobby Hodge to the police department as an auxiliary officer.

* Approved the nomination of fire chief Nicki McDowell to add Robert Condray to the fire department.

* Approved adding Terry Walker to the housing board.

* Agreed to hold next month's meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.