Smithville Municipal Judge Hilton Conger Gets New Term

Smithville Municipal Judge Hilton Conger will serve for another two years.
The aldermen Monday night approved Conger’s reappointment during the city council meeting. The City Judge, who was once elected by city voters to an eight year term, now serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, appointed to a two year term. His salary is $1,000 per month.
Conger was last elected as City Judge in 1998. He was named to his first appointed term in 2006 and he was re-appointed in 2008 and 2010.
After changes were made in the City Charter a few years ago, the City Court’s jurisdiction was reduced to mostly minor traffic offenses and city ordinance violations. The court now convenes usually once per month.
Conger’s new term runs through August 31, 2014.
Meanwhile, in an effort to curb the spread of mosquitoes, the Smithville Aldermen Monday night took action requiring property owners to keep stagnant water from accumulating on their properties.
The council adopted on first reading an amendment to the property maintenance regulations under the municipal code regarding stagnant water.
Under the proposed amendment, “It shall be unlawful for anyone to knowingly allow any pool of stagnant water to accumulate and stand on their property without treating it so as to effectively prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Also it shall be unlawful for water to accumulate in tires that are stored outside on their property. Approved methods to treat this stagnant water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes shall be the responsibility by owners of said tires on residential and commercial property.”
Second and final reading will follow a public hearing at the next meeting on Monday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m. at city hall.

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