Ribbon Cutting

2023 CCR Report

City Park Improvements

We are pleased to announce the City is in the process of applying for new surfacing for the City Park Playground area, replacing the existing pea gravel surface with recycled rubber material. A grant application is being prepared for submission to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Scrap Tire Material grant program. The grant stipulates that the playground surface material must be made from old tires, composed of at least 40% Missouri tires. The pour-in-place surface would provide a soft cushion, designed to help prevent injuries if a child were to fall. The surface would also improve access for wheelchairs and strollers. The grant application is due June 14th. Announcements will be made should the city be fortunate to receive funding.

We are happy to announce more exciting news to share with you regarding our City Park! In the summer of 2022, the City applied for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding through the Cole County Commission’s competitive ARPA grant program. In October 2022, the Cole County Commission generously awarded the City a $50,000 ARPA grant to be used for a project to improve the City Park, with these funds used in conjunction with the City’s ARPA allocation from the federal government (2021/2022). The project will consist of the construction of a new Pickleball Court, located at the north end of the existing basketball court. Due to the age and condition of the basketball court, a complete replacement of that court will also take place, including new goals. Drainage work will be completed, allowing for the driveway to be improved and paved. New parking at the courts will include ADA spaces. New lighting for both courts, sidewalks, and fencing will complete the project at the court complex. Improved parking and access to the shelter house will complete the project.

The project was bid on April 23, 2024, with Verslues Construction of Jefferson City submitting the low bid. Award and contract documents are in place, with construction scheduled to start on Monday, June 17, 2024. The substantial completion date is August 15, 2024, with completion no later than November 13, 2024.

Please note that the Hatler Street access to City Park will be closed during the construction period. The Park and all facilities will be accessed via Park Street at the Elementary School. We appreciate everyone’s patience during the construction phase and look forward to having these new facilities available to the community.

We continue to have problems with the disposal of NON-FLUSHABLES into our sanitary sewer collection system. Lift station pumps become clogged with the material, resulting in extensive time for our operators to pull pumps to remove the clogs. These clogs have also resulted in pumps burning up, requiring immediate replacement. We often require the services of an outside company to pump out the lift station before the situation can be addressed, adding to the overall cost of the event. The costs for these pumps continue to increase, more than doubling in cost since last year. A typical lift station pump that costs $2-3,000 is now $6,000 or more. The larger pumps in the major lift stations now cost upwards of $12,000. In addition to the impact on our budget, clogging can result in an overflow of the lift station, a violation of Department of Natural Resources regulations as occurred this week. Should this continue to be an issue, your sewer rate could see an increase to cover the excessive costs we have incurred to keep your sanitary sewer system at peak operational capacity. A flyer with additional information is attached for your information. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Jan, Mayor Morgan and the Board of Aldermen

West Ward Alderman Ken Bishop and I attended the annual meeting of the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (MMRPC). The City has been an active member of this amazing organization for decades and relies on their expertise and technical assistance as we navigate through the various funding and regulatory agencies for our public works projects. Executive Director David Bock and his Team are always ready to support us in our continuing efforts to improve our community. Staff prepared the city’s Comprehensive Plan; the GIS mapping project (including the new Zoning Map); and the Cole County Five-Year Hazard Mitigation Plan (the city is a part of this plan). They provided grant assistance and administration services for the recently completed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) project and the Marion Street Stormwater and Repaving project, both funded in part with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These projects required formal CDBG grant administration services that MMRPC performed. In addition to these projects, staff assisted with the funding applications for the Sidewalk Improvements Project, recently funded through a MoDOT TAP Grant; and a project to realign the Railroad Avenue/Simpson Street intersection to control traffic flow and improve safety. This project is being funded through the Cole County Small Communities Grant Program. Except for the required CDBG grant administration services, all provided services and technical assistance are paid for through the City’s annual dues, with no additional cost to the City. Last night I was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from MMRPC in recognition of my community development efforts for the city. I was surprised and humbled to receive this award. This means more than I can say, not only for me but more importantly, for the recognition of our community. If you want to learn more about this important organization, please visit their website at: midmorpc.org. Jan