City Council takes legal step in anticipation of factory announcement, hears GIS update proposal

The Moberly City Council met last Wednesday, their regular and work session delayed because of the July 4 holiday.

There was an addendum to the regular session agenda which seemed innocuous at the time of the meeting but gained new meaning with the Friday announcement of the Mamtek Sweet.O plant. An ordinance was passed to consent to joint representation and waiver of conflict of interest relative to the hiring of the law firm Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, PC to represent the city, Moberly Economic Development and the Industrial Development Authority. This firm, as was learned by the public Friday, was instrumental in laying the legal foundation for bringing the manufacturing facility to town.

In work session, Lindsey Brewer, community development and GIS coordinator, gave a presentation of the city’s GIS system. The City of Moberly has had an extensive digital mapping system, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) but did not have the capability for public access. For example, a need was expressed to have a gravesite locator device in Oakland Cemetery. A computerized kiosk was discussed but Community Development Director Tom Sanders previously reported to the Council that the capability did not exist so the shelter with maps was constructed in its stead. Now, if the council approves, a system can be purchased that will link with the county site, which already employs aerial imaging in the assessor’s office, but will provide a separate website for the city.

The system would cost $2,500 to be installed and about $450 monthly, according to Sanders. Brewer explained the many benefits such a system could provide. Not only would it update and modernize the cemetery locator system it would be helpful to realtors and appraisers. The system provides aerial photography of the city and county, gives parcel information, can help locate water and sewer lines, shows the city zoning, city and county limits, voting precincts and school districts.

Brewer said a pilot website is currently available at moberly.villagis.net. The public is encouraged to try it out.

A change in zoning for an area in south Moberly was discussed in work session. Sanders said a property exists just south of the Sterling Price apartments whose owners seek the change in order to construct duplexes. The proposal for this duplex subdivision would involve tenant owner that divides the house as well as the land.

“Essentially the center wall would be the property line,” said Sanders.

Also discussed and moved forward to regular session were ordinances to allow for the rehabilitation of the airport apron, a change order in relation to the south Williams drainage project and the Downtown Compliance.

A matching grant from the transportation trust will help pay for the airport project which is being done in conjunction with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. The area on south Williams has long had drainage problems due to the lay of the land. Sanders said some of these problems with be alleviated through ditching when work begins on the bike/walking trail.

The Downtown Compliance issue involves keeping businesses downtown structurally sound. According to Sanders and Mayor Bob Riley, there have been some complaints regarding brick crumbling on some of the buildings causing a tripping hazard for passersby. Also, there is paint peeling on a few business buildings. Sanders sought guidance as to whether the compliance issue would include that of aesthetics.

Two proposals were forwarded to the Council by the Tourism Committee. Debbie Miller requested $4,000 for the July 24 summer Bash and monies have been requested by Moberly Alumni Association for its annual reunion.

The council still seeks applications for the Historical Preservation Commission. Anyone interested in serving on this committee is asked to see Shirley Olney in the city manager’s office at City Hall.

The next regular session of the Moberly City council is 7 p.m., July 19, at City Hall.