City holds meeting to discuss stormwater issues

By Liz Morales

Moberly Mirror

City Hall held a public meeting April 12 concerning stormwater issues. The meeting was held to raise and answer questions about problem areas around the city of Moberly. An engineering company out of Rolla, Morris and Munger have been working on 12 major problem areas around the city, provided that the residents and city council approve of the idea.

It was said that it will cost approximately $4.1 million dollars at least 12 major problem areas in the city will have to be repaired. Depending on how quickly residents would like the restorations to be made, the City may charge a stormwater fee for each property depending on the amount of impervious structures on their property. 

However, there needs to be stricter requirements on new development said Charles Morris of Morris and Munger.  The stormwater utility will address issues such as silting and erosion control as well as drainage problems.  If Moberly decides to complete the improvements within 5 years, the average rate one will have to pay is $10.86 for their property.  For 10 years, the average rate per month is $5.43. Some factors on one’s property can decrease this rate. City Council has a large list of such factors. The City will decide how much the rates will be based on public input, recommendations from the Stormwater Advisory Committee, and the public demand for completion.

There are twelve main concern areas around Moberly, and each concern is based on previous public input. Residents are highly encouraged to take great care of their properties so as to make sure they’re not contributing to these concerns, which include retaining runoff by building rain gardens, bioswales with native plants, etc. Credits to their stormwater fee will be allowed for such practices.

A manual will be developed that will show homeowners how they can reduce their annual storm owner charge and also how to modify their home and property to prevent flooding and other problems associated with the storms.

The 12 problem areas in the city of Moberly are Grimes Channel, Grand Channel, Franklin Street, Chrisman Lane Outlet, which is the lowest priority problem area, Logan Drainage, Downtown, Leah Lane, Bond Channel, Beuth Outfall, North Avenue, and Urbandale. North Avenue and Urbandale are the highest priority areas. Most of the money will go toward fixing these areas. The proposed Stormwater Master Plan will be posted on the City of Moberly’s website at http://www.moberlymo.org for public review.

If approved by the City and residents, work can begin in a year. The City Council will vote to adopt this plan by ordinance this coming fall.

There will be an open meeting concerning this project with the City Council on Monday, April 26.