Council, city staff say good bye to Bock

The Moberly City Council said good-bye to its summer intern during regular session Monday night as he prepares to return to school.

According to City Manager Andy Morris, Intern Troy bock has been hands-on and has worked on a variety of projects within different departments of the city. Morris said Bock has worked with storm water utility and played a “lead role” in applying for stimulus funding in regards to the energy audit.

He has done a lot of work with the Omar Bradley entity and in determining the tax-exempt status of the Rollins Street Association,” said Morris. “He has done an exemplary job.”

Mayor Bob Riley told Bock, who has attended all the city council meetings during his internship, “You did a great job. It has been a pleasure having you. You have definitely been an asset.”

The council approved the tax levy for the upcoming year with no real discernible change, according to Morris.

Parks Director Mike Bork gave a report on the Lodge in Rothwell Park. A need was found for acoustic control at the Lodge which had not been part of the original construction plan. Bork said approximately 800 square feet of acoustic materials would have to be installed and painted at an estimated costs of $8,000.

“We will buy the materials but we will install it in-house to save some money,” said Bork.

Bork said the Municipal auditorium project was as “complete as it’s going to be with the exception of a few tweaks.” He said the elevator door had to be replaced with a steel door. The work was finished but had to wait for official certification before it could be used.

Council person Nancy Copenhaver asked Keith Phipps about a report of some people jumping off the causeway bridge at Sugar Creek Lake.

“The Department of Natural Resources supports the concept of not swimming in a city water supply and it is our local ordinance,” said Phipps.

Phipps said there were signs by the causeway but they continue to be vandalized. He said it is posted by the boat ramp.

A number of ordinances were approved by the council: a settlement agreement with T-Mobile, 9-1-1 tax for the emergency telephone services, a change order with Jacobs Engineering roup decreasing the contract by $74,230; established a contract with Jacobs to initiate a sewer collection system study in the area of Holman Road and along Rothwell lake in the amount of $157,500, an addendum to the contract between the city and Moberly Economic Development increasing the annual contract amount, and executing a contract with Missouri Highways and Transportation commission for the omar Bradley airport apron rehabilitation design.

Ordinances were passed to issue a special tax bill for properties demolished. They include 319 N. Ault, $3,671; 617 and 619 Burkholder, $13,307.06; 111-113 Kirby Street, $7,827.53; and 400 Epperson, $2,901.46.

The city authorized Fire chief robert Creed to sign a mutual aid agreement. Creed said while the agreement doesn’t specify providing training for the rural departments, there is a verbal agreement that training takes place. Creed said there is a state training provided by the division of Fire Safety that allows all the departments to train together on each other’s equipment “so everybody is on the same page,” said Creed.

An auction of surplus items will take place September 18 at the Riley Pavilion, said Bork. He said there was small stuff in the john douglas building, the auditorium and other places that will go up for sale. Bork said it was decided more money could be made through a live auction, especially considering the number of small items. He said there will also be items from the police and street departments. Proceeds from those items will go to their respective departments, he said.

The council granted the request of Moberly High school to hold its annual homecoming parade September 24 downtown. The council also gave permission to Robbie Wailes to hold the third annual K&W Car show September 17.

“It is a fine event, very well run,” said Councilman Dick Boots of the car show. He mentioned the work Wailes has done in the past to clean up the parking lot on McKinsey where he holds the event.

“You’re to be commended,” said Boots.

The next council meeting will be Tuesday, September 7 to allow for the Labor Day holiday.