Council considers big ticket tourism proposals

It was a short meeting of the Moberly City Council Monday but a lot of money was discussed.

Cell tower

In September, the council approved a ground lease with USCOC of Greater Missouri for the installation of a communication antenna tower at 100 W. Lee, which is city property. Tom Sanders, director of community development, told the council Monday that the company is still obtaining permits before the installation could take place. He proposed to the council a charge of $1,000, for up to 12 months to “hold” the ground proposed for lease. This amount would be in addition to the upfront charge and flat monthly fee that will be determined upon completion of the tower construction. Sanders said he feels progress will be expedited but if construction is not completed within the allotted 12 months, an additional six months could be “purchased”.

Tourism Funding Proposals

The Tourism Advisory Commission approved three proposals that were advanced for the council’s review. The first proposal was in the amount of $31,500 to the Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber does marketing for the City of Moberly and Moberly Economic Development. This amount would provide the Chamber with a budget for marketing purposes.

Debbie Miller, executive director of the Chamber, had to defined contract for the 2010 year, explained City Manager Andy Morris who also sits on the Tourism Commission. Miller came before the council on more than one occasion last year to request funds for marketing. Morris said a contract with the chamber should be in place in February and with the $31,500 in place, no further monetary requests would be needed.

Two of the events publicized by the Chamber are Railroad Days and the Airport Bash. Mayor Bob Riley said Railroad Days is still a joint venture between the chamber and the Moberly rotary with more organizations taking part this year including Knights of Columbus and Altrusa.

“Funds are funneled through the Chamber because she (Miller) is gathering all the information,” said Riley.

Golf Tournament

Another Tourism proposal involves the Knights of Columbus. This organization has requested $3,000 to hold a state golf tournament. Council person Nancy Copenhaver asked about the validity of the amount requested as only about $300 of the K of C budget met the guidelines of advertising. Riley explained the amount included golf balls and towels which would have the Moberly logo on them and could be considered marketing items.

Bradley Library

The third proposal came from the Omar Bradley Library and Museum Committee. This group has requested $25,000 to do a feasibility study regarding fundraising for a proposed library and museum in honor of Moberly’s “favorite son” Gen. Omar Bradley. The company with which the group has been discussing the project is Jeffrey Byrne and Associates of Kansas City, which describes itself as a “full-service fundraising and financial development firm”.

Parks consultant meeting

The council will meet with a consultant from Norris Designs at 5:30 January 18 prior to the council meeting. Norris Designs, of Denver, Colo., has been hired to develop a Moberly parks and Recreation master plan. The master plan has not been updated for 14 years and city officials felt it was time to have something on the books that would address the quality of the facilities and programs offered by the Parks Department.

Zoning

In work session, Bonni Arnold addressed the council regarding a conditional use request. The property at 103 lyons Street will be used as a child care facility in conjunction with the Take Care of My Kids Foundation. Arnold said she is making renovations to the property so it will meet state and local requirements and fire codes.

Due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the Moberly City Council will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Agendas may be obtained at the Moberly City Clerk’s office.