Council to study feasibility of Depot Park plan

Janet Morales

The Moberly City Council took another step forward Monday night toward the creation of a Depot Park master plan as they agreed to contract with Septagon Construction, Inc., Columbia, for engineering and design services.

Councilman Bob Riley said he was part of discussions and that a spur and museum would possibly be components of the total master plan. The engineering firm will provide a design and cost estimate which will help the council determine the financial feasibility of the project.

Greg Hodge, director of finance, said the project would be funded through the Cellular Telephone Settlement Fund.

“This is money received from a class-action suit brought against the cellular telephone providers operating throughout the state regarding their failure to pay municipalities franchise fees due to them, “ said Hodge.

On Monday, April 12, a public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall to gather public input regarding stormwater problems. The city has hired the engineering firm Morris and Munger Engineers LLC, to study the problems associated with flooding caused by the runoff of stormwater within the city limits. The city wants to hear from residents concerning stormwater concerns and possible solutions.

The council approved the low bid of APAC-Missouri, Inc., Missouri Petroleum and Corrective Asphalt Materials in relation to this year’s street improvement program. Tom Sanders, director of community development, said prices for many of the materials have remained consistent compared to past years. This year the city has a budget of about $500,000 with monies coming from the sidewalk and the transportation trust funds.

Bids were accepted for work being done on the interior of the Municipal Auditorium. Electronic Contracting had the low bid for the sound system replacement project in the amount of $32,131. The council approved the bid of Hayes Floor in the amount of $9,548 for the flooring refinishing project and American Sun Control’s bid of $4,850 for the railing replacement project was accepted.

In work session, the council discussed the sale or disposal of various surplus lots as well as appointments to the Tourism Advisory Commission, the Historical Preservation Commission and the Fire Prevention Board of Appeals. The city is accepting applications for two volunteer positions, one each on the Historic Preservation Commission and the Fire Prevention Board of Appeals.

The council discussed the receipt of bids for the Municipal Building parking lot. Sanders said part of the estimated cost of $120,000-$125,000 would come from the cell phone fund. Mayor Don Burton was adamant with his disapproval of paying for the project in this manner. Sanders said he and the staff would review the proposal to look for alternatives.

With reluctance on the part of some of the council members, a request was approved for Piccadilly Circus to hold a circus May 2 at the Municipal Auditorium.