Council works to solve communication problem

The Moberly City council approved a number of requests and ordinances which had been moved forward at its previous work session.

One of a few organizations which adheres to the council’s plea to get requests before them in adequate time for potential research and discussion, Mary Jo Colley with the Cowboys for Christmas submitted a request, and the council approved, the annual parade conducted to raise money and collect toys for unfortunate children in the community. This year’s parade will be held Sunday, November 28.

The council also approved the VFW’s request for the annual Veteran’s Day parade to be held November 6. A request was approved for the Orscheln American Cancer Society Relay for Life 5K walk/run to be held this Saturday.

The council approved a change in zoning and the acceptance of a final plat for “Angels Landing Villas, a subdivision on S. Morley. Tom Sanders, director of community development, said the plat involves approving the final layout of the subdivision and accepting right-of-ways. One permit has been issued with a building under construction. The plat approval will allow the city to issue more permits.

An ordinance was passed regarding the closing of city property, such as sidewalks or streets, in order to hold public events such as parades or festivals. Councilman Dick Boots had expressed the need to have the information for such requests before the council in a more timely manner. The ordinance passed requires 14 days between the time the council first receives it for consideration to the time it is approved. This would allow the council to have the request before them at work session so it could move forward to be approved two weeks later at regular session. It would also make sure requests were considered in a timely manner, especially in the case of a five-week month that could cause a delay.

Keith Phipps, director of public utilities, was asked to explain a large discrepancy in water use for the past month on record compared to the previous month. Phipps said the lift station at Seven Bridges Road had been out of service in August. Also, with more frequent rains, the city is experiencing an increase n leaks which they have not found yet.

Phipps was also asked about sewer backups on Monroe and McKinley where stormwater separation work has been done. Phipps said work is being done on storm water drains. He said there is a sink hole and a manhole replacement taking place.

“It’s a sanitary issue, not a combined issue,” said Phipps.

The council approved a ground lease with USCOC of Greater Missouri LLC to allow the installation of a communication antenna tower on city property at 100 W. Lee.

The council approved the hiring of Morris and Munger engineering LLC to develop a storm water, erosion and sediment control ordinance and supporting manuals for the City of Moberly at a cost of $30,000.

The council approved the purchase of a 2011 International dump truck in the amount of $76,450 from Al Scheppers Motor Co., Jefferson City, for the public utilities department.

Dale Ewing and David Brown were re-appointed to the Moberly Housing Authority; and Robert Dutton was re-appointed to the Fire Prevention Board of Appeals.