City Administrator Ratliff provided aldermen a multi-topic operations update covering several public-works projects, bid results and personnel actions.
Ratliff said lagoons at the south-area sewer project are being hauled off, that contractors are incurring liquidated damages on that project and that James Street to Blueberry construction is in full swing. He said the Ash Street/Bridge of Town Creek stormwater project would begin in August and that staff will notify the bus company and school district about rerouting when construction starts.
On street work, Ratliff reported the city received seven bids for the asphalt and street program; he said the low bidder was Asphaltic Surfaces (named in the bid tabulation) and that CMM Concrete received the low bid for the concrete curb and gutter program. The South Commercial Street extension project is moving toward a bid next month.
Ratliff said MoDOT provided four alternatives for the Mechanic Street (Highway 7 / I-49 to South Commercial) project, and the city intends to submit for cost-share funding to lower the city’s match; the Highway 2 over Muddy Creek tributary project is in right-of-way discussions with property owners.
Ratliff also described changes to the system functional classification that add eligibility for federal funding to several streets — Lexington Street between East 230 Ninth and Highway 2, East Wall Street from South Commercial to North King Street, East Pearl Street from North Butler Drive to its dead end, and a new connection from the dead end of East Pearl Street to Missouri Highway 7 and Birch Street — which he said will make those corridors eligible for federal grant programs.
On personnel, Ratliff said the police department hired a new detective and offered a sergeant position to an officer; both have projected start dates of Aug. 18. He also reported a successful community donation event in which volunteers and police filled shopping carts and collected hundreds of dollars in cash to buy school supplies for local children.
Ratliff said the outdoor pool would close Aug. 10 and that the city is progressing on the T-Mobile project at the pool; he suggested a future ceremony when that project is completed.
Why it matters: The projects affect traffic, school-bus routing and street availability and involve federal and state funding eligibility that could reduce local costs. Staffing additions are intended to increase police capacity.
What’s next: Staff will notify affected agencies about construction impacts, proceed with bid and contracting steps and continue right-of-way discussions with property owners for the Highway 2 project.