Mexico City Council approves subdivision plat, parks master‑plan contract, stormwater and demolition planning, and utility repairs

Mexico City — The Mexico City Council on Jan. 13 approved a final subdivision plat for the Carver property, authorized a professional services contract for a parks and recreation master plan, accepted a low bid for stormwater work on Fairgrounds Street funded in part by American Rescue Plan Act monies, authorized a task order to plan protection of the cancer wing at Audrain Medical Center during a larger demolition, and approved two wastewater‑related repairs.

The Carver subdivision ordinance, introduced and read twice by title, gives final approval to a plat that splits an existing lot fronting Friendship Drive into two parcels to allow future development of a 2.86‑acre Tract B. Rita Jackson, speaking for planning staff, said the plat met city subdivision standards and that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave final approval on Jan. 7. “This subdivision will create 2 lots from the prior single lot owned,” Jackson said. Council voted to pass Bill No. 2025‑01 by roll call.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a professional services contract with SWT Design for a parks and recreation master plan, not to exceed $18,000. Chad Unpreneur told the council the city issued an RFQ in October, received six proposals, formed an evaluation committee and recommended SWT Design. “The resolution authorizes the city manager to enter into a professional service contract with SWT design for the master plan, for not to exceed 18,000,” Unpreneur said. Councilmembers voted in favor.

For stormwater work, the council approved a resolution to authorize the city manager to sign contract documents with Sam Gaines Construction Inc. for the Fairgrounds Street stormwater improvements project after staff reported five bids were received and Sam Gaines was the lowest and best bidder at $213,781. Greg Sewell of the engineering department said the project is part of a group of stormwater improvements funded through grants administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and through ARPA. Sewell said the city’s grant‑eligible portion totals $168,000 and the city will provide the roughly $44,000 difference as local match. Council approved the contract by roll call.

On a related facilities matter, council authorized a task order with Bartlett & West to develop demolition plans and contractor instructions to protect the cancer wing of the Audrain Medical Center while the remainder of the complex is demolished. Sewell said Bartlett & West reviewed existing information and concluded the cancer wing can be protected; the firm provided an estimate not to exceed $16,000 and the work is expected to take up to 60 days after a notice to proceed. The funding is in the 2024–25 city hall building fund. Council approved the task order by roll call.

Two utility items also received council approval. Staff reported a collapsed brick manhole near the Washington and Monroe intersection that caused a courthouse wastewater backup; Plan B Development completed emergency replacement work after providing a quote; the final cost reported to council was $16,777.70, which staff said will be funded from the wastewater annual‑improvements budget. Council authorized payment to Plan B Development.

Separately, the council authorized Vandevinter Engineering to replace failed components on No. 3 effluent pump at the wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $23,882.71. Staff said the city has a multiyear preventive maintenance contract with the firm and that the 2024–25 wastewater operations budget includes sufficient funds for the repair. Council approved the repair by roll call.

Votes at a glance - Bill No. 2025‑01 — Ordinance granting final approval of the Carver subdivision plat (two readings by title; passage): approved by roll call. - Resolution 2025‑02 — Professional services contract with SWT Design for parks and recreation master plan (not to exceed $18,000): approved by roll call. - Resolution 2025‑03 — Contract with Sam Gaines Construction, Inc., for Fairgrounds Street stormwater improvements (low bid $213,781; city portion ~ $44,000 match): approved by roll call. - Resolution 2025‑04 — Task order with Bartlett & West to plan protection of Audrain Medical Center cancer wing (estimate not to exceed $16,000; 60‑day work window): approved by roll call. - Authorization to pay Plan B Development for emergency manhole replacement near Washington/Monroe — final reported cost $16,777.70: approved by roll call. - Authorization to Vandevinter Engineering to repair No. 3 effluent pump at wastewater plant — $23,882.71: approved by roll call.

Why it matters: The actions finalize a new lot split that enables future private development, fund a near‑term parks planning process, advance stormwater work paid largely with state/ARPA grants, preserve a hospital component while the rest of a complex may be demolished, and address immediate wastewater system failures that affect public infrastructure and courthouse operations. Several items used previously budgeted funds or grant awards, and staff said contracts met the city’s procurement requirements.

Council comments and public comment followed the formal agenda; no additional council direction that would alter the actions above was recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will execute the contracts and task orders approved and return for any required follow‑up reporting or construction notices as the projects proceed.