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City administrator: Smithville included in federal earmark for sewer work; staff report includes hires and overlay planning
Summary
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner told aldermen the city is included in a federal earmark administered through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—roughly $1.5 million—to complete sewer system work including funding for the "Hundred 40 Fourth Street" pump station; staff also reported multiple certifications, hires, and an upcoming overlay public engagement process.
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner told the Smithville Board of Aldermen that the city had been included in a federal earmark administered through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for sewer and stormwater improvements, estimating the award in the range of about $1,500,000 and saying city staff are waiting for precise figures and next steps.
Wagner said the earmark includes funding that would be applied toward the "Hundred 40 Fourth Street pump station" project and that, because of the earmark, the city is increasingly confident it may not need to issue debt (certificates of participation) to cover the combined water and wastewater fund's cash-flow needs. She said the council would review combined water and wastewater funds and potential rate discussions in August.
Wagner also reported HR and staffing developments: several employees have obtained certifications, the city has used compensation adjustments to retain staff, and conditional offers are pending for parks maintenance and a water treatment manager pending background checks and drug screens.
On planning matters, Wagner said staff and consultants met to begin work on the South Employment Overlay District and anticipate public participation and reviews by the Economic Development Council and the planning commission, with likely public meetings beginning in August. She also briefed the board that Winter Avenue milling and overlay work has been rescheduled by the administering agency and is expected within the next couple of weeks; public works will coordinate timing with the neighborhood.
Wagner closed by recognizing a community service day in which about 130 Smithville football players helped clean downtown and parks, and by reminding residents that Citizens Academy applications are due July 31.
What happens next: Staff will continue coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers for the earmark administration and will return to the board in August with combined water/wastewater fund updates and possible rate discussions.
