Council discusses co-op access, railroad right-of-way and relocating a hydrant to accommodate approach

Dan Murphy told the Chula Board of Aldermen that coordination with MoDOT, utility companies and Grand River Mutual is under way to enable a 90-degree approach for the co-op onto the blacktop and that an existing fire hydrant and valve are blocking the plan. "Hydrant needs to be moved 33 feet to the east," Mayor Cody Ireland said, repeating a specific relocation measurement discussed at the meeting. Murphy said GRM will lower fiber so the co-op can make the approach and that the electric company has reviewed poles and recommended realignment.

Council members and attendees discussed options including relocating the hydrant, installing an additional hydrant on the opposite corner, and running a 4-inch water line through the lot to connect hydrants. Concerns included the existing 4-inch line under the railroad tracks and how firefighters would access water if a bin fire occurred; one suggestion was that a direct-feed connection would be required in that scenario.

Murphy also reported Chillicothe had been represented in a separate meeting with the railroad and that Chula did not know about that meeting; he said there may be monies available from the railroad to facilitate work and recommended involving an attorney for negotiations.

Why it matters: The approach affects public safety, right-of-way use, and the co-op’s operations. Any hydrant relocation or new water mains will require coordination with utilities and possibly additional funding approvals.

What’s next: Grand River Mutual is arranging the relocation/lowering work and MoDOT has urged expedited packing; council discussion identified the need to involve utilities, possibly an attorney, and schedule blacktop repairs this summer.