Rolla Council reviews roundabout agreement with BNSF, MoDOT curb ramp funding and park‑hours change in first readings

Council considered three first‑reading ordinances on Sept. 17 covering transportation and parks.

Public Works Director Darin Pryor summarized a proposed Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with BNSF Railway to enable third‑party plan review for a single‑lane roundabout at 18th/Bardsley; Lochmueller Group recommended the roundabout in 2021 and the council requested that the full 2021 traffic study be emailed to members for further review. The proposed agreement was presented as a first reading; no final action was taken.

City Counselor Nathan Nickolas read a first reading ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a Transportation Alternatives Funds Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to replace approximately 45 ADA non‑compliant curb ramps. The item was presented for first reading and will return to council for later action.

Parks Director Floyd Jernigan presented an ordinance to amend Sec. 31‑3 of the Rolla City Code to prohibit entering or remaining in city outdoor parks from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, with exceptions for illuminated areas and Parks Department‑sanctioned events. Councilman William Hahn moved an amendment to adopt that language and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote; the ordinance was read for first reading.

All three items were first readings or were amended and read for future final reading; the council took no final votes on the BNSF or MoDOT agreements at this meeting.