Two items of interest tonight at the council meeting! First, an ordinance was voted on to approve a contractual agreement between the City and MoDot for the purpose of sidewalks to be built in the city. The project was slated to be done near the highschool on 39th street. Total cost of the project was approximately 250k. The city's share of the cost was to be approximately 53k. Two alderman, Brejnik and Crabtree voted against it. Because an ordinance was required to get the contract in place, it required a majority vote. Ordinance was voted down and there will be no new sidewalks this year. I asked Brejnik and Crabtree why the no vote. They felt like there are other areas to put in sidewalks. Second, there was a proposal to add another main water line on the west side of 39th street. Mayor items to in the evening which are not expensive Todd Williams asked before there was alot of discussion if anyone was apposed. Again, Brejnik and Crabtree opposed and they moved on to other items. I asked why they disapproved, and basically got a similar response. The money should be spent elsewhere.

Question one: What is the City doing to bring businesses in? The answer is complicated. In the interest of time and typing. I will say there is currently no thing actively be done. However, City administrator Taylor is looking into a joint venture with the county on some options. Additionally Todd Williams had personally contacted some companies and there was going to be a need for capital investment by individuals or a astronomically high volume of vehicle traffic to bring in some businesses.

Question two: What is the requirements for the reserve funds on hand? Short answer, it's determined by the council. Long answer, requires a look at the budget and each department and the city as a whole.

Question three:. Is the new building for the utility departments necessary? Short answer, yes. Long answer, one building is falling in, two building are extremely old. Taylor stated that insurance rates are going to get more expensive. Williams stated that the city has a number of high value equipment that needs to be cared for.

Question four:. Is the city making money off our trash service? Answer is yes. However, I am going to explore this more with the city administrator.

In conclusion, there are alot of questions I have. I will be in contact with the city administrator and will update as I know more.