Designs ordered on Charm Villa stormwater project

The Cole County Commission has approved design work on a new stormwater project.

Commissioners on Tuesday approved a measure calling for engineering work to be done by Bartlett & West to improve stormwater on Charm Villa Drive. The contract is worth $7,122, which comes from the county's half-cent capital improvements sales tax.

County Engineer Eric Landwehr said although they don't have official estimates, they believe the work to repair three pipes and two inlets should cost $50,000-$75,000. He said they would like the work to be done this summer, noting they will use concrete or plastic pipes since the previous metal pipes have not held up.

This comes after the commission last week heard from several residents about stormwater problems they had dealt with, especially since heavy rains hit last year and earlier this year.

Landwher said the county wants to look at design work on two potential projects - South Brooks Drive in three locations (Collier Lane/Collier Court, Shady Lane and Bradley Drive) and Scherr Drive/Amanda Drive. Actual work on these wouldn't occur until sometime next year.

Locations for projects where more analysis is needed include Gateway Drive/Brookview Drive, Lakewood Drive and Marine Corps League/CCPM.

Landwher said they plan to hold another meeting next week regarding a potential stormwater ordinance.

That ordinance would have three elements: illicit discharge, detection and elimination (dumping, waste and hazardous materials); construction site runoff control; and post-construction site runoff control.

Public works officials have reviewed a draft ordinance with Luebbert Engineering and met with Jefferson City Public Works staff to compare how the county's proposal could work with the city.

Landwehr told commissioners they should have something ready for review in a few weeks and would also want public comment on the proposal.