The Jefferson City Council is seeking suggestions from residents and organizations on how the city should use more than $7.58 million in anticipated federal grant funding.
The council will hear public comments during its Monday meeting on potential uses of funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The city anticipates receiving $7,586,581 in ARPA funding.
The SLFRF program would allow the city to fund projects within four areas: replace lost public sector revenue; support the COVID-19 public health and economic response; provide premium pay for eligible performing essential work; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
A resident or organization will have three minutes to present ideas to the council. The council will also accept written comments.
The council isn't expected to make specific ARPA funding decisions during Monday's meeting. The council and city staff anticipate holding work sessions to further discuss city projects that are eligible for ARPA funding at a later date.
Miscellaneous agenda items
Mayor Carrie Tergin will present the Jefferson City Fire Department with a proclamation marking the department's 180th anniversary. The fire department was established Jan. 26, 1842.
Bills introduced
The City Council will review a bill that would authorize the city to enter into a nearly $856,490 contract with Concrete Solution LLC for improvements on Grant Street.
A partnership between the city and Cole County, the project includes constructing a sidewalk along the western side of Grant Street -- from East McCarty Street to Riverside Park -- stormwater upgrades and an asphalt pavement overlay.
Officials have contemplated improvements along Grant Street for years, but were unsuccessful in securing funding for it. Construction of the amphitheater at McClung Park renewed that interest.
The county contributed $550,000 to the project from the joint city-county sales tax project fund, while the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department contributed $100,000 from its sales tax. The city will contribute the remainder from its portion.
Bills pending
• The City Council will vote on a couple of grant agreements Monday with the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The first bill would authorize the city to enter into a $123,540 grant agreement with MoDOT to purchase two high-roof paratransit buses. The new buses would replace two buses that have more than 200,000 miles, according to the proposed bill.
The second bill would authorize a $11,018 state operating assistance grant agreement with MoDOT for JeffTran transit services. The grant is to help "defray a portion of the costs agencies like JeffTran incur providing transit services to the community," according to the bill summary.
The grant would require a 50 percent local match.
• The council will vote on a bill that, if passed, would amend Chapter 34 of the city code to require an aircraft that becomes disabled at Jefferson City Memorial Airport and is in an area that interferes with or creates a hazard for other aircrafts to be removed as quickly as possible. If the owner can't remove the aircraft, the city would have it removed at the owner's expense, according to the proposed bill.
The bill summary states the city has not had any issues like this so far but wants to be prepared if the event happens.
• The council will review a couple of bills that propose amending Chapter 19 of the city code, which covers motor vehicles and traffic.
The first bill, if approved, would prohibit parking on the north side of Riviera Street, from East Capitol Avenue through Sullivan Street; prohibit parking on the east side of Mulberry Street, from Dunklin Street through Cedar Way, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and extend a prohibited parking area on the south side of Oscar Drive near Christy Drive.
City staff estimated it would cost $1,000 in labor and materials to install signs and markings.
The second bill, if approved, would modify parking in the 100 block of Bolivar Street and in front of 700 W. Main St. Changes would include adding two-hour parking spots, all-day parking spaces, loading zones and moving Capitol Police parking spots.
City staff estimated it would cost $6,000 in labor and materials
• The council will vote on a bill that would authorize the city to vacate a sanitary sewer easement at 2937 Hillview Drive. The city worked with the property owner to relocate a small force main on the property, according to the bill summary.
Closed session
The City Council plans to go into closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged communications and real estate.
How to participate
The City Council will meet in person at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St. Due to COVID-19 and social-distancing recommendations, community members can also attend virtually by visiting jeffersoncitymo.gov/calendar.php and clicking on the City Council meeting event. Residents can also view the meeting live on the city's YouTube page.