The Jefferson City Council will consider bids for three surveys focused on providing a clearer idea of how the city's history impacts it today and protections for the future.
Historic Preservation Fund grants will fund 60 percent of each survey with the city covering the other 40 percent.
Two of the studies will look at specific sections of the city: lower Jefferson City along West Main Street and the historic neighborhoods east of downtown.
This will be phase two of studies along West Main Street, which look into whether the area qualifies for National Register District.
The survey will look at the area of West Main Street between Fulkerson and High streets.
According to the grant application, the eastern end of the subdivision is defined by the waterworks complex and its tower, which has overlooked the district since the majority of the buildings were built.
Most of the buildings are smaller and characteristic of working-class homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The neighborhood also contains the old West School at 1107 W. Main St., which is now an apartment complex, but maintains most of it's original facade, according to the application.
City staff recommends the City Council accept a $12,750 bid from David L. Taylor, of Brookville, Pennsylvania.
Staff also recommends Taylor for the second neighborhood study in the eastern part of the city.
This survey serves the same purpose, but focuses on the area around between Adams and Benton streets.
The city did a study of the area in 1992, which led to the development of the Capitol Avenue Historic District and the Hobo Hill Historic District. However, the previous study didn't set the city up to apply for a National Register District.
Additionally, the 2019 EF-3 tornado hit the area, leading to the demolition of several buildings in the area.
This new study would look into what historic resources remain and if those resources are intact.
The final study is a historic context survey, which looks at the city as a whole since its founding.
It will examine land use patterns, historic zoning, planning and exclusionary practices to "present a complete history of Jefferson City's built environment," according to council documents.
"The overall history of the city's development is lacking and makes it difficult to set the development of historic neighborhoods and resources in context in order to understand their significance," according to the grant application. "The historic context project will provide the City of Jefferson a framework for understanding and evaluating the city's historic resources."
It will explain what aspects of geography, history and culture significantly shaped the physical development of the city.
Additionally, the study will help city planners and residents identify and evaluate historic properties throughout the city while looking for areas that would qualify for National Register nominations.
City staff recommends Owen and Eastlake ,of Columbus, Ohio, to conduct the study for $42,500.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved all three recommendations at its December meeting.
Consent agenda
Council members will consider authorizing a renewal of year two with Evoqua Water Technologies for odor control products for an estimated $354,165.
Bills introduced
The City Council will consider:
• Authorizing a supplemental appropriation from multiple city funds to the self-funded health insurance fund. The city staff is requesting a rule suspension so the bill can be voted on at Monday's meeting.
• Amending Chapter 3 of the code pertaining to mural and mural permitting.
Bills pending
Approval of a supplemental appropriation for an additional $125,000 to go toward a Capital Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, bringing the project's budget to $252,359. Of the additional funding, $100,000 is an increased contribution from the Missouri Department of Transportation and $25,000 will come from the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
Resolutions
Council members will consider a resolution that will authorize a real estate broker services contract with Bowman Realty.
Unfinished business
The City Council will continue discussion of a proposal from Transformation Housing to purchase 101 Jackson St. from the Jefferson City Housing Authority for the purpose of redeveloping it into five apartments.
How to participate
The City Council will meet in person Monday, but will have a virtual option due to COVID-19 and social-distancing recommendations.
Community members can attend the meeting at the council chambers in City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., or view the meeting live via the city's YouTube page.