Jefferson City Council set to vote on Civil War marker removal

A message on a sheet of white paper is seen at the foot of the Sterling Price marker along Moreau Drive, which on Aug. 22 read "Sacred to the memory of those who fought to perpetuate human slavery." The quote was written by W.E.B. Du Bois in a 1931 in reference to what Du Bois thought inscriptions on Confederate monuments should read.
A message on a sheet of white paper is seen at the foot of the Sterling Price marker along Moreau Drive, which on Aug. 22 read "Sacred to the memory of those who fought to perpetuate human slavery." The quote was written by W.E.B. Du Bois in a 1931 in reference to what Du Bois thought inscriptions on Confederate monuments should read.

A vote on a controversial resolution regarding a Civil War marker will round off Monday's Jefferson City Council meeting, which will also include introduction of some construction contracts and votes on additional resolutions.

Resolution 2020-12, if passed, will authorize the city to remove the Sterling Price marker located on Moreau Drive. The marker has recently become a point of controversy, with community members speaking in favor of leaving it alone arguing against those who want to see it removed.

After discussing the resolution at a previous meeting, the council voted to move it to two committees for further discussion. It will return to the full council Monday for a vote.

New bills introduced

Public Works Department Director Matt Morasch will introduce two bills to the City Council for approval of construction contracts.

The first would authorize a $108,667 construction contract with Stockman Construction Corp. for the Leonard Drive stormwater replacement project.

The project includes replacing the stormwater system near 701/702 Leonard Drive, which is failing and causing regular flood damage, according to the bill.

The second would authorize a $174,973 construction contract with Arc Nexus LLC to improve the parking lot at Jefferson City Memorial Airport, including more parking spaces, lighting, curb islands and trash enclosures.

Jefferson City Police Chief Roger Schroeder will introduce a supplemental appropriation to replace six police patrol vehicles that were damaged by heavy hail in April.

The bill would authorize a supplemental appropriation from the city's general fund balance to purchase the new vehicles, for a total of $202,800.

Morasch will also introduce two amendments to Chapter 19 of the city code, relating to parking on Belair Drive and in front of Moreau Heights Elementary School.

Bills pending

The council will hold a public hearing for a bill to approve a preliminary PUD plan for 311 Bolivar St.

The planned unit development at 311 Bolivar St. includes construction of a 2,500-square-foot, two-story building that would house a coffee shop, roastery and short-term rental space. The application was submitted by Oakbrook Properties LLC.

The PUD plan outlines the site design with the main parking lot accessed from Bolivar Street and smaller parking area accessed via the alley on the northern side of the property, according to the bill.

The application was previously approved by the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.

After the public hearing, the council will vote on the bill.

Resolutions

Unlike bills, resolutions are typically introduced and voted on during the same meeting.

One resolution Monday would authorize the city to accept $2,315,861 in grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration, which will be used to cover part of the operating expenses for JeffTran, the city's public bus system.

The grant is anticipated to be used over a three-year period and was given by the FTA as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The council will also vote on a resolution to approve the Community Block Development Grant 2020 Annual Action Plan. The city is required to approve an action plan each year as a recipient of the CDBG program.

Another resolution would authorize the fire chief and city administrator to sign an updated mutual aid agreement with the Cole County Fire Protection District. A previous agreement has been in effect since 2001.

How to participate

Residents may attend the City Council meeting in person but must wear a face mask in compliance with the mayor's emergency proclamation requiring face masks during city meetings. Social distancing within the council chambers is recommended.

For residents wishing to participate without attending the meeting in person, there is a call-in option at 1-404-397-1516 or the option to join the meeting via WebEx with the meeting number 146 274 8004 and password 1234.

The City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday in the City Council Chambers at 320 E. McCarty St.

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