After more than two hours of discussion, the Jefferson City Council voted to allocate sales tax dollars designated for a nixed roundabout project to the Missouri State Penitentiary redevelopment.
In a 7-3 vote, the City Council voted to allocate approximately $1.5 million that was initially for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Dunklin Street and Clark Avenue to develop a street as part of the city's MSP redevelopment. The 30-acre MSP property is set to be developed into a multi-use space centered around a hotel and conference center.
Frustrations were high throughout the discussions, with one person on the virtual meeting unknowingly leaving their microphone on and using vulgar language during a five-minute break. It is unknown which person said the profanity, as that individual was away from their computer, and they did not apologize when prompted by Mayor Carrie Tergin during the meeting.
Before the outburst, council members debated extensively whether to allocate the leftover funds from the roundabout project to the MSP redevelopment.
The roundabout project was estimated to cost about $1.7 million, and the city had already spent about $500,000 on design and other preliminary costs, including purchasing a property - the Joshua House Church.
Funds for the project were set to come from the joint Jefferson City and Cole County half-cent capital improvement sales tax. With the council hesitant to move forward with the roundabout project, that meant a portion of the Sales Tax G fund initially set aside for that project could go toward other joint city and county projects.
Some council members argued the city already had an obligation to the state to construct a road leading from Chestnut Street and going through the middle of the city's redevelopment property, so using the leftover sales tax funds was appropriate
"We've set wheels in motion, and this just gives us an opportunity to use some dollars that aren't competing against any (projects) that we know of at this time," Ward 4 Councilman Ron Fitzwater said.
Tergin, who only votes to break a tie, added she was in support of reallocating the funds to the MSP project.
"I think it does fulfill our obligation and would give staff a clear direction," she said. "We also have economic dollars and growth that would come from the investment. It's something that would impact the east side."
Other council members said they did not feel comfortable reallocating those funds to MSP before reviewing other potential projects. The council currently plans to meet later this month to discuss potential projects for the next sales tax, Sales Tax H.
"There are so many projects that are worthy that need attention," Ward 2 Councilwoman Laura Ward said. "We have a bridge out on Ohio Street and there aren't a lot of residents on that street but those residents feel like they've been left behind or forgotten. I support MSP redevelopment, but to use this money for a project when we have other projects, I don't think that's being a good public servant right now."
Ward 3 Councilman Ken Hussey agreed, adding he did not understand the rush to reallocate funds.
"This decision right now could wait a few weeks and at least hear about what other projects are being discussed," he said. "That doesn't say that I'm opposed to dedicating these dollars to MSP, but I would be curious if there are other public improvement, public infrastructure projects that make sense for consideration for these dollars."
Hussey, along with Councilmembers Jon Hensley and Erin Wiseman, voted against reallocating the remaining funds to the MSP redevelopment project.
City staff had planned to use $400,000 from the MSP redevelopment for the roundabout project before the City Council backed away from the roundabout proposal last month, Jefferson City Public Works Director Matt Morasch said.
The city had received a state grant that would have allowed city staff to construct three roundabouts - two at the Clark and U.S. 50 intersections and at Clark and Dunklin streets. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that program was put on hold. However, the state recently told city staff the program was once again available, asking city staff if they wished to proceed with the roundabout project, Morasch said.
The City Council unanimously voted Monday to abandon the grant and roundabout project.
The council also unanimously approved a motion directing city staff to continue working toward selling the city-owned property. Council also directed city staff to continue working on plans to control traffic and improve safety at the Dunklin and Clark intersection, while also not reducing parking at the Joshua House Church.
Council extends COVID-19 emergency declaration, proclamations
In other business Monday, the City Council extended an emergency declaration and proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic through March 1 on Monday evening.
Tergin issued an emergency declaration regarding the pandemic on March 16, 2020. Since the initial emergency declaration, Tergin has issued four emergency proclamations:
March 24: Allowing temporary signs at businesses that modified their operations in response to the pandemic.
June 12: Regarding electronic participation for all city meetings.
July 20: Regarding wearing masks at public city meetings.
Nov. 13: Requiring virtual city meetings.
Proclamations issued by the mayor remain in effect for up to 30 days or until terminated by the mayor or City Council, whichever comes first, according to city code. That period may be extended by the mayor only if the City Council approves.
As of Monday, Cole County had 7,714 total coronavirus cases, with 101 deaths, according to the Cole County Health Department.
Catholic Charities
Also on Monday, the City Council heard a bill that would authorize the city to execute a development agreement with Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri for the former Shikles Recreation Area, also known as the Shikles Auditorium.
Catholic Charities owns the old Shikles Center, located at 1200 Linden Drive, and wants to redevelop the property. As part of the development, city staff wants Catholic Charities to raise and replace an existing sanitary sewer line on the property.
If approved, the city would reimburse Catholic Charities up to $20,000 for the sanitary sewer work, according to the bill. The funds would come from the city's sanitary sewer enterprise fund.
Catholic Charities organizers hope to complete the project by late summer. The building will hold a client-choice food pantry, chapel, community spaces, classroom spaces, offices and universal health exam rooms.
Greenway Trail
The council also approved a resolution Monday that authorized an application to extend the Greenway Trail through a recreational trails program grant that's offered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
City staff wants to extend the trial up Jackson Street to connect with existing bike lanes on East Capitol Avenue.
City staff estimate the project would cost $200,000.
Transit Bus Security System
Also on Monday, the City Council approved a $62,681 contract with Safety Vision LLC to replace cameras in 12 fixed-route JeffTran buses. The current cameras were past their expected lifespan and broke down frequently, making it expensive to maintain, according to the bill.
The project is part of a Federal Transit Administration grant, which would fund 80 percent - $50,145 - of the total project cost. The city would provide a 20 percent local match of $12,536 to cover the remaining cost.