Council accepts first reading of MoDOT agreements for construction of the East Street sidewalk

The agreement for the Missouri Department of Transportation to foot three-fourths of the bill for construction of a sidewalk on the east side of East Street received initial approval Monday by the Webb City Council.

Under the agreement, MoDOT will pay a maximum of $444,974 for the project, leaving an estimated $148,324 to be paid by the city. The total estimated cost then is $593,298.

City Administrator Carl Francis provided a basic plan for the sidewalk but said it is likely to change, based on costs. He said there may be funds to also construct sidewalk in front of Atwoods on the west side of the street.

The main portion of the sidewalk will be constructed on the east side – in front of Sleep Inn, Flat Creek restaurant and the new grocery store up to East Daugherty Street.

The council accepted first reading of two agreements stating the city will follow MoDOT procedures and satisfy state requirements. The state’s funding for this alternate transporation project is authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

According to the project schedule, the city has until October 2024 to award a construction contract. However, the project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2024.

¶

The council also on Monday accepted first reading of two council bills amending the section of the building code regarding stormwater management.

Rick Roth, street and water director, likened the amendments to fine tuning the current provisions that are already being enforced. 

¶

Phillip Powell’s request to rezone property he’s purchased at 501 N. Main St. from commercial to multi-family for the Lofts at Lily’s Place, a planned three-story six-plex, was also accepted on first reading. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission advanced the rezoning request with a unanimous vote on Feb. 20.

¶

The street department received approval to purchase a new backhoe at a cost of $136,509 from Fabick Cat. 

Although there was lower bid, by $3,174 for a Case backhoe, Roth recommended the Caterpillar because of its reliability and availability.