No details disclosed, but bid to purchase disputed 20-acre tract has reportedly been accepted

An undisclosed buyer is in the process of closing on the purchase of 20.26 acres for an undisclosed price that the city originally sold for $20.25 in the hopes of getting a new movie theater built.

Mayor Lynn Ragsdale announced the progress of the sale, with no details, Monday during the Webb City Council meeting.

By June, he told the council that the purchase should be complete, and a split of the proceeds between the city and current owner, 3rd Row Entertainment, should settle a lawsuit over the property.

Bids for the property were accepted until April 26.

Cardinal Valley Habitat video promo

City Administrator Carl Francis told the council that a film crew will be here soon to shoot a video promoting the restoration of land covered with mine waste that became Cardinal Valley Habitat.

He noted that Cardinal Valley is the largest habitat in the state that is owned and managed by a city – with financial help from state and federal agencies.

There are now 900 acres in the habitat, including the lakes at Madison Street (County Road 230) and Hawthorne Road.

Under the current agreement between the city, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Webb City will continue to manage the habitat for at least 20 more years.

Francis also reported that the lead pipe surveys have been sent out and so far there have been only two residents reporting that they have lead service lines. Once verified, arrangements will be made to replace those pipes.

Recent rains haven’t dampened the opening of the baseball and softball seasons in King Jack Park. Bryan Waggoner, parks and recreation director, said only two game days had been missed so far and that parks employees are working to eliminate wet spots on the fields.

The splash pad in King Jack Park officially opened on May 1.

A good thing about the rain is that the lakes in King Jack Park are full enough for the fountains to work.

First reading was approved for a bill to allow two-year special use permit renewals to be approved by a more simple manner. Instead of going before the city council every two years, the permit holder can just submit an application before the two-year period has expired. That’s as long as there are no complaints.

The council approved Ragsdale’s appointment and reappointment of the following:

• Library Board – appointment of Joel Clutter to a new three-year term; and reappointment of Sue Oliveira and Cathy Hall, also three-year terms.

• Center Creek Wastewater 201 Board two-year reappointments: Rod Surber, Ed Sumpter, Aaron Rice and Gary White.

•Board of Adjustments five-year reappointments: Mike Moore, Jessica Taylor, Nathan Ervin and Bruce Waggoner.

• Planning and Zoning Board four-year reappointments: Mike Moore, Kelly Braeckel, Ryan Evitts and Clarence Greeno.