The Oronogo Board of Aldermen took the unusual step Monday of agreeing to let the building inspector pre-approve the plans for three model homes to be built in the Greystone Phase II subdivision.

Mayor Tammy Talent said Schuber Mitchell Homes requested the pre-approval in order to start building the model homes immediately after the final plat is approved.

Schuber Mitchell is on the verge of building more than 100 homes in Greystone II, as well as more than 500 homes in the second phase of Jason Place, known now as Hawthorne Hills.

City Attorney Derek Snyder reminded the board of its obligation to upgrade the city’s sewer system to handle the new housing.

After two decades of knowing about the problem, he pointed out that the board still doesn’t have a plan.

“It will be difficult once there’s final plat approval to say there’s an issue with the sewer system,” he said.

The board last year turned down a construction bid because it was considered too far above the estimated cost.

Then the board switched engineering firms to come up with a less expensive plan.

“It’s time to find out what they’re (new engineers) going to propose,” said Snyder. “Otherwise it could be a mess.”

A representative of the second engineering firm, Allgeier Martin and Associates, will be invited to attend the board’s next meeting on Feb. 8.

Also, a motion was approved to have Tony Cantrell, superintendent of public works, proceed with an agreement to have the city-owned natural gas system extended into Greystone II at the same time as other utilities. The board is to review the agreement at the next meeting.

In other action, the board discussed joining forces with the Joplin Trails Coalition when developing 33 acres of park land on North Grant Street. The Ruby Jack Trail passes through the north east corner of the property, and there is railroad easement inside the property.