Board approves sale of portion of Sni-A-Bar Farms land for new library

     During its February 28th meeting, the Board of Aldermen approved the sale of approximately 3.6 acres on the far north side of the Sni-A-Bar Farms property owned by the City to the Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) to construct a new branch.  The purchase price of the land is listed at $320,000. The offer also stipulates MCPL will cover the cost to widen a portion of Buckner Tarsney Road for a center turn lane. 
     The Board also voted to amend the City budget for projects identified to be covered by ARPA funds received as a part of the CARES Act. Additionally, the City approved the use of a portion of the ARPA funds to work with the Missouri Main Street Connection on downtown revitalization. 
     As previously reported, City staff outlined a plan to use ARPA funds to support several projects, with primary project recommendations coming from the City's 2022-26 Capital Improvement Plan, which was approved by the Board of Aldermen in March 2021. Projects include two sewer main replacements between Main Street and James Rollo Court at an estimated cost of $950,000, design work for a new water tower at Tyer Road at an estimated cost of $400,000, replacement of police radios at an estimated cost of $177,000, a parks master plan ($75,000) and comprehensive master plan ($125,000). Upgrades for the police department, including license plate readers, video arraignment, and police body cameras were also included.
     All told, the list of projects totaled $1,874,000, leaving $1,057,137 to be earmarked toward additional projects. The Board and Mayor appeared in favor of the plan, which will be presented at a future board meeting for consideration. 
     In other business, the Board approved a resolution to install an extension to the existing storm drain system from Ryan Meadows subdivision which has been identified as causing a great deal of erosion at the site's terminal location at South Middle's School property.
     The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, March 14th at City Hall.