City accepts low bid for drainage project

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The Palmyra City Council unanimously approved accepting the low bid of those submitted for completions of a joint city-county project to correct a storm water drainage issue at the Palmyra courthouse square during last Thursday’s regular meeting.

In addition, the council approved establishing a special district in an effort to encourage improvement of Palmyra’s downtown.

The council awarded the storm water project to T&B Trucking Company of Hurdland, Mo., at a total cost of $150,932.

The city and county are expected to split the cost of the project to fix issues on the south side of the square.

However, during Monday’s Marion County Commission meeting, commissioners chose not to accept the bid, with members preferring the bid be awarded to a local contractor rather than the low bidder. (See more in the county commission story on Page 1).

It was noted during the council meeting that due to material cost, the bids came in much higher than expected.

Laurie Schmits requested the abandonment of the platted portion of Massie Street on the east side of North Lane which is a part of her property. 

Scmitts told the council there is a problem with her obtaining title work for a mortgage loan.

It was noted the issue was brought before the council in May 2019 at which time the council approved the former property owner’s request, but the city was waiting on a legal description. 

By consensus, the council decided to stand behind the former council’s decision and the city will move forward with an ordinance.

As a result, the council heard the first reading of an ordinance abandoning an undeveloped portion of the previously platted and dedicated right of way of Massie St.

Mayor Rusty Adrian presented Linda Steinbeck with a Certificate of Appreciation for the beautification of her property and neighborhood. 

The council voted unanimously in favor of amending council action taken during the last meeting approving street overlay projects.

The amendment includes a limit of $190,000 in order to accomodate a late addition to the project.

Street Commissioner Austen Dornberger advised the council if the Marion County Courthouse stormwater project is approved, the asphalt overlay for East Lafayette will coincide with Emery Sapp being in town for the other street overlays. 

As a result, he said, the original overlay cost could be increased by $1,500 to $2,000. 

In other business, the council voted in favor to implement a Community Improvement District for Palmyra. 

Council members also discussed proposed boundaries for the district and voted unanimously to propose a district to include Main Street from Leeser Truck Wash (1604 S. Main) to Cole’s Hearth Room (3749 Highway BB) along with one block east and west of Main Street.

The council also voted to reject all bids to purchase a 2005 mower put up for sale by the street department. It was decided to transfer the mower to the Palmyra Board of Public Works instead. 

Council Member Brock Fahy reported on a Personnel Committee meeting during which members discussed the last few items needed before the new employee handbook could be finalized.

Also discussed by the committee were proposed job descriptions for the employees. 

Council Member Andrew Salsman asked Superintendent Brent Abell about the tree trimming his department had been performing and if there was anything he needed from the council. Abell asked for backing when residents get upset over the process.

Salsman also mentioned he had been asked if the city would be willing to sell the city property located at the corner of East Street and East Water. The council was asked to consider the request.

Abell advised the council the upgrade to the warning sirens was to start July 20, and should be done by the end of next week.

Council Member Pam Behring reported she will be calling an Ordinance Committee to discuss the ordinances pertaining to “fire” and to discuss the possibility of adding more restrictions to the utility vehicle ordinance.

Building Inspector Chuck Anderson reported he had received and approved plans for the new HNB Bank and he expects the contractor to break ground next week.

Superintendent Abell advised the well project should be completed in the next couple of months.

Mayor Adrian advised the council he had been working with John Wood Community College to establish a leadership training program for all department heads and supervisors. 

The city is also working with Missouri Jobs on a grant to fund the program.