City Council Talks Road Improvements, Sports Park Construction

has plans for construction projects, including six road improvements and additions to the city Sports Park slated to begin this year.

City Council heard first readings of six bills that would approve entering agreements with the Missouri Transportation Commission to fund road improvement projects during its regular meeting on Thursday, March 10.

 Road projects include:

• Southside On-Street Bicycle Loop Connection Project
• Bryan Road Turn Lane Improvements Project
• Mexico Road Turn Lane Improvements
• Feise Road Trail and Sidewalk Connections Project
• Main Street Signal Improvements
• Veterans Memorial Parkway at Woodlawn Avenue Intersection Improvements

Federal grants through the Missouri Transportation Commission and locally through East West Gateway fund 80 percent, or $2.9 million, of the projects.

The city is contributing 20 percent of the total cost with $156,000 budgeted for 2011 to complete the design and engineering and $404,000 to complete construction in 2012.

At Thursday’s meeting, council approved 8-1 a resolution for changed orders to the Sports Park Capital Improvement Project, adding an additional $100,000 from the parks and recreation budget to complete the project.

Construction includes a new concession stand and restroom for the sports park.

O'Fallon Public Relations Director Tom Drabelle said after the original bid was approved last year for around $587,800 to complete the design, maintenance and construction, city staff realized some alterations were needed to complete the work.

Ward 4 Councilman Jeff Schwentker, who voted no for the changed orders at Thursday’s meeting, asked at the workshop prior to the meeting what funds would cover the additional expenses for the project. He suggested the $100,000 come from the parks and recreation reserves fund.

Managing Director of Cindy Springer said the parks and recreation fund has a balance around $1.6 million, and she and Managing Director of Finance Vicki Boschert agreed these were sufficient funds to complete the project.

Council also approved 8-1 to hire a project manager from Paric to oversee the sports park project. The parks and recreation department budget will pay $26,000 for the project manager's salary.

Managing Director of Steve Bender said at Thursday’s meeting that it is unfeasible for city staff to add onto their workload with this project.

Drabelle said when plans were first laid out for the project, the city believed staff would be available to manage. However, a change in the 2011 budget at the last December meeting allowed the allocation of funds for more storm water projects.

City staff will have their hands full with these storm water projects and the six road improvement projects, Drabelle said.