Highway 72 bypass committee decides against the project

The Fredericktown Board of Aldermen accepted the recommendation of the seven members who attended Monday’s bypass committee meeting. The Aldermen passed a motion not to create a Highway 72 bypass; citing costs of four million dollars as a reason not to start the project.

City Administrator Tim Morgan’s report noted the Environmental Protection Agency has found some of the road salt stored in Fredericktown contaminated with lead chat. The salt will be removed and disposed of in the same manner as other contaminated soil.

Tim Allgier has looked over plans and the Aldermen have accepted the plans for the Basler water/sewer extension project. Taylor Engineering has asked for a letter from the city stating their acceptance of the plans in order to obtain permits to proceed with the project. According to Morgan, Allgier said completing the extension would not overload the system at this time, and may actually help flush the line quicker. Future needs are still a consideration, however.

The Collector’s report for November 2003 showed $61,813.00 collected with about $41,000 coming from various taxes.

The Council approved an amendment to an ordinance regarding street cutting permits. These are permits the city issues to utilities (E.G.; Southwestern Bell) which allow for cutting into sidewalks or other similar areas as required for a given project. Costs involved with the permits are increasing. Morgan said some of the repairs are done by the utilities involved and some by a city worker.

The Council approved the establishment of a checking account for Phase III of the business park. Titled: “City of Fredericktown/USDA, Fredericktown Business Park Phase III.” The account is at New Era Bank.

Tom Dickinson has been approved by the Board of Aldermen to attend a drinking water certification class in Festus, Missouri.

Accounts payable motion passed.

Except for closed sessions, City Council meetings are open to the public. They are usually held twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at city hall in Fredericktown. The exact dates are posted at city hall 24 hours before a meeting. You can call 783-3683 to find out when the next meeting will be held, or contact the Democrat News. The public is encouraged to attend.