Park Hills will not place bond issue on ballot

PARK HILLS — The city has backed off an idea to place a $3 million bond issue on the August ballot.

City officials had considered pursuing the bond issue to become eligible for Department of Natural Resources stimulus funds. Funds would have been used for water and sewer extensions into annexation areas.

City Administrator John Kennedy said it now looks like the city doesn’t stand a chance to get those funds even with bonding authority in place.

“I think the purpose for the election has disappeared,” he said, adding that it would cost money to put the issue on the ballot. “I can’t in good conscience recommend it.”

In other matters, Kennedy spoke about the flood damage to the city and city-owned property from Friday’s storm.

He said the wastewater treatment plant was damaged by flood water. He said they lost three transformers that will need to be replaced.

He said three roads were damaged, as well as a 20-foot section of the Columbia Park walking trail, and several alleys.

A sewer line from Coffman to a collector on Haney that crosses Flat River (in the area of the old swinging bridge) was damaged and needs immediate repair. The council authorized him to award the bid to the low bidder up to $35,000.

Kennedy said FEMA will be in town Thursday and Friday doing preliminary damage assessments. He said they will only be doing a drive-through now and they will handle damage claims later on.

He said numerous houses and businesses were damaged. He told residents who called that city crews will pick up storm debris as soon as crews are available.

Mayor David Easter read a statement thanking the city departments, Rep. Linda Fischer, council members, Corner House and Dominos for their help with the flood Friday.

During the meeting, David Edgar was sworn in as a new Ward 2 alderman. He was appointed to fill the seat left vacant when Easter became mayor.

Also during the meeting, the council approved a MoDOT Transportation Enhancement Grant agreement to be eligible for up to $109,0000 in funds for a Haney Park Walking Trail from the former swinging bridge to the soccer fields. The council also approved a request for qualifications for engineering for the Haney Park Walking trail.

In other matters, the Pledge of Allegiance has been added to the city council’s regular agenda.

Easter said adding the Pledge was brought up by a few of the council members. The members were polled and agreed they wanted to add it to the agenda. Larry Kelly, Ward 4 alderman, said he believes it is part of being an American.

In other matters, the city:

• Approved ordinances vacating a right-of-way near Haney Park and an alley on Brief Street;

• Approved ordinance concerning a plat in the Carrow subdivision;

• Set the council’s work session for 6 p.m. June 2;

• Approved an ordinance pertaining to weeds and grass regulations clarifying that the owner and occupants are both responsible parties;

• Approved nutrition center requests;

• Approved an agreement with David Orzel for another term as municipal prosecuting attorney;

• Discussed the lease with the railroad for city offices;

• Tabled approval of an ordinance allowing the municipal judge to issue administrative search warrants until the proposed ordinance is amended;

• Approved appointments of Nedra Easter (no relation to the mayor), Darrell Jauch, and Suzanne Huffman to the city’s library board.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.