Bismarck board OK’s changes to major intersection

BISMARCK – The Bismarck Board of Aldermen approved a resolution authorizing an agreement before the city and the Missouri Department of Transportation to make improvements to the intersection of Highway 32 and Route N.

The resolution was approved at the board’s regular monthly meeting held Thursday night at the Bismarck depot. In the absence of Mayor Dennis Mayberry, the meeting was chaired by Vice Mayor Ladonna Haefner.

According to Bismarck Administrative Assistant Alan Williams, the project will include the installation of new pedestrian crossings, sidewalk improvements, accessibility for the physically disabled and widening of the intersection to better accommodate the turning radius of larger vehicles.

In other action by the board:

• Williams told board members that several members will soon be coming off of the city’s Planning / Zoning Committee. He said Mayor Mayberry had spoken with several potential new members but because of his absence, their appointments would have to be postponed.

• Discussion and approval of proceeding with a dangerous building located at 917 W. Main was tabled.

• A request by the city’s utility supervisor to build a new cinder building was approved.

• Depot Committee President Liz Bennett told the board that turnout at the Dec. 1 Santa shop, Christmas tree lighting and Santa Claus appearance had been “very good.” She also said work on the depot bathroom and kitchen were at a standstill due to a lack of funds. Her request that the city approve the installation of a railroad signal at the depot was tabled until Bennett can come back to the board with a plan to connect the signal to electricity. The signal was given to the committee by the Union Pacific Railroad.

• Reports were received from the following departments: Police, fire, utility, treatment plant, animal control and municipal court.

• Minutes from the board’s Nov. 8 regular meeting and executive session were approved.

• Minutes from the board’s Nov. 28 special meeting were approved.

• The board approved the city’s financial statement, payment of bills and purchase orders / invoices.

Kevin Jenkins is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com