City engineer applying for matching federal grant to replace city culverts

Alderman Tracy Smith, front, examines photographs of Consolidated Drainage District No.2 ditches within the city of Kennett provided by Street Commissioner Randy Carter. The photographs showed "before and after" samples following the recent cleaning completed through the NRCS grant. Also pictured from back, Alderman Roy Cunningham and Alderman Darell Wheeler.

Staff photos by Joshua Payne

The Kennett City Council approved City Engineer Metz Skelton to complete an 80/20 Federal Grant Application through MoDOT to replace culverts in five streets in the City of Kennett during the council meeting on Tuesday.

Alderman Tony Crawford sat in as Mayor Pro-tem during the meeting, due to Mayor Roger Wheeler, Sr.'s absence, and explained that the approval would be for the application process only.

Alderman Jake Crafton, front, and Alderman Mark Ellis, back, also review the materials presented by the street department during the Tuesday Kennett City Council meeting, noting improvements made through the project.

Street Commissioner Randy Carter said that the department is hoping that, if the MoDOT grant is approved, the supplies needed to widen Industrial Drive can be combined with the supplies needed to complete the replacement of the culverts so the supplies can be purchased in bulk.

"Hopefully, this will give us a little cheaper price," Carter said.

He added that Industrial Drive is not eligible under the 80/20 grant, but, by purchasing in bulk, hopefully the costs will be lower than just calling companies for prices.

Carter noted that without receiving discounted bulk purchase he would be comfortable in estimating the project at costing $65,000.

"I surely hope it will be cheaper with a bulk purchase," Carter said.

The design is to widen the entrance only and is modeled after the entrance on Highway 25, according to Carter.

The remodeling will consist of 184-foot-long culvert through the ditch and 10 inches of concrete.

"The concrete out there is six and one-half inches, and it is broken up all over the place," Carter said.

The city council approve Skelton to apply for the grant, which is due prior to the next city council meeting.

Also, Carter noted that the County Commission has awarded bids for the NRCS Grant for cleaning out the two Consolidated Drainage District #2 ditches within the city.

He added that the work is currently being completed on the south end of Raglin Slough, which is just north of U.S. Highway 412.

"The weather has interfered a little, but they are progressing," Carter said.

The city continues to have issues with the storm drains, according to Carter.

He added that the ice and snow has caused quite a bit of trouble and crews were currently working to clear the storm drains.

Alderman Mark Ellis asked if Carter had acquired any kind of estimate on a project to completely "unclog" the drains.

Carter explained that he had not obtained an estimate but had recently attempted to use some of the City, Light, Gas, and Water equipment to work on the drains.

He explained that the two departments have different sized drains and that the equipment used by City, Light, Gas, and Water was not completely compatible with the city storm drains.

Ellis asked if the department had contacted any companies that may have a camera system to give a better estimate.

Carter said there were companies that used cameras for estimates, but they had not yet been contacted.

"I am afraid it is going to be quite expensive," Carter said.

Crafton asked if the city could contact some of the surrounding cities and attempt to rent man power and equipment to complete the project.

Carter noted that he would contact the area departments and inquire about the proposal.

Also during the meeting Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Jan McElwrath asked the council to consider purchasing signs to start a "shop local" campaign.

The campaign would be designed to encourage people to shop in Kennett and give consumer awareness about the difference in sales tax between Kennett other surrounding areas, according to McElwrath.

She added that the project would be part of the city's tourism efforts.

McElwrath also noted that Manac had started bringing people back that were laid off in the previous year. She added that the company had also started interviewing and would "hopefully get some more people hired."

Chief of Police Barry Tate explained to the council that his department found many abandoned cars around the city during the recent winter weather.

He asked the council and public to notify the department if a problem with a vehicle occurs.

"At least notify us and tell us that your car will be there," Tate said.

He also added that the city had no major incidents during the winter weather.

Tate explained to the council that several surrounding communities have been very busy since the City of Kennett passed the ephedrine and pseudoephedrine prescription ordinance.

He added that many surrounding cities were examining the City of Kennett's ordinance and discussing approval of their own ordinance.

Following Tate's report, Alderman Larry McDowell notified the council that a "top notch" drug dog had been purchased at a "good price."

"It is all paid for by private donations and did not cost the city anything," McDowell said. "In at least two months the City of Kennett should have a drug dog."

In other matters that came before the council:

* Assistant Fire Chief David Horton notified the council of an Earthquake Awareness Seminar to be hosted at 6:30 p.m., on February 11, at the First United Methodist Church in Kennett;

* The city council set a public hearing date for rezoning request from James Westbrook to February 16;

* and the council approved allowing the fire department to receive bids on new equipment.