City of Goodman, Missouri

The Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday night September 28, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Those present included Mayor Calvin Wilson, Alderpersons Greg Richmond, Kristin Lett, and Keith Kohley. Also, present were City Clerk Paula Brodie and City Supervisor David Brodie. Visitors included Jessica Ferguson.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30PM

The Mayor acknowledged Jessica Ferguson who was present to discuss applying for a MODOT grant for sidewalks for a safer and healthier way for kids to walk to school.

The Mayor noted that Brad Lett from Empire District said that to move the electric poles and electric to the homes it would cost roughly $15,000.00 for the West Side of School Street or roughly $40,000.00 for the East Side.

David reported that he had talked to the representative from the Goodman/Seneca Telephone Company today about the cost to move the telephone pedestals and lines. He said that Dennis from the phone company said the telephone pedestals would have to be removed and then replaced. He stated that the cost would be roughly $100,000.00 and there would be a good chance that it would be a lot more. He said the cost of a 600 pair cable is $15.00 per foot. He said that Dennis could get exact figures but there was not enough time.

Jessica noted that Paul Cruse had given a verbal estimate of $75,000.00 for the sidewalks which included the concrete, forming them up and other materials. Jessica said that the engineer she talked to would charge around $15,000.00 to draw up the specs.

Ald. Richmond stated that he thought it sounded like the grant application was going to end up being around $300,000.00 just to complete one street.

The Mayor stated that the sidewalks are a good idea; however there is a lot more expense than was originally thought of at the beginning of the discussions on the grant application. He noted that maybe in the future there would be a grant that covers more of the project. The Board was also concerned about the shortness of time to compile the grant application. They were concerned about cost over runs on the project. The grant specifically states any cost over the asked for grant must be paid by the sponsor of the grant application. The Board decided to table applying for the MODOT Enhancement Grant because of the lack of time to get exact costs for the project.

Jessica stated she understood the Board’s hesitation to approve the grant application. She stated at least now the Board would know what it would take to build a side walk on School Street. She also talked with the Board about putting the walking path through Tim Hansen’s property. The Clerk stated that she had talked with Jessica about the path through Mr. Hansen property. She said that they were concerned that Mr. Hansen did not realize that he would have to give the City an easement for 25 years. The Clerk stated that she had called Mr. Hansen to verify with him that he understood that he would have to give a 25 year easement. She said Mr. Hansen said that he did not remember being told that, but if that was the case he could not give a 25 year easement as the property was for sale.

The Board also discussed possibly pursuing getting permission from KCS Railroad to put a walking path along the north side of what people call mud alley. It is an alley way between the Boblett property on the North and the KCS railway Spur.

Jessica said that the City could also look into building a walking trail around the ballpark to promote healthy living. She said that the MODOT Enhancement grant could be used for that.

Jessica told the Board that she was working with the school to help promote safer ways for the children to walk. She stated that she wanted to mark the city streets with paw prints and lines to show the children were they could walk safely. She asked the Board if they would allow her to paint the paw prints and lines on the City Streets. She noted that on October 6^th all of the schools will be promoting walking to school by asking all parents to take that day to walk their children to school.

Ald. Kohley moved to adjourn. Ald. Lett seconded. The Board voted 3 ayes, 0 nays.

Respectfully submitted:

Paula W. Brodie, MRCC, City Clerk

Calvin Wilson, Mayor