Eldon city officials Tuesday night took steps to proceed with construction of a sidewalk along East North Street.
The council voted 5-0 (Alderman Sarah Walker absent) to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to accept Transportation Alternative Program grant funding for the project and agree to project parameters and deadlines.
The city, with the help of the Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments, will receive $292,874 in federal funds for the project, with a local match of $73,219.
Eldon was one of 19 cities (and two colleges) to receive a total of $7.6 million in federal funds through the TAP grant program.
The first step will be to solicit professional engineering services for the project, with the city advertising a request for qualifications by engineering firms.
Scott Vogler with MECO Engineering, said the grant application was submitted with plans to build the sidewalk along the west side (apartment side) of North Street, starting at Bus. Highway 54.
While the final deadline for construction to begin is Oct. 1, 2025, city officials hope to have the project completed next year.
Aldermen also discussed the possibility of installing a crosswalk across North Street at Manor Drive should funds be sufficient to extend the sidewalk that far.
Downtown parking
After receiving no complaints or concerns since council action Oct. 10 to reopen the community center parking for public use, the council opted to take no action at this time on the library parking lot.
Bids rejected
The council voted to reject all bids submitted for the lead service pipe inventory project due to not meeting bid specifications.
The city will rebid the project.
Lease with Wray’s
The council approved an agreement with Wray’s Lawn and Landscaping to lease the building and property formerly known as the Eldon Saddle Club property.
Wray’s will pay the city $500 per month.
Accounting changes
The council also approved an ordinance adopting new accounting pronouncements related to how the city records lease income and expenses.
Award recipient
The council also voted to authorize Mayor Trevor Vernon to arrange for a presentation to Cheylynn Forsythe of Eldon as the 2023 Marcus Velazquez award recipient for her work with two blind-deaf siblings.
