The majority of the Fulton City Council's work session Tuesday was dedicated to the topic of sidewalk improvements.
Projected on a screen for the council's viewing was a map of the city sidewalks marked in green, yellow and red for sidewalks in good, fair and poor condition, respectively. The map was created several years ago when the University of Missouri conducted a survey. At the time, the school had been awarded a grant to assess sidewalks in smaller communities in Mid-Missouri.
The survey determined 12,936 feet of Fulton's 231,958 feet of sidewalks are in poor condition, 46,032 are in fair condition and 172,990 are in good condition. City Engineer Hayes said there needs to be an update to the map as the council prioritizes sidewalks.
While the results show most sidewalks are in adequate shape, it's been a major concern for councilwoman Mary Rehklau, who has been outspoken in past work sessions about the need for upgraded sidewalks. Rehklau told the Fulton Sun that as she grew older and walked downtown, she caught herself tripping on the cracks and crannies.
The first realization came about two years ago, she said, and it's been a priority for her ever since. Rehklau added she's glad to see it become one for the current council.
"To me, we're finally getting some attention," Rehklau said.
Ward 4 Councilman Steve Moore said sidewalk improvement isn't a new point of discussion.
"I've been here (on the council) for 31 years and we've talked about sidewalks for 31 years," he said.
Moore added that a sidewalk improvement project could span over multiple years, allowing for gradual funding for upgrades. Hayes said he liked the idea of being given direction.
"I love a master plan," Hayes said. "I love a long-range plan."
City Administrator Bill Johnson said the city budgets $20,000 for sidewalks. The city also supports a 50/50 Sidewalk Program - the city funds the materials needed to bring a sidewalk to city standards and the property owner pays for labor costs. Increased participation in the program could stretch the budgeted $20,000 farther, Johnson said.
"If we do 50/50, that $20,000 will buy a lot of concrete," Johnson said.
Hayes requested the council review the sidewalks in their individual wards and provide him with information necessary to get a sense of a potential project scope. A three-member sidewalk committee was formed to conclude the discussion. Wayne Chailland (ward 1), Mary Rehklau (ward 2) and Steve Moore (ward 4) nominated themselves for the committee and will meet with Mayor LeRoy Benton to go over strategies.
During its regular meeting, department supervisors updated the council on city projects.
Planning and Protective Services Director Les Hudson said doors are hung in the new animal shelter, located on Industrial Drive. He added that the electric has been installed and there is a working furnace. Crews are painting the gates this week and they will be in place next week. He's also waiting on the ceiling to be delivered. Hudson said he thinks staff and animals can move in by mid-March and the entire facility (interior and exterior) will be complete in April.
Hayes said progress on the new city warehouse is "slow and steady." Seasonably warm weather has allowed workers with beneficial working conditions, but they have to hold off when it's not as favorable. The framework for the call-out building is scheduled for delivery today. Vertical metal pieces are standing for the municipal building, and workers are looking to install electricity in the solid waste building.
Utilities Superintendent Darrell Dunlap gave a report on the Smart Grid project, which is still in its infancy. Dunlap said it will take five years to finish, and when it's complete, utility customers will be able to read their utility consumption and bills online.
Dunlap told the council a portal upgrade has been completed and the system is back filing data from the end of the year to now. Gas meters were ordered in December, he said, and he's waiting for them to come in. Before installing more water meters, his team continues to monitor the ones currently functioning through the Smart Grid.
In other news, the council passed Ordinance 1414, which furthers the deadline for the Missouri Department of Transportation to approve design plans for a rehabilitation project for runway 06-24 at the Elton-Hensley Airport. The total projected for those plans is more than $150,000. The council also passed Ordinance 1415, amending city code for sewers and sewage disposal per requirements from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.