CENTRALIA – In a rare evening, chock-full of meetings set at once, the City of Centralia finds itself moving forward on an important wastewater project.

The Public Works & Utilities Committee, General Government & Public Safety Committee and the Board of Alderman Special meetings were all held consecutively at the city hall council chambers.

Public Works & Utilities

According to Heather Russell, city administrator for Centralia, the wastewater project expansion project focuses on the distribution of H20 to more locations.

Russell said part of the focus stems on the completion of two lagoon basins that have incurred some headaches recently. 

“We had a survey done to see where we are at in the project and there was a lot of discussion,” Russell said. 

Historically, the city has used wastewater to send to area farms for irrigation since the 1980s.

Originally the project was hoped to be completed in 360 days – Feb. 1 – but on Monday, the decision was made to extend it out 156 days and Russell thinks the completion looks more likely to happen within the next year.

The contract for the project is estimated at just shy of $1.7 million.

Also, Mike Forsee will officially retire on Aug. 5 after working in the position as Public Works & Utilities Director since 2018 and he worked for the city for 32 years – 28 years in the Water and Sewer Department.

“We will have a retirement reception for him on Aug. 5,” Russell said.

General Government & Public Safety Committee

The new police chief, Harlan Hatton, has worked with a new technician to update the evidence room and/or get rid of that which has been around for an extended period of time.

Hatton said they are “making really good headway,” according to Russell.

“They are going through proper procedures to either destroy or return evidence,” Russell said. “We have hired a part-time evidence supervisor from Columbia, and she comes and helps part-time to upgrade the evidence (room).

“Everything that needs to be kept is still being cataloged (and in evidence).”

In addition, the volunteer fire department reported 20 members and the city will provide for the Fire Marshall to be able to attend some additional investigator training.

“We thought it would be great that he has that certification,” Russell said. 

Centralia also bought an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for city hall through a $1,900 grant provided by Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association which grants insurance and liability for vehicles in municipalities and cities. An AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

The city is looking at getting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for a public safety building.

Russell said they are reaching out to various government officials in hopes of earning monies through economic development funds available.

“That is something we are very interested in,” Russell said. “We have a fire and police station – and Centralia is growing – and they both don’t have room for growth and are outdated. We have the lot and it’s centrally located, so if we could do a combined police and fire station, we could upgrade our facilities.”

The idea is to take the existing police station and turn it into a training facility and/or meeting room and other multipurpose.

Centralia also read submitted bank bids to see where the city would continue doing business. They accepted two bids – one from Central Bank of Boone County and Home Bank – and others potentially are forthcoming to see where Centralia is getting its best value per cost. 

“We have grown a lot with all the digital technology,” Russell said. “It’s important for us to be fiscally responsible and look at our fees and compare those to other local banks and if what we are getting is the best value to the city.”

Russell noted that it could come down to monies from the level of interest Centralia will get from its sweep accounts. 

“We really compare apples to apples,” she said. “Some may have less monthly fees, but we don’t get as much interest back to us while some have a little bit more monthly fees, but we have quite a bit more interest back.”

A decision should be made at the next regular meeting. 

(SUBHEAD) Board of Alderman

Russell said in order to get funding through ARPA, discussion was had with a passing of a resolution to apply for the monies.

The deadline passed on Thursday.

“We are looking at a (drinking) water and wastewater project where we will apply for money,” Russell said. “The (water) project is between $410,000 and $450,000 and we are asking for either $205,000 or $230,000. The match will come from our own ARPA money.

“On the wastewater side, we are asking for $2 million and our match will come from our own ARPA money and the regular city budget.”

The rest of the meeting went into closed session.

Farber addresses sirens, police protocols at meeting

By Alan Dale

Managing Editor

FARBER – With a quorum present, the Farber Board of Alderman held its monthly meeting Monday and the should be a little safer from bad weather today.

It was announced that L&B, which does work on storm sirens, will convert Farber’s, located at the community building, so it can be remotely sounded by the 911 commission.

The work is reported to be completed soon and at a cost of $2,000.

In other items, Farber Police Chief Raymond Bumbales told those in attendance, if he personally witnesses a problem that violates city ordinance, he can write a ticket without a written complaint. This is in response to questions on policy if an officer does not see an actual violation themselves. Policy states police would conduct an investigation and include witness accounts where applicable for a vehicle moving violation. 

For municipal matters, the officer issues the ticket to the defendant and sends the city prosecutor the ticket and any reports or statements that were included in the investigation if any takes place.

This process is no different from state-level charges that would be filed by the county, according to city prosecutor, Tony Shade.

Also during public comments, new Audrain County recorder Teresa Allen  was introduced to the board. 

Allen will be running unopposed for the seat after working toward another tenure in the position.

Allen said she looks forward to new challenges that will come with the position.

County commissioner Leslie Meyers, who introduced Allen to the board, was also presented with a concern about the additional traffic on the blacktop coming into Farber from the south.  

Due to the construction of the roundabout at Basinger Corner, traffic has increased, and the semi-truck congestion is quickly deteriorating the condition of the road.  

Allen said she had spoken with someone at MODOT, and they are scheduled to come and assess the condition of the road.

The board approved a motion for a building permit for Scott Transportation to have work done off Pleasant Street to have its current location moved from Front Street. Andrew Gaw was present to inform the city of improvements they are planning to make to the truck lot Scott Transportation owns off Pleasant Street and to eventually move to a new facility.

Resident Jonathan Hayes was present at the meeting to voice concerns about tickets he had recently received due to written complaints about his dog. 

Board member Melissa Buckman Young asked him to call her office regarding the tickets he has received for further information and explanation.

Other items:

• It was reported that the Community Development Block Grant will be progressing as expected. Farber is working on one that will help fund the demolition of some dilapidated buildings. 
• The next municipality meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in Vandalia’s Lange Building.