Work scheduled for sidewalks, North Park playground

By Jessica Breger Special to Monett Monthly

The Monett City Council continued discussions in February to move along multiple city projects, including road and park improvements to expansion plans at the Monett Regional Airport.

Council members first discussed the ongoing Central Avenue Improvement Project, with Mayor Randy Burke opened the discussion.

“I think everyone knows the roundabout petition passed on November 7th and it had a significant impact on the Central Avenue Improvement Project,” he said. “Two things are now true. We’ve lost the $2.2 million cost share from (MoDOT) Missouri Department of Transportation, and the second thing is, we can’t build a roundabout at Central and Broadway.”

The council was presented with six alternative improvement plans in December. In February, council members moved to proceed with “Option F” which would include storm sewer replacement with an estimated cost of $3,250,000, still utilizing Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for portions of the improvements and street light improvements. The plan also includes an engineering study to be done while improvements begin. 

A separate ordinance passed at the meeting approved a contract on a TAP project for sidewalk improvements between Second Street and Seventh Street.

The Council also continued discussions on work at the Monett Regional Airport. Council members approved leasing a 6,300-square-foot parcel of land at the airport for a private hanger. 

Burke said it had been recommended to the council by economic advisers that the city should look at expanding the airport. 

“This is the first step,” he said.

Council members also approved an agricultural lease agreement for surplus real estate and lease agreements for vacant hangers at the airport.

Children in Monett may soon take notice of the city’s improvement efforts, as council members approved new playground equipment, alongside repairs to existing equipment, at the North Park playground. 

Council members also looked at future planning by placing members on two key city committees. 

Six people were appointed to the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) commission. The commission held its first meeting Feb. 20.

There were also 15 members appointed to the new Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. 

“This is about the 20-year comprehensive plan and the commission that we’re appointing with this are the ones that will come up with that plan,” Burke said.

Facilitated by Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG), the commission will exist solely to form the city’s new comprehensive plan. This plan will be used by the city’s Planning and Zoning committee to help plan future developments in the following years.

Burke said one of the first things the commission is set to do is approve surveys to get residents’ input before work starts on the details of the plan.

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Monett School District Board Room, with video available on the city’s website the following day.