A go-ahead was given by the Anderson City Council at its July 15 session for a Joplin-based development company to construct a $3.5-4 million apartment complex for senior citizens.
The 32-36 unit facility was proposed by Michael T. Williams, of Gateway Administrative Services, who said it will be a fully taxable property. Williams also said the company would pay for a lift station at the site if required. The one and two bedroom units will come complete with a stove, refrigerator and microwave. Handicapped needs will be met. Free mowing is included, as is a community garden spot.
Several layers of governmental improvement and activity are required before the project becomes a reality, including funding through a competitive process through the Missouri Housing Development Commission in the 2015 funding cycle. Applications are due in September.
It is possible ground could be broken in the summer of 2015. Aesthetic amenities, such as mulched areas and a walking path, along with practical things such as exercise and computer usage areas, are also to a part of the package,according to Williams.
As part of the approval, Mayor John Sellers asked Williams if he would sign a contractual agreement for the lift station.
Other Business
The council also heard a report from Brandon Forcum, public works superintendent, that eight or nine water leaks had been repaired in June, in what he called a very busy month. Water loss is down about 15 percent, Forcum said.
Alderman Gene Cantrell asked why the work on Chick Blvd. was not completed.
"We voted six months ago to do it," Cantrell said.
"Maybe six months ago you did," Forcum replied. "Since then, all the help has changed. Chris Tinsley will be glad to come down and fix it after he gets done with Moss Church Road, (a new 1,800-foot water line project)."
On that subject, Forcum said there is no set date to start on Moss Church with Tinsley set for providing labor, but a bid on materials is not yet approved.
Forcum also noted he had hired an employee with heavy equipment experience for a 90-day trial and who will also serve as animal control officer.
Purchase of a new air compressor for a cost of between $1,000-1,200 was given the green light.
Before the meeting began, a public hearing was held on two properties considered for destruction: 204 Houn' Dawg Street and 104 Apple Street. Two others, one on Sellers Road and one on Cedar Street, will be discussed later. There were no comments at the public hearing. The procedure will take several months, Sellers said.
Bills in the amount of $51,177.34 were approved for payment.
The mayor reported the city had a total of $189,803.75 in all accounts at the end of June and that payroll was $31,379.16.
Alderman Chester Neel brought up the possibility of a safe sidewalks grant, adding it should be discussed, especially for projects near schools.
Police Chief Donavon Pierson talked about signs and officer being stationed near schools in high traffic instances, such as morning and afternoons. The chief also noted that Officer Linda Belt has been moved to full-time and that one bi-lingual officer has been hired and was to start Monday on a 90-day probationary period.
Sellers asked for and received council approval to permanently attach the already used "Anderson Beach" name to the 14-acre property along Indian Creek recently donated to the city by the O'Brien family. The approval included the addition of some kind of memorial honoring longtime city supporter Don O'Brien.
The mayor also aired a concern of Pat and Joe Hanke about people trying to use an alley by their house.
Community on 07/24/2014