Sikeston City Council takes more action at Monday meeting

SIKESTON — In addition to Sikeston City Council accepting and entering into a five-year contract to provide 911 emergency dispatch to Scott County, with the exception of the Scott City area, several other actions were taken by Council during the Monday, Oct. 7 meeting.

Sikeston citizens who were appointed to city boards and commissions took part in a swearing-in ceremony in council chambers at Sikeston City Hall.

Also on Monday, Council approved an amendment to the Sikeston 60 West Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan and adopted a TIF. The amendment to the Redevelopment Plan describes a redevelopment project for RPA 2B, consisting of approximately 54 acres, which includes grading and preparation of the site, construction of various buildings and appropriate utilities, interior roadways, parking lots, ingress and egress, landscaping and other infrastructure as needed. A feasibility study has been done on a new convention center and could include another hotel, retail and restaurant as well.

Council awarded the 2025 Domestic Violence Surcharge Shelter Funding to House of Refuge for Abused and Battered Women in the amount not to exceed $7,500. The money comes from a $4 Domestic Violence Surcharge that was placed on all municipal court convictions. The money is retained by the city and distributed by an application process to domestic violence shelters serving the city. If Sikeston’s municipal court caseload remains at current levels, at least $5,000 in fees should be generated.

Council awarded a bid for an upgraded card reader and software at the city fuel site to Mid-South Steel Products Inc. of Cape Girardeau for $11,613. It is a budgeted item included in this year’s capital improvement fund.

Council authorized the purchase of a 15-foot Batwing mower for $21,251.32 through Omnia Partners, a purchasing cooperative that the City of Sikeston is a member. The mower is used to mow the airport as well as rights-of-way.

Council authorized the purchase of a replacement light for VFW Stadium that was destroyed during the May tornado. The price for the light with a steel pole is $50,000 to $55,000 through Musco Lighting. It is anticipated that the city will be reimbursed 75% from FEMA.

Also Council approved a contract with Lambert Engineering and Surveying for engineering services for the North West Street area drainage improvements and John R. Boulevard drainage improvements.