Pulse Article July 21, 2015

 

CAMERON’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Soon, the City will be posting the totally revised Comprehensive Plan. If you are not familiar with the Plan, it is a document that sets out the City’s intent for the future, basically. It covers livability, zoning plans, utility plans, general development and many other things. The Planning and Zoning Commission worked on the revisions for several months. The base Comprehensive Plan was put together with input from Cameron citizens. Many meetings were held a few years ago, allowing input from all interested citizens. Once the basic document was prepared, it was our goal to revise it as needed to reflect any changes that have occurred. The Plan is a document approved by Ordinance, so it is a legal document.

Once it is online, you may want to take a look at. It will provide a lot of information regarding the plans for Cameron’s citizens on growth, livability, etc.

 

STREET PROJECTS UPDATE

Reconstruction of several blocks of streets is taking place in the area of Lathrop and 6th streets. Another project to begin  in about two weeks is the installation of new sidewalks and pedestrian access across Highway 36. These projects have been the works for quite some time. Thanks to the voter-approved Transportation Sales Tax in November, 2011, and two grants from the Missouri Department of Transportation, these projects are now funded. Although the vote was in November, it took many months for revenue to begin. These projects have been years in the planning and funding stages, since we are paying cash and not borrowing the money to complete them.

Not only will we see some of our streets rebuilt, but the existing drainage ditches will be eliminated, with new curb and gutters installed. Some sidewalks will also be replaced or installed. The Sales Tax funded street replacements  on Lathrop, from 4th to 6th; Mead, from 6th to 8th, Harris St., from 5th to 6th, 5th St., from Harris to Lathrop; and 6th St. from Harris to Mead. The low bid was $906,000 for the project. The pedestrian access/sidewalk project is estimated at $729,219, with the City’s match being approximately $321, 764. Update: The contractor for the Lathrop multi-block project is installing the last remaining storm pipe and curb inlets. Sidewalks are partly completed, and will be finishing up, soon. The contractor doing the pedestrian access over Highway 36 has sold the company to another firm. The City has met with the contractor in pre-construction meeting, and work  should begin in about two  weeks.

OUT- OF- STATE VECHICLE PURCHASES

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that cities in Missouri can no longer collect sales taxes for vehicles purchased out of state, unless it is voted upon and passed by the voters. The City of Cameron relies on sales tax revenue to fund all, or part of its operations, like police, fire and public works/streets. The Governor has given municipalities some time to propose keeping this revenue  by proposing a Use Tax to the voters.  In order to maintain this revenue, a Use Tax will need to be enacted. In cities where a Use Tax does not pass, car dealers may lose sales to out-of-state dealers. The Use Tax will be place on the April ballot for voters to consider. This is NOT a new tax, merely the authorization to keep of the current sales tax that is in place.

WASTEWATER PLANT AND SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

 

Irvinbilt Construction company has been onsite, making improvements to the wastewater plant. This is a large project and will improve the efficiency of the plant and biosolids handling operation. There are many improvements to be made to the sub-basin flowing to Lift Station #1, as well. This is only part of the long-term improvements to be made. The rest of the system will be monitored and tested for future improvements as funds are available. This work is necessary to comply with changes in the regulations that occurred when the USEPA enacted them over the past several years.

 

GREAT NORTHWEST WHOLESALE WATER COMMISSION

 

The GNWWC met on July 14, for its usual monthly meeting at Cameron City Hall. The survey work for the pipeline design has begun and is about 80% complete. This pipeline route runs from the east side of St. Joseph to Cameron, with a north leg running to Maysville. Construction will not begin until all design work has been completed. This is a large project and will take a couple of years, most likely, to complete.

 

DANGEROUS STRUCTURES DEMOLITIONS

 

We have six houses scheduled for this year’s demolition work, which will remove dangerous, unsightly structures. Some of the structures have already been removed. Many old houses have been removed over the years, and we will continue the program as funds allow. This program is important to continue our effort to make Cameron a safer, cleaner and more attractive city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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