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City draws closer to sewer, sidewalk projects

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 8/4/20

The replacement of many sewers and the construction of a new sidewalk are drawing nearer to fruition, according to Scott Vogler from MECO Engineering, the city’s engineering firm. Vogler …

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City draws closer to sewer, sidewalk projects

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The replacement of many sewers and the construction of a new sidewalk are drawing nearer to fruition, according to Scott Vogler from MECO Engineering, the city’s engineering firm. Vogler brought the Fayette City Council up to speed on both projects at its rescheduled meeting Thursday night.

The sewer and wastewater project is by far the largest of the two. Danny Dougherty, the city’s public works director, has secured all but two easements needed to begin the project. The final two have been agreed to verbally, but the paperwork has yet to be signed, Dougherty explained.

Vogler told the council that about half a dozen other steps must be completed before the project can be sent out for bids, which he hopes can be done soon. “We’re almost ready for bids,” he said.

The city must pass an ordinance for an attorney specifically for the wastewater project, provide a letter proving its engagement with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a treasurer’s certification of funds, and completed cost estimates. Despite these unfinished tasks, the majority have been completed, including approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The CPA engagement letter was one subject that drew significant discussion. What is required is that a CPA composes a letter stating that the City of Fayette has been engaged in good accounting practices. The city, however, has not had an audit since 2016, and recently had a major financial setback with regard to more than $150,000 in fines levied due to the former city administrator’s failure to file financial statements with the state.

Due to the project’s large scale, state and federal funds will be needed for completion. And because of that, the city will face an audit. “We’ll have to have an audit every year for a while,” said Nathan Nickolaus, the city’s attorney.

More imminent is the city’s project to construct a sidewalk along the west side of South Church St. that will terminate at the C&R Market parking lot. The final step before bids may be sought is the securing of a few easements, many of which are temporary.

In other business:

The council accepted the resignation of northwest ward alderman Larry Dimond. His departure comes in the wake of declining health.

City Clerk Tara Kunze, and the city council, agreed for her to act as clerk for the Community Improvement District (CID) board.

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