By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWarrenton is joining a local economic development group in opposing the use of toll roads on Interstate 70.Last week, aldermen voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting recommendations made by the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC) that the state needs to improve transportation with alternatives to tolling.Members of the GWCEDC traveled to Jefferson City on April 1 to advocate for transportation funding alternatives. Ward 3 Alderman John Clark was a member of the contingent.“Basically we gave them the message we are not in favor of toll roads,” said Clark, who encouraged local residents who express the same views to contact state legislators.The resolution states the city finds that the level of funding currently available to the state is insufficient and inconsistent with the maintenance of a 21st century transportation system. In addition, a combination of funding alternatives would better provide for immediate and future transportation needs of the state.Mayor compliments personnel in aftermath of gas leakMayor Mike Shilharvey complimented city employees and emergency crews who responded when a natural gas line was severed on March 24. Around 100 homes were evacuated for about a three-hour period.City workers were cleaning a sewer main when they struck the gas line, in the area of Cherry Street and Flora Avenue, about one block east of Highway 47. Unknown to crews, a 2-inch gas line had been installed through the middle of the city’s 6-inch sewer main.Several city streets were closed, as well as a stretch of Highway 47, during the incident. No injuries or illnesses were reported.“We got it handled in what I thought was a very short amount of time,” Shilharvey said.The April 7 meeting was the first time the board met following the leak.In other news• The board agreed to spend $6,374 for new sidewalks on multiple streets along Oak, North Market and West Oak streets. The city had budgeted $6,410 for the work, which is anticipated to start this month and be completed in June.The new sidewalks will be on the north side of Oak Street between North Market and North East streets, on Oak and North Market Street to North West, and on West Oak Street to Dryden.The board also approved spending $3,438 to repair curbs and gutters on sections of Pinta, Nina and Columbus Circle. The budgeted amount was $3,500.•The board unanimously awarded a billboard bid to Porlier for $19,000. The city will have two billboards, one located 12 miles away on eastbound Interstate 70 and the other 10 miles away on westbound I-70. The expense includes four vinyls.Lamar also submitted a bid for $18,780. A third bid was received from DDI, but the company’s eastbound billboard was only one mile from Warrenton.• A revised ordinance was adopted prohibiting the growth of weeds to a height over 12 inches unless it is an allowed agricultural use in the Agricultural Reserve (AG) zoning district. City officials said the amendment eliminates a loophole and clarifies the language of the ordinance.• A new backup and disaster recovery server will cost $9,246. The purchase, approved by a 7-0 vote, will be made from AQM Computer Help, of Union.• A change order totaling $3,000 related to the painting of the water tower on Ashland Avenue was unanimously passed. The total project cost is $493,000 for painting two water towers. The other tower is on Warrior Avenue.• Brenda Klingler was hired as a full-time animal control officer. She started work March 23. She will be paid $12 an hour.• The city will participate in Local Government Week set for May 4-8. Employees can wear sports-themed shirts and jeans on May 4, cookies and lollipops will be available in the city  hall lobby for visitors on May 5 and an employee luncheon will be held May 8.City of Warrenton