The Wright City Board of Aldermen spent some time debating a resolution relating to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s work zone enforcement program before finally approving the measure by a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Michelle Heiliger casting the deciding vote.

The resolution authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract with MoDOT to receive grant funding for officers from the Wright City Police Department to conduct work zone enforcement along the I-70 corridor.

Wright City Police Department Lt. Aaron Sutton said that MoDOT is not currently requesting the department’s services, but an agreement must be in place in order to perform the work along the interstate.

Alderman Ramiz Hakim asked if MoDOT would be reimbursing the city for work performed by its officers in work zone enforcement to which Sutton replied they would. Sutton though did not have an answer to Hakim’s question as to whether the city would be reimbursed for wear and tear on the city’s vehicles, gas and workman’s compensation claims.

Hakim said he had a problem with officers sitting on the highway, preferring instead to have those officers serving the residents of Wright City. He said placing officers on the highway creates additional risks for those officers as well.

Alderman Karey Owens said she wanted to give officers additional opportunities to do what they need to do for their families. She said having officers on the highway would be protecting the residents of Wright City.

Hakim said his personal opinion is that when he sees an officer on the highway in other communities he does not feel they are serving their community.

Alderman Don Andrews said he feels policing work on the interstate highway system is the responsibility of Missouri State Highway Patrol, not local communities.

Heiliger said the purpose of these arrangements is to keep construction workers on the highway safe.

“It has an intended purpose, it is a program that is effective,” Heiliger said, adding that the citizens of Wright City should come first and officers should work performing services to the city first.

Hakim continued to argue against the resolution saying that he was concerned about the cost to Wright City taxpayers that is not covered by MoDOT.

Andrews asked whether the city could negotiate the arrangement with MoDOT to have them cover items like wear and tear, gas and workman’s compensation claims. Heiliger said they could ask, but she felt the arrangement was a take it or leave it type arrangement.

Ultimately the measure passed with Hakim and Andrews voting against the measure and Owens and Alderman Kim Arbuthnot voting for the measure. As the vote was tied 2-2, Heiliger was required to vote and cast her vote in favor of the measure.