By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Wright City officials are hoping grant funds can be obtained to offset the cost of a sewer study. Karen Girondo, economic development director/treasurer, said she has submitted an application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for a sewer study grant. The grant would cover $62,500 of the study’s cost, including a 20 percent match from Wright City, which is $12,500. The total expense of the sewer study is unknown, though it’s expected the grant would not cover the full cost, according to Girondo. City officials continue to review qualifications submitted by interested engineering firms in May. The study will show how the sewer system is performing and recommend where improvements need to be made. The scope of services to be provided by engineers, if the city proceeds with the study, will be to review the city’s wastewater treatment facility, pumping stations and collection system; produce a plan and recommendations to meet regulations set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and provide an updated map of the sewer system. Also, the firm will be required to recommend the best and most cost-efficient way to alleviate backups of a main sewer line and how to eliminate infiltration into the system. In other news • A conditional use permit was issued for James and Susan Scott to operate a flea market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon between March 1-Nov. 15 at A Walk Down Memory Lane, located at 312 Warren Ave. The market will be held on the west side of the business. The permit passed by a 3-0 vote. • The city is considering changing its disability insurance provider, a move that is expected to save approximately $1,470 per year. City officials said a couple of employees would pay more than what they are currently paying, though the highest increase is $3.17 per month. Under the proposed policy with Met Life, employees would be paid 66.66 percent of what they are paid. Currently, if an employee was out, the most they would receive is $500 per week in a policy the city has with Principal.The board decided to delay any action until further input can be received from employees. • Two city employees, City Clerk Christine Martin and Karen Girondo, recently received their certification for completing the four-hour Local Public Agency basic training course. Officials must be certified every two years in order for the city to be eligible to receive federal-aid funding for locally administered grants. •The city has formed a new committee, consisting of Karen Girondo, Marie Hollenbeck and Robert Phegley, to help with planting new trees at the Wright City Cemetery. The committee will work with the Memorial Society to determine future plantings. City officials noted that an ordinance was established years ago prohibiting trees being planted at the cemetery, so an amendment will be drafted for board approval at a future meeting. • Aldermen approved a request from Girondo to attend the Downtown Conference, which will be held July 29-31 in Clayton. The conference host is the Missouri Main Street Program. The approximate cost to attend, excluding lodging, is $500. • Aldermen adopted a revised ordinance related to residential uses in the C-5 zoning district, also referred to as the downtown commercial district. Residential homes will continue to be allowed in the district, and new construction will only be allowed as long as single-family dwellings are on the adjoining lots. The ordinance was approved by a 3-0 vote. • Aldermen approved the 2014-2015 liquor licenses.
Wright City seeking grant for sewer study
