Construction on South Main project could begin by January
By GEOFFREY WOEHLK The Forum
Maryville City Council members Tye Parsons and Rachael Martin listen to a briefing at Monday’s regular council meeting. Parsons thanked businesses and individuals for wearing masks and “taking this seriously.”
MARYVILLE, Mo. — “Let’s go.”
That was the message from Maryville City Council member Rachael Martin Monday evening, voicing the enthusiasm also held by her colleagues on the board about the South Main Corridor Improvement Project which, much like objects in mirror, may be closer than it appears.
In an update during Monday’s regular City Council meeting, City Manager Greg McDanel said that city staff are nearly halfway through meetings with property owners to hash out easements for the transformative infrastructure project.
The council formally approved the $10.4 million federal BUILD grant that will fund most of the massive undertaking, which aims to dramatically smooth traffic flow along the city’s busiest thoroughfare and provide a scenic entrance into the city.
McDanel said that the project has been in the planning stages since before he arrived as city manager in 2012, and construction could begin in earnest by Jan. 1.
He said the construction phase should last about 15-18 months. During that time, construction will be staggered to allow for two lanes of traffic at all times, and to allow all businesses to remain accessible.
Free mask drive
The Maryville City Council will hold a free mask drive event on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maryville Middle School circle drive.
Each vehicle at the drive-thru event will receive one, 50-count box of disposable face coverings while supplies last.
Consequences for not adhering to the city’s mask mandate — which requires people 10 and over to wear masks in most public places — began Monday. McDanel stressed that citations for not wearing a mask is a last resort, and that any enforcement actions would first focus on getting masks to people who don’t have them.
“I’m very appreciative of our business community and our citizens stepping up and taking this seriously,” said City Council member Tye Parsons. “… So, good work, we need to keep it up, but it’s not going to be solved overnight.”
Other City Council notes
• Council members approved a settlement agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for what DNR deemed to be unauthorized construction along Peach Creek. The construction of a grade control structure was part of an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers. The agreement between the city and DNR calls for the city to purchase $10,000 in mitigation stream credits, far less than the $237,627 DNR had initially demanded.
• The council approved a mutual aid agreement with Polk Township Fire.
