Grant funds could help Poplar Bluff city officials pay for the removal of asbestos at the former Second Street city complex, as well as for improvements to a local park.
City council members held public hearings Monday on both grant opportunities, prior to their regular meeting.
A grant from the Environmental Protection Agency could cover up to 80% of the costs to remove asbestos in the approximately 58,000-square-foot structure that once housed city hall and the police department, explained city planner Matt Winters. A local match of 20% would be required.
No dollar figures were discussed during the meeting, but Winters said he would have more information at the Dec. 2 city council meeting.
Two previous grants, one from the Department of Natural Resources and one from the EPA, have funded assessments and environmental reviews of the building, Winters said.
The report from the phase 2 review is expected prior to the Dec. 2 meeting, he said, adding that will provide details about what asbestos is in the building and cost estimates.
The deadline for filing of the current grant request is Dec. 3.
“I’ll bring back more specific details to you, so that you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about whether to submit it or not,” he said. “I will be asking you to workshop and vote it that evening.”
Council members approved adding the item to the workshop and voting session agendas Dec. 2.
The council also voted during Monday’s action agenda to seek a $5,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to improve an educational area at Hendrickson Park.
The work would be done on the 13th Street side and at the Butterfly Garden, said Lanny Corcimiglia, park department director.
“Items to purchase include lumber for garden boxes, soil, mulch, fertilizer, lumber for benches to be placed by the stage and sandbox, (as well as) enhance the stage, plants, seeds and hands-on educational experiences and materials,” according to council documents.
These areas are used by local schools, 4-H, garden clubs, youth groups and others.
“Enhancements to the area will provide more opportunities for youth and the community to participate in developing and using the area,” a report to the council states.
In other business, the council approved updates to city codes related to: the International Mechanical Code, HVACR; International Residential Code; and International Existing Building Code.
At the request of council member at-large Ron Black an ordinance adopting the International Property Maintenance Code was tabled until a workshop session to be held Dec. 2. Black said members of the Butler Count Landlords Association would like to be better informed on the matter. Black is also a member of the association.
Mayor pro-tem Steve Davis was absent.