City to sell 30 acres of Shelby Road property

Poplar Bluff City Council members will seek a real estate broker to sell approximately 30 acres of property on the southwest side of Shelby Road.

The property is part of a 58-acre tract purchased for a new police department.

A request for proposals will be advertised to find a licensed broker to represent the city in the sale, according to information discussed Monday by the council.

City manager Matt Winters said this is the first step in the sale of the property.

Winters will bring the proposals back to the council for approval.

Once a broker is selected, the property will be advertised for sealed bids, Winters explained.

The broker would help the city develop a marketing plan for the property.

The property proposed for sale is on the opposite side of Shelby Road from the proposed site of the new police department.

It includes three continuous tracts and a fourth separated tract, according to maps provided to the council.

The sections are broken up by two tracts owned by other entities or individuals, one section of floodplain, which the city cannot sell, Winters said.

The city paid just over $1 million to purchase the original 58 acres.

In other business, the council:

• Voted to amend an agreement between the city and the Southwestern Power Administration.

• Approved an amendment to an agreement between the city and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for an airport improvement grant.

• Entered into an agreement with Solacom Technologies for equipment to upgrade the city’s 911 system.

• Approved Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission to provide administrative services for Community Development Block Grants, related to: a generator; replacement of a bridge; and stormwater improvements citywide.

• Moved to the Nov. 2 voting session a zoning designation recommendation for the proposed annexation of 145 Midnight Lane.

In a city manager’s report, Winters also thanked volunteers and the city street department for help with the annual Buff Up the Bluff event, which filled 22 construction dumpsters with items from residents. Volunteers who assisted with home pickup from elderly residents included Butch Anderson, Ed DeGaris, Ross DeGaris and Ashton DeGaris. RSVP volunteers took phone calls for the city to assist with the effort.

Winters also said the city’s park department is working with the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc., to provide activities on Halloween. This will include a trunk or treat event from 3-5 Oct. 31 in the parking lot of the Black River Coliseum.