The Poplar Bluff City Council is expected to vote March 7 on additional expenses for a new police department, but officials say these fall within project budgets.
Bidders were asked to include a $350,000 allowance in their project budgets for change orders, explained Matt Winters, city manager, during a regular meeting Tuesday of the city council.
The council reviewed items included in change order 2, for a total increase in costs of just under $28,000. A previous change order of $148,400 was approved by the council in recent months.
The budget for change orders still has nearly $174,000 remaining, Winters said.
The current change order relates to seven items found by Police Facility Design Group on a recent walk-through.
They range from $725 for electrical rough-in modifications to change locations of power and controls for monitors and security equipment in an office area to $12,600 to add carbon monoxide sensors to a sally port area for vehicles. System controls had been included but the power and sensors for the system had not, according to city council documents.
In other business, the council also heard a request from members of Northside Community Center.
The center would like funds from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act money to help make upgrades and repairs to the Garfield Street location.
An initial request of approximately $4,400 was made by the non-profit. This list included funding for emergency lights, tables, a deep freezer, gas meter installation, and other upgrades.
“Our immediate short-term goal is to see if we could acquire funding through the American Rescue Plan, which states that efforts to promote the economic recovery for households, small businesses or non-profits or industries,” said Corretta Bishop, technical and programming director.
Bishop also asked that city council members visit the facility to learn more about the community center.
“I think it would be a good idea for you to see what we’re planning,” said Bishop. “We’re planning to institute a computer lab to assist with tutoring and mentorship. We are trying to establish a mentorship program for ages sixth grade and up. We are trying to establish a senior exercise program.”
Quilting programs and others are planned.
Mayor Steve Davis thanked the members for approaching the council and said the items would be reviewed.
Council members also voted:
• To make changes to ordinances regarding gross receipts tax to conform with state law. The ordinances will now set the gross receipts tax at the state-established 5%, an amount already being collected.
• Amend the FY2022 budget related to ARPA funds for $71,800 to purchase a tractor at the city airport.
• Accept a $71,800 bid for the purchase of a tractor for Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport from Greenway Equipment.
• Amend a loan agreement with the state for Phase 1 of the Highway 67 project to reflect delays in the start of construction.
• Approved a resolution related to the disposal of antiquated records by Municipal Utilities.