roposed city sewer and water projects were on the agenda at a special meeting of the California Board of Alderman Monday, Sept. 22.
The first item was an ordinance authorizing the city to issue revenue bonds to the State of Missouri Direct Loan Program for extending and approving the combined water and sewer system of the city. The bonds approved by the ordinance are not to exceed $1,601,000. This is the final step needed to be taken by the city to get the funds from the state and begin construction. The project is being funded by a 50-50 combination of loans and grants. The loans are to be paid over 20 years. The actual construction is expected to begin about the end of this year.
The council decided to table the proposed sewer project connecting residences on West Cedar Street to the city sewer system until discussions of the budget for the next fiscal year. The decision was made following a presentation by Gary Davis, engineer with Bartlett and West Engineering. Three concepts were presented, with costs ranging from more than $500,000, for a system to take care of current needs, to $1.4 million, for a system which could take care of current and further growth in the area. The council plans to review these concepts and determine which, if any, could be undertaken within a reasonable time at an affordable cost.
The issue arose a few weeks ago because of new residential construction in the area.
In other business, the council was informed that health insurance rates for city employees is expecting a 9.1 percent increase this year, with a steeper increase expected next year.
The Public Water District No. 2 will be invited to attend the next council meeting to discuss legal issues.
The next regular meeting is at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6, at the City Hall.