Dexter, MO - The Dexter Board of Aldermen passed two ordinance on Monday at its April meeting.
The first ordinance authorizes the city to execute a block grant agreement with the MO Highway and Transportation Commission for a sum not to exceed $774,258.00. The city of Dexter will match these funds of $55,528 total. This grant will allow the construction of two box hangars at the Dexter Municipal Airport.
The second ordinance was the acceptance of a bid from Clark and Sons Excavating, LLC in the amount of $697,890.00 for the construction of the said hangars at the airport.
The board approved both ordinances meaning the block grant will be adjusted down in accordance with the bid and the matching funds the city will pay will also be adjusted down.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alisha Trammell spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Board stated that the American Rescue Plan was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. This plan will bring $5,629,220.00 to Stoddard County in COVID-19 relief. These funds will be distributed by the county in two parts with half of the funds in about two to three months and the other half in 2022. Funds must be used by 2024.
The cities within Stoddard County will also receive funds based on populations. Dexter will receive an estimated $1,439,426.55. These funds will also be dispersed in two parts.
Allowable uses of the funds defined by the plan are to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic or the resulting negative economic effects, provide “premium pay” to essential public workers (up to a maximum premium of $13/hour or $25,000 per worker), provide services (equivalent to the amount of revenue loss due to the pandemic) and invest in improvements to water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. The funds cannot be used for revenue replacement due to tax cuts. Further guidance will be received from the U.S. Treasury on the distribution of the funds.
The Paycheck Protection Program has been extended until May 31.
The board approved a $10,000 donation to the Rib City Shootout event. Mary Worley, representing the Tourism Committee, said the committee met for the first time since Jan. 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She asked the board to approve giving $10,000 to the Rib City Shootout events during the summer. The donation will come from the tourism tax.
Jamie Rowe, Dexter Parks and Recreation Director discussed the ribbon cutting for Lucy's Dog Park located at 401 W. Market St. on Friday, April 16th at noon. The grand opening will be on Saturday with games for the dogs, dog races and food trucks will be on hand.
She also asked for a temporary liquor license for El Cabrito for the Grille It Up event at East Park scheduled for July 9th and 10th. A shuttle will be available to take those in attendance from the park to the airport where a North American B-25 Mitchell bomber will be on display for the event.
Frank Killian resigned as board president. Terry Battles was elected as the new Dexter Board of Aldermen president. Killian said due to his current obligations he was unable to attend events.
Dexter Mayor Jason Banken reappointed Adam Sadler and Bonnie Howard to two-year terms on the Parks and Recreation board. Banken also reappointed Brad Warner to a five-year term on the Airport Board.
The southbound lane on Sycamore St. is temporarily closed due to repairs needed under the bridge at Arvin Road and Sycamore. Water has washed away material under the bridge. However the bridge is undamaged. At the end of May the repairs will be made and it is estimated both lanes of the road will be shut down for one week once repairs have started.
The Dexter Board of Aldermen have formed a special committee to review the resumes submitted for the city administrator position.
