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Senior housing development among several items on lengthy agenda at Tuesday evening's Nevada City Council meeting
The Nevada City Council met on Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, to tackle a lengthy agenda. The meeting saw all items on the tentative agenda receive unanimous approval.
First on the agenda were the consideration of bids. Resolution No. 1732 authorized payment to Applied Concepts, Inc. for two Stalker Radar Systems for the Nevada Police Department. These radar systems, funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, will enhance the patrol division's capabilities and replace outdated equipment.
Resolution No. 1733 approved the purchase of a duplex grinder pump from Haynes Equipment. This crucial infrastructure improvement will ensure the proper functioning of an assisted living facility, addressing prior issues and providing a safer environment for residents.
Resolution No. 1734 authorized the purchase of 24 UV Lamps from Trojan Technologies for wastewater treatment. The decision to invest in this cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology aligns with the city's commitment to protecting local waterways.
In communications and petitions, the council heard a presentation from President and owner of MBL Development Co. Kim Lingle concerning a request for support from the city council on a resolution that would help the comany receive funding to for senior housing development. The development — named Augusta Gardens — is a 38-unit senior housing development that will provide affordable and market-rate housing opportunities in Nevada.
The council heard a presentation from Larry Arthur with the Rural Hospital Group concerning its final report from its affiliation with Nevada Regional Medical Center. Read more in-depth information on both of these presentations in the Friday edition of the Nevada Daily Mail.
Turning to old business matters, the council proceeded to the second reading of several special ordinances. Bill No. 2023-048 granted a special use permit for a short-term rental property, supporting Dye Rentals LLC in their endeavor to open a short-term rental at 622 N. West. This move followed a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission.
Bill No. 2023-049 established procedures for disclosing potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain officials, in line with state regulations.
Bill No. 2023-050 authorized the execution of an agreement between the City of Nevada and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for runway improvements at the City's Municipal Airport.
Under new business, the council unanimously approved Bill No. 2023-052, which solidified a contract between the Nevada Housing Authority and the City of Nevada for additional policing services. The agreement, designed to foster a drug-free and crime-free environment in Fairground Estates and Chapman Estates, will bolster security and community safety. Reimbursement for Police Officer salaries will be made on a monthly basis for the next year.
Resolution No. 1735 granted a waiver from the provisions of Section 3-12(a) for Marmaduke Park on October 28, 2023. This decision allows the Chamber of Commerce to host a Fall Festival, including the sale of alcohol, at the park while adhering to Ordinance 8499.
Lastly, Resolution No. 1736 showed the City's support for MBL Development's application for Missouri Housing Development Commission funding for Augusta Gardens Housing Development.
In closing, the council discussed miscellaneous items. Council member George Knox motioned to have an executive session at the council's next meeting for personnel. This motion was seconded and council approved.
Council member Lyndon Eberhard then questioned if there was an update on Moore-Few Care Center. "I've read a lot of stuff in the newspaper lately," stated Eberhard. "I just don't know that there's any plausible deniability that we don't know what's going on there. And I want to know when we can do something about that."
Nevada City Manager Mark Mitchell responded that he has spoken with the City's Attorney (Bill McCaffree) and the Mayor (Kendall Vickers). "What we did today, is we sent a letter to the administrator and chairman of the board asking them to have their legal give a report to the council based on the accusations that's before them," stated Mitchell.
Following Mitchell's response, Eberhard noted, "I believe that if it comes back in the hands of the council, I'm prepared to go on record that I will use all of my resources to close that facility. I took an oath to protect the people of the City of Nevada — all of the people. And I don't believe that their interests are being met. I just don’t believe that the city is in a position to turn a blind eye any further with this problem.”
City Attorney Bill McCaffree responded to Eberhard by stating, “The letter is polite. However, it has that particular spirit to it.” McCaffree went on to add that the council voted two and half months ago to liquidate the facility and that the City Manager is currently in the process of attempting to effect that.
“I can’t sit back and be quiet about this any longer,” noted Eberhard. McCaffree assurred Eberhard, “Your city manager is being fully aggressive, with my assistance.”
Council member Carol Branham noted that she attended the most recent Long-Term Care (LTC) Board meeting and left with more questions and concerns. Branham stated that she’s done a lot of reading of the code and there are a lot of things in the code that the LTC Board is not compliant with. “We need to request that information from them and in a timely manner,” stated Branham. “I think we owe it to the citizens of Nevada and we owe it to some of these family members on some of these issues that they have been addressing.” Branham also noted that the organization’s facility assessment also needs to be available to council.