The Belle-Bland Community Center was already set to receive its new stoves prior to the Sept. 13 monthly meeting when the Belle-Board of Aldermen approved spending $35,000 to pave two-thirds of the parking lot.

Discussion about the Community Center opened when Public Works Director Tony Baretich reminded the board that Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has a grant that opens in October that could be used to pay for paving the center’s parking lot. Baretich had presented the board in August with bids to pave the front two-thirds of the parking lot for $35,860; the back one-third or the entire lot for $56,600.

Alderman Ken Stanfield asked the board where the money would come from as the Community Center is already in the negative from the water issue that needed repairs and still hasn’t been paid out.

“I’m thinking the previous mayor said it would be paid for out of general funds,” Baretich said. “The grant opening up in October is a roll of the dice.”

Alderman Jeanette Struemph said she would like to apply for the grant, especially after the last couple of weeks that the city has had.

“That money looks better and better,” Struemph said.

Mayor Josh Seaver said if they have the money, he feels that should pave the lot.

“My personal opinion, if we have the money to do the asphalting, go ahead and do it,” Seaver said.

Not taking action on the lot could mean more costly repairs in the near future.

“We could still shoot for the grant for the back one-third of the lot,” Baretich said, while suggesting the board approve paving the front two-thirds of the parking lot. “Even if we just do the front two-thirds we can do something more next year.”

The board approved moving forward with paving the front two-thirds of the Community Center parking lot at $35,860 with a 3-0 vote.