BELLE — The Belle Board of Aldermen tabled action on a proposed agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) on June 11 after they raised questions about the scope of the planned curb ramp and sidewalk improvements on Alvarado Avenue in the downtown business district.

The agreement would allow MoDOT to complete curb ramp, curb and sidewalk improvements intended to bring portions of the corridor into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to information presented at the meeting, the project would be completed at MoDOT’s expense, with the city assuming maintenance responsibilities once construction is finished.

Questions arose when aldermen discovered the project documents did not include information showing the exact limits of the work.

Alderman Rebecca Withouse questioned references in the agreement to station numbers and said board members had not received a map explaining where the improvements would occur. City officials acknowledged that MoDOT had not provided one with the materials sent to the city.

Charro Reasor, city treasurer-office manager, told the board her understanding was that MoDOT plans to improve sidewalks, curbs and curb ramps through the Highway 89 (Alvarado Avenue inside the city limits) corridor at no cost to the city. Once completed, however, responsibility for maintaining those improvements would transfer to Belle.

Board members expressed support for the concept of the project but wanted additional details before approving the agreement.

Questions included how much of the route would be affected, where sidewalks would be installed or upgraded and whether the project would include improvements such as crosswalk striping, signage and other traffic-control devices. Aldermen also discussed the possibility that roadway widening and grade changes could require adjustments to city-owned infrastructure, including water mains located along the highway corridor.

Alderman Seth Klein said the project appeared beneficial because it would bring improvements to the city at MoDOT’s expense, but he also wanted clarification regarding the extent of the work and whether additional sidewalk segments could be included. Klein noted there has been interest in improved pedestrian access in areas north of First Street where residents, including those using wheelchairs, regularly travel.

Alderman Steve Vogt said he planned to speak with MoDOT officials during an upcoming Transportation Advisory Committee meeting in hopes of obtaining additional information about the project. Board members also discussed requesting a MoDOT representative attend a future city meeting or provide a detailed project map.

Ultimately, the board voted to table the agreement until additional clarification can be obtained from MoDOT regarding the project’s scope, location and potential impacts on city infrastructure. The matter is expected to return for consideration at a future meeting.