BELLE — Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell updated the Belle Board of Aldermen Sept. 16 on the status of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) construction on Highway 89 through the four-way stop.

Mitchell expressed his frustration with MoDOT about the culvert, which he said left about six feet of the old curbing with only about three inches for water to pass through, and he wasn’t going to “buy off” on the project.

A representative from MoDOT told Mitchell to wash out the culvert, and if that didn’t satisfy him, they would redo the project.

Mitchell also said that Pace Paving Company was present when he received the call about the edge of the sidewalks being damage on Alvarado Avenue. The company fixed the sidewalk with grout, but Mitchell said that the grout would come out.

After requesting a signature guaranteeing that the grout would stay, the foreman declined but gave him a phone number to call.

“The sidewalk should look as good as the businesses,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell also said that electrical work was happening at the Belle City Park. He said that a local company was switching the lines from above ground to underground. He also expressed the need to have one person do the work to keep the work compliant and safe

Skid steer

In other business, Treasurer Charro Reasor updated the aldermen about a signing a Sept. 17 document to finance a new skid steer with John Deer. She said that city would give $20,000 as a down payment and two additional $13,800 payments in February and August to finish the contract.

MRPC VOLUNTEER NOMINEE

Alderman Steve Vogt also announced the nominees the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) volunteer awards. The dinner and awards program will be Oct. 29 in Rolla.

For the adult award, Vogt named Barb Howarth for volunteering with the city, the food pantry, Backpack Buddies and more.

For the student award, Vogt named Saige Garner for her volunteer work.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION NONCOMPLIANCE

During Marshal Jerry Coborn’s report, Mitchell said that the dentist in Belle, referring to Belle Dental Clinic, has not complied with Department of Natural Resources’ backflow prevention requirement.

Coborn said that he has spoken with the office twice, and it is now up to the aldermen whether to shut the business down or issue a citation.

“I think we need to send them a letter. We’ve been pretty patient,” Mitchell said.

Coborn said that he would send the business a letter the next day.

The Advocate reached out to Dr. Rodger Janes. His office has no comment at this time.