City Beat: City Council delays northwest annexation plans

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A plan to annex 20 acres northwest of Springfield fell through at City Council's June 30 meeting, after neighbors warned the city about the quality of the land.|ret||ret||tab|

After hearing three neighbors describe the property in the northwest quadrant of San Fernando and North Eldon Avenue as "unsuitable" and full of sinkholes, council tabled the bill for one month.|ret||ret||tab|

The property owner, who was not named, petitioned the city for annexation with plans to develop residential lots. Council had planned to vote on the bill.|ret||ret||tab|

"This property is very unsuitable for the city to annex for single-family homes," said neighbor Calvin Redfearn, of 2516 N. Eldon Ave.|ret||ret||tab|

Traffic congestion also was a concern of neighbors.|ret||ret||tab|

The property is undeveloped aside from the owner's residence. It is zoned Greene County single-family residential.|ret||ret||tab|

Mayor Tom Carlson said the city will proceed with caution.|ret||ret||tab|

"We have been put on notice," he told council members and city staff.|ret||ret||tab|

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English Village|ret||ret||tab|

As a preventive measure to protect against environmental and health risks in the James River Watershed, council voted for the city to repair, maintain and operate a failing sewage treatment facility in northern Christian County until Springfield sanitary sewer is extended to the area. The unanimous vote extends sewer service to the English Village Mobile Home Park at highways 160 and CC.|ret||ret||tab|

The bill states that unacceptable levels of pollutants from the English Village wastewater treatment plant are spilling into the James River due to improper operation and maintenance.|ret||ret||tab|

A partnership of the city of Springfield and Missouri Department of Natural Resources will construct a lift station and force main to eliminate the village's wastewater treatment facility.|ret||ret||tab|

City costs are capped at $32,677, with DNR covering any additional costs. Springfield is the contract operator for up to two years.|ret||ret||tab|

By entering the agreement, DNR will wipe out a $10,000 fine handed to the city of Springfield for two wastewater overflows at the Roundtree lift station.|ret||ret||tab|

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Ragtime festival|ret||ret||tab|

Planners of the Tri-City Ragtime Festival are seeking city contributions.|ret||ret||tab|

Council is considering a $2,500 appropriation for the two-day event Aug. 29-30. The festival will be in Carthage the first day and at the Jefferson Avenue footbridge on Commercial Street in Springfield Aug. 30. Pierce City also was scheduled as a concert venue before the May tornado.|ret||ret||tab|

Event planner Bob Horton told council he'd like to match the $7,000 raised in Carthage, and hopes to raise about $5,000 from last year's contributors: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Commerce Bank, The Bank, Great Southern Bank and Ollis & Company Insurance. Horton said one-third of the profits will go to Pierce City for building efforts, and the remaining profits will be held for next year's event.|ret||ret||tab|

"We all know (Pierce City) is an area in dramatic need of investment," said Councilwoman Mary Collette. |ret||ret||tab|

"We have the distinct heritage in this region of having some of the most prominent ragtime aficionados and originators of this form of music."|ret||ret||tab|

Tickets are $10 a day, or $15 for both days, Horton said.|ret||ret||tab|

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