City Beat: Council begins annexation process for 1,100 acres

The city of Springfield has taken the first steps toward annexing prime land southwest of city limits.

In the July 15 City Council meeting, council approved a resolution declaring the intent to annex three tracts of land totaling more than 1,100 acres.

City Manager Tom Finnie said the resolution "merely initiates the process" of annexation.

The largest tract (Area A below), is located west of Golden Avenue along the James River Freeway. It is mostly residential property and half of it is developed, said Ann Razer, the city's principal planner.

Another tract is a strip of land located along South Campbell Avenue from the James River Freeway to Steinert Road (Area C). It is mostly commercial land, but also has a mix of residential and vacant space.

The third is a small commercial tract of land on west Republic Road and near the Scenic Avenue intersection (Area B).

Finnie said the city is mailing out 1,500 certified letters to property owners in the areas announcing the intent to annex the land.

A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the City Utilities auditorium.

Proposition B

A resolution endorsing Proposition B, which will be on the Aug. 6 ballot, passed unanimously. Proposition B would increase Missouri's general sales tax by one-half cent and add a 4-cent-per-gallon fuel tax for highways, roads, bridges and public transportation. Finnie said the proposal contains "vital projects to the city."

One member of the public spoke against the proposed tax increases. Steven Reed called it an "unfair tax on lower income people" and said the city should stay neutral. "We just need a better plan."

But councilwoman Teri Hacker said, "We recognize the need in southwest Missouri." She said Springfield has worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation on many projects and the appointment of Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson to the Highways and Transportation Commission enhances that relationship.

City parking problems

The city of Springfield has "serious employee parking problems," according to City Manager Tom Finnie. Council heard a first reading bill that would condemn property in the 600 blocks of Boonville and North Robberson Avenue and be used for parking space.

The vacant property is immediately south of City Hall and would be a short-term solution. "Long term, we would like to go west," across Boonville, Finnie said.

Finnie said the city is in talks with the property owner.

Trade Center demolition

Council passed a resolution awarding Courtney Excavating & Construction Inc. the bid for demolition and removal of the University Plaza Trade Center Parking Deck and a portion of the Trade Center. The bid was for $243,000.

MoDOT grant

A $1.2 million MoDOT grant for job commuting in 14 area counties passed unanimously. Finnie said it would go for funding transportation services for the elderly and handicapped in Springfield's surrounding areas. No city money will be used, he said.

Bass Pro

The rezoning request by Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World LLC was approved unanimously. More than 48 acres along the west side of the 1800-2000 blocks of South Campbell Avenue will change from a highway commercial and a general retail district to a planned development district, allowing Bass Pro to add about 130,000 square feet in building space and 120 parking stalls.

Hammons exchange agreement

Council authorized the exchange agreement between John Q. Hammons, Juanita K. Hammons and the John Q. Hammons Revocable Trust. Before approval, Hacker amended the bill so that if there was a conflict between the exchange agreement and the development agreement, the exchange agreement will prevail.