Council seeks funds for Route 66 park

June 09, 2009 10:13 pm

— By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City officials said an ordinance adopted Monday by the City Council likely will net the city $25,000 in state funds to beautify an area on old Route 66.
City Administrator Steve Garrett said the ordinance authorizes Mayor John Biggs to negotiate a contract with the Missouri Department of Transportation for “enhancement” funds to create a welcome center and scenic area in the 500 block of East Broadway. That area is the eastern entrance into the town for travelers heading west on the historic roadway.
Garrett said the lot is occupied by a small home, and the city is in negotiations with the owner to move the building and for the city to acquire the property.
“We plan to pursue that later this summer,” he said Tuesday.
In other business Monday:
The council authorized the Police Department to purchase four new radar units to be mounted in patrol cars. Police Chief Carl Francis said the units cost $995 each. The city is receiving a 50 percent funding match from the Missouri Department of Transportation to offset the costs.
“We’re trying to equip all the patrol cars with in-car mounts,” Francis said. He said those devices are easier to maintain than hand-held speed guns.
Mayor John Biggs issued a commendation to Christy Grimmett, city code enforcement officer, for her efforts to secure a safe home for an elderly downtown resident.
Public Works Director Lou Gutheil said Grimmett worked closely with an elderly woman who had been living on her in own in increasingly unsafe conditions. Gutheil said Grimmett “went above and beyond” her role as a city employee.