Ava City Council: Runway Lights, Upcoming Election, Leaf Pickup

by Doug Berger

On Tuesday, November 24th, the Ava Board of Aldermen convened for a business session at 5 p.m.

Airport Runway Lights

The Board approved a bid from Strukel Electric, Inc., Girard, Kansas, of $352,678.50 for work on an Ava Bill Martin Memorial Airport runway light project. The bid also includes the installation of a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPPI) system.

The City of Ava is responsible for funding 10 percent of the project. The remainder of the funding would come through federal funding administrated through the Missouri Department of Transportation. Ava would be responsible for $35,268 of the costs. It was indicated that the Missouri Aviation Club would be willing to pay $2,193 towards the city’s share, because the city agreed to add the installation of the PAPPI system.

Community Center

The Board also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute and city clerk to attest a contract or agreement with the Douglas County Council on Aging for the use of the community center. The resolution indicated that “the City of Ava, known as the facility provider, has in the past leased the Ava Community Center Building located at 108 N. Spurlock St. to the Senior Age Area Agency on Aging to be used as their nutrition site. The Douglas County Council on Aging has requested to enter into a lease agreement with a lease rate of $500 per month ending June 30, 2021. Renewal to begin annually on the city’s fiscal year starting July 1.”

Upcoming Election

The first and second readings of an ordinance were approved calling a general municipal election to be held in the City of Ava on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, for the purpose of electing a mayor and two aldermen, one from the East Ward and one from the West Ward of the city.

The filing for offices will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The filing deadline for candidates desiring their name to appear on the printed ballots shall be 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. All candidates must file their names with the city clerk at city hall, located at 404 S. Jefferson St., during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sidewalk Project

The mayor also reported the 305 feet of sidewalk adjacent to the school property has been completed. City workers completed the work. The cost of the project, not including labor, was $3,200. The  Ava School District paid for half of the project.

Water Line Boring

It was also reported that Kelly Drilling had completed the boring for water lines under South Jefferson St. in addition to boring work on the city square. The cost of the project was $25,860.

Wastewater Filter

The city has completed its work in preparation for the installation of a new filter at the waste water treatment plant. 

Leaf Pickup

Leaf pick-up will be conducted from December 7-11.

Water Usage

The mayor stressed that customers should monitor their water usage, because water usage figures between October 15 and January 15, are used in determining the sewer billing charges.

UM Extension Council

Douglas County University of Missouri Extension Council chairman Tommy Roberts invited a representative from the City of Ava to serve on the Extension Council.

Attendance

Councilmen present were Billy Stewart, Noel Dye, Keith Jones, and Stan Lovan.

Next Meeting

City officials and aldermen will reconvene on December 8th at 5 p.m. at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.