Dexter City Administrator Dave Wyman said as part of his report Monday evening at the Dexter Board of Aldermen meeting that MODOT is conducting a study on Highway 60 from Bertrand to Morehouse. The purpose of the study is to determine the what is needed to convert Highway 60 to Interstate 57.
Wyman said everyone is encouraged to go to the MODOT website and fill out a questionnaire on the study. He said the steps taken in the changeover will affect Dexter.
Wyman said the city is also watching a study in Kentucky. The study is to determine where the new bridge from Kentucky ti Illinois will be constructed. It could be built where the current bridge is shutdown. Another option is a bridge spanning both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Currently travelers must cross at Cairo. Wyman said this is important due to the amount of freight shipped out of Missouri.
Wyman said the city has received a CDBG grant for the walking trail project. The city is also working on a grant to go towards water and sewer line repair/replacement. He said there is no update on the proposed sale of the Tyson plant.
Economic
Development
Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell said two ribbon cuttings are scheduled. The first was scheduled for Tuesday at noon at the Stoddard County Family Resource Center. The second will be December 21 at the Travel Lodge near Penny’s Dinner. Trammell also said she has been asked to serve on the Chamber Executives of Missouri Board. This is the professional development board of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Cocoa Crawl will be this Saturday evening. Trammell said there are a few cocoa mugs still available at the Chamber office.
Other Business
Mayor Jason Banken appointed Kevin Barks to the Airport Board. The board approved the appointment. Banken also asked for a liquor license upgrade to the Tin Can Tavern and Dexter Pizza to a resort liquor license. The board approved the upgrade.
Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jim Overall said 11,061 water meters have been replaced in the city so far. He said the project is briefly stopped to address some issues and is expected to be completed around the end of January.
The dexter Police Department will participate in the Holiday DWI Enforcement. Police Chief Hank Trout said the department received a grant to go towrd the purchase of equipment. He also said the department has received word from Nestle Purina that a donation will be received to go toward repairs at the animal shelter.
The Parks and Recreation Department received a $47,000 grant that in part will be used to purchase new picnic tables. The pa system at the pool has also been replaced.