META — Meta has been approved for a $2.5 million grant coupled with a $990,000 loan for drinking water system improvements through the State Revolving Fund (SRF), a part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Aldermen learned at their Oct. 28 meeting that the DNR’s draft Intended Use Plan (IUP) was revealed earlier in the month.

City Clerk Deidra Buechter noted the board will determine how big a project to undertake based on available funds.

“We are looking at improvements to distribution, the well-house, and tower,” she explained. “We’re waiting for tower costs before we determine the project scope. Then we’ll do our due diligence before a decision is made.”

Buechter confirmed that DNR will allow the city to utilize part of the funding stream, with a proportionate grant and loan combination based on needs.

In related news, Meta’s stormwater and park projects are almost complete.

Bartlett & West Engineer Dillon Feely said that only a few punch-list items remain, with the stormwater project substantially completed as of Sept. 29. A change order was approved by DNR, and TB Dozing & Excavation of Jamestown submitted its second application for payment, which is under review.

• Bartlett & West Engineer Blake Wilbers noted the park project is nearing completion. “We’re waiting for pickleball equipment to finish it,” said Buechter.

The grounds have been seeded and strawed.

Bartlett & West prepared contract documents ready for signatures, reviewed contractor submittals, and is conducting the construction administration phase of the project.

• Aldermen signed a three-year contract with Republic Services for residential customers with an increase to $22.50 per month per resident, effective on Nov. 1. Included in the deal is one 96-gallon container for each customer with weekly pickups. An additional cart would cost $10 per month.

Also included is a door-side pickup service for disabled residents, one annual spring citywide cleanup, and free collections for municipal facilities.

Under the contract, costs will increase annually by 4% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

• Lauber Municipal Law increased its hourly fees for attorney services from $195 to $205, and paralegal services from $100 to $110, effective Oct. 1.

• Aldermen approved a one-year contract with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) for premium services for $499. Dues cover 27 service hours for grant and other technical assistance.

• Aldermen Austin Buechter and Otto Wankum are up for reelection in April.

• The board approved a Christmas ad to be placed in the Unterrified Democrat.

* Aldermen agreed to buy cupcakes to hand out on Dec. 7 for the Christmas on Third event, which will be held from 3-5 p.m., with other festivities planned as in years past. At 5 p.m., the parade will begin with a new route this year: beginning at the maintenance building, going down Olive Street, left on Fourth Street, then down Bertha Street and ending behind the firehouse.

WATER/TRASH

Clerk Buechter reported that 555,439 gallons of water were pumped, with 334,792 gallons sold, 83,000 gallons flushed, 3,000 gallons in tower overflows, 1,250 gallons used by the fire department, and 133,397 gallons (24.02%) in lost or unaccounted for water.

• A total of $6,812.57 in water sales was recorded, with $1,362.02 collected for trash service, $300 in late fees, and $226.79 collected in sales tax. Total charges were $8,701.38, with a previous surplus of $650.62, and payments received in the amount of $9,291.89, leaving a surplus of $1,241.13.

FINANCIAL NEWS

• In her regular monthly financial report, Treasurer Karla Buechter noted income/deposits of $36,315.56 and debits of $24,166.74 for a balance on hand as of Sept. 30 totaling $779,061.19; the money market balance was $143,352.09, the CDBG balance was $4,800.42, and two certificates of deposit totaled $175,000, giving the city a total of $1,102,214.42 in all accounts.