Council approves design-build for new bike track, Civic Center Park upgrades

By Cameron Montemayor

St. Joseph’s growing mountain bike landscape will see a new and enhanced attraction in the future following approval from city council on Monday.

Council members authorized an agreement with American Ramp Company for design-build services for a new pump track at Huston-Wyeth Park using $347,395 in transient guest tax funds.

The project will see the existing dirt pump track at the park replaced by a new hard surface track. The current dirt track is difficult to maintain both from a vegetation control and erosion control standpoint, particularly after rain events.

“We’re hoping that we can get at least half of the existing dirt pump track turned into hard surface, maybe more. We’ll kind of see where that goes and see where our funding allows us to go,” Kempf said. “We want to make it more attractive and we want to make that a really nice functional track.”

The pump track is a circuit of rolling hills and banked turns, acting as a training course to allow less experienced or younger mountain bikers to develop and sharpen their skills before they tackle advanced trails like ones at the River Bluff Trails Park in St. Joseph.

The track will be located in the open area north of the circular overlook and picnic shelter. The new track surface, likely asphalt, will allow for both skateboards and non-motorized scooters to be used as well.

“The mountain bike folks really like the asphalt better than the concrete. It’s a surface that’s a little better for the bike tires. And just to get some grip, it’s a little safer. So that’s likely what we’ll do,” Kempf said. “That pump track serves a lot of purposes.”

Kempf said it’s possible demolition on the old pump track could begin this fall, setting them up for construction to start in spring of 2025.

On Monday, council members also authorized a $466,384 purchase order with Auxier Construction Company for improvements to sidewalks and the landing area at Civic Center Park. The sidewalk and landing improvement project is one of several projects for Civic Center Park utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The entire landing and two main north and south sidewalks will be replaced due to deterioration in the concrete. The landing concrete will be 8 inches thick to support heavier equipment, if needed. Additionally, drain inlet repairs will be made. Other areas of the sidewalks in the park that need repair will be replaced along with curb replacement if needed.

Rosecrans to receive control tower project funds

City Council members authorized an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursable funds in the amount of $105,221 for construction phase services for the new Rosecrans Memorial Airport traffic control tower. The ordinance also directs $11,691 in matching capital funds from the city.

The 139th Airlift Wing is in the long-term process of relocating to the north end of the base and is now deep into construction of its new air traffic control tower, runway apron and terminal, significant construction projects designed to modernize the airport for long-term success.

Airport officials have said the control tower is expected to be finished by late summer of 2025, while the new terminal is likely to be finished by fall of this year.

Council approves fire department measures

Council members approved the filing of an application with the Leary Firefighters Foundation in the amount of $20,174 to provide funding for a Unimac Pocket Washer Extractor for the St. Joseph Fire Department Headquarters.

The heavy-duty piece of machinery is a vital component for preventing cancer among firefighters today. The washer is capable of washing off hazardous substances that can be difficult to remove from firefighter gear.

Councilmembers also approved rolling forward unspent fiscal year 2024 funds donated to the city in the amount of $23,456 to finalize funding for various fire department equipment purchases.

ARPA funds approved for Downtown block improvements

Nearly $11,000 in ARPA funds were also approved for sidewalk repairs at 502 Francis to the southwest corner of 6th Street as part of the Mosaic Block Rehabilitations project. Sidewalk work is one of several block improvements that will take place in the lead up the opening of the InspireU Children’s Discovery Museum at 521 Felix St. in December.

Other measures approved by City Council

City leaders signed off on an agreement with the Social Welfare Board and Stuber Health Center in an amount not to exceed $528,568 to provide ambulatory and other health services and a lease agreement for space at Patee Market Health Center.

Monday’s meeting also saw council execute a public transit operating assistance grant agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation commission in the amount of $196,710.

Councilmembers approved a contract worth up to $118,120 with DS Industrial Solutions for the landfill epoxy floor project. 

Restroom projects receive change order

City Council authorized a $10,086 change order with Brooner Construction & Crane for restroom facility renovations at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, Northside Complex and Bartlett Park.

During demolition of the restroom at the Joyce Raye Patterson, deterioration was found due to water leaking behind the wall. The deterioration will require additional framework and sheet rock needs to be removed and replaced.

It was also discovered that the specifications for toilet accessories located at Bartlett Park and the Northside Complex were incorrect. Seven paper towel dispensers, three soap dispensers, and three toilet paper dispensers will be removed and deducted from the original scope of work.