Council approves consent agenda, postpones Cook Road Bridge aesthetics agreement to Nov. 27

The Saint Joseph City Council voted to accept a multi-item consent agenda and postponed a municipal cost‑apportionment agreement for aesthetic improvements to the Cook Road Bridge to the Nov. 27 council meeting.

Clerk read consent items that included a nomination to the traffic commission, an ordinance amending cable-communications code language, acceptance of $3,436.84 from the Missouri Department of Public Safety for police training, a $55,671 continuum-of-care planning grant from HUD, the purchase of two mobile message boards for $34,710, and a $416,739.48 sewer‑cleaner purchase, among others.

Council member Trapp moved and Council member Grama seconded the motion to accept the consent agenda; the motion passed by voice vote with 9 ayes.

On item number 15, a proposed ordinance authorizing a cost‑apportionment agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund aesthetic improvements to the Cook Road Bridge (not to exceed $34,900), Council member Novak moved and Council member Schomburg seconded a motion to postpone the bill to the Nov. 27 meeting. The motion carried 9 ayes.

City manager provided a brief report: staff is exploring financing options for a proposed youth sports facility, likely using general‑obligation bonding authority but seeking to avoid straining the city's bonding capacity. On American Rescue Plan Act funds, staff said they will return a resolution on Nov. 27 with final ARPA projects; staff proposed adding a wireless network upgrade at a cost of $195,000 and removing a previously proposed $20,000 security expenditure for Pady Market after the health department identified an alternative grant source.

The council adjourned after hearing no other business.