Republic Council approves two more subdivisions

Russell appoints Gerke to fill vacant Ward 1 city council seat
 
In a meeting originally set for Oct. 19 but rescheduled for Oct. 26 due to a lack of quorum, Republic City Council approved two more final plats for new subdivisions in Republic. The first approval came for Olde Savannah Phase Two and the second for Monte Cristo Phase 10.
Old Savannah Phase Two will divide 4.65 acres into 19 residential lots at the 6300 block of South Farm Road 89. A preliminary plat for the project was originally submitted to the city in May 2020. Following the staff's recommendation, the council approved the ordinance 7-0.
Monte Cristo Phase 10 was equally welcomed by council, passing 7-0. Phase 10 consists of 15.5 acres, which will be divided into 40 residential lots. Interestingly, the preliminary plat for this project was submitted to the city more than 15 years ago, in March of 2006. The subdivision will be located at the north termination of South Calabria Avenue; its east side along South Main Street.  

Other action by council

Also passing on a 7-0 vote was:
- An ordinance amending city code;
- An ordinance authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with Missouri Department of Social Services Family Support Division regarding low income household water assistance program, which will be used for disconnect fees, past due bills and reconnection fees;
- A resolution for a preliminary plat of Emerald Valley Phase Two, a residential subdivision consisting of 48 acres, which will be divided into 145 residential lots located at the 1300 block of North Main Street;
- A resolution authorizing a public donation agreement accepting real property from Convoy of Hope. The city will receive 3.12 acres at the 7200 block of Farm Road 144 on which a water tower will be built. In exchange for the land, Convoy of Hope will be allowed to place its logo on the tower. The acreage runs along the east side of the northbound James River Freeway exit onto I-44 eastbound;
- A resolution authorizing a fourth amendment to a communication lease with New Cingular Wireless;
- A resolution to enter into an engagement agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus and Company for underwriting services to issue special obligation bonds or certificates of participation for funding capital improvements projects. The projects noted by the city were infrastructure matters including upgrades to water, sewer and wastewater movement which will likely surpass $150 million.

New council member
Following the April 2021 departure of council member Brandon Self, Ward 1, the city began seeking his replacement. At the Oct. 26 meeting, Republic Mayor Matt Russell appointed Eric Gerke to fill the position. The appointment was approved by the board with a vote of 6-1, Ward 1 council member Eric Franklin dissenting, following his comments of recommendation for another candidate. Gerke, not in attendance, was eventually sworn in at the Nov. 4 council meeting.