Republic rezones for major subdivision

Self, Gerlek added to council; Arvest coming to town
 
After a small amount of discussion the evening of Tuesday, July 19, Republic City Council voted whole heartedly to rezone 100.64 acres of farmland between the 800 and 1500 block of Highway 174 from Sandstone West Planned Development District to Prairie Ridge Planned Development District.
Prairie Ridge PDD is a residential mixed use development made up of 15.9 acres of multi-family dwellings resulting in 300 total units, and 84.74 acres for single family residential homes, totaling 291 lots.
During the council meeting prior, several nearby residents spoke again the project and its high density status. Another returned to speak against it at this meeting, as well. But the council was unmoved, passing the rezone 6-0.

Also passing 6-0, was an ordinance:
- Authorizing an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for sidewalk improvements to ensure compliance with American Disabilities Act standards.
- Approving a special use permit for for KO Storage of Ozark to operate a boat, vehicle, and self-storage facility at 909 North College Avenue.

In other business…
- On a 7-0-1 vote, the council passed a resolution to authorize an agreement with Arvest Bank to provide depository and banking services. Although Arvest doesn't have a location in Republic, a courier service will be used. Andrea Sitzes, representing Arvest at the meeting, said, "As soon as possible we will have a location here."
- Council voted 8-0 to pass a resolution approving a preliminary plat for Tiger Creek, a residential subdivision on approximately 40 acres at 3445 East Hines Street.
- Council voted 8-0 approving demolition of the current public works building located at 221 N. Main Avenue.
- Council voted 8-0 authorizing the city administrator to enter into a contract with Redec, LLC for professional advisory services.

New council members
Following an interview process to determine who should occupy two open seats on council, Mayor Matt Russell announced that former Council Member Brandon Self would be appointed to fill the Ward 3 seat left open by Shane Grooms, who vacated the seat; and the Ward 4 spot that opened when Council Member Jim Deichman passed away, would be filled by Clint Gerlek. Both appointees were present and duly sworn in by City Clerk Laura Burbridge.