The Student News Site of University of Central Missouri

Muleskinner

The Student News Site of University of Central Missouri

Muleskinner

The Student News Site of University of Central Missouri

Muleskinner

City to assist credit union move, temporarily lifts open container ban

By MICHAEL FREEMAN (WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) – The city plans to chip in to help the downtown credit union relocate to the empty lot that was once a Hardee’s at the corner of Young and Maguire streets.
The City Council on Monday approved the first reading of a development agreement with Central Missouri Community Credit Union. In a letter to the city, the credit union reported that plans are complete for a $4.2 million building at the corner of Young and Maguire streets. The agreement requires final approval by the council.
The relocation breathes new life to a prominent corner of town and also adds five new jobs, according to the credit union.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is requiring the construction of a new turn lane at the intersection. The city will pay about half of the construction costs, no more than $77,500 of the estimated $155,153 total, for the new turn lane, according the development agreement.
Councilman Dr. Curt Dyer said Central Missouri Community Credit Union has been a valued business in Warrensburg for many years.
In other business, the council passed an ordinance that defines a homeless shelter and reduces the amount of parking spaces required at a shelter. Under the previous code, 20 parking spaces would have been required – one for each bed.
Now, only one parking space is required for every four beds at a homeless shelter.
“Under the new ordinance, it will be seen as different from a regular multifamily unit,” said Barbara Carroll, director of community development.
There is a homeless shelter in town at 208 Emerson St. The council approved a site plan for the shelter with an addition that is 15 feet by 46 feet and seven parking spaces. The new addition will be used as a dining hall and a living room area.
The council also agreed to temporarily suspend an ordinance to allow the consumption of alcohol at a downtown ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 25. The event will take place on West Pine Street as a celebration for the completion of the downtown streetscape project.
The city prohibits people from drinking alcohol on the street, but the council agreed to lift the ban between 5 and 9 p.m. during the event.
“The plan is that wristbands will be utilized,” said Doug Harris, city attorney.
Wristbands will be unique for each bar or restaurant downtown, Harris said. Barriers would also be placed at the ends of the street to ensure safety.
“I see it as a first date,” said Chairman Pro-Tem Charlie Rutt. “If it goes well, we may consider something like it again in the future.”
Also during the meeting, Dr. Matthew VanSchenkhof presented the Convention and Tourism Advisory Board’s strategies and goals for the future. As well as serving on the board, VanSchenkhof is assistant professor of hotel and restaurant administration at UCM.
VanSchenkhof said the CTAB is focusing on bringing more special events to Warrensburg, which would result in more multiple-night stays at local hotels. The board is also working with the city, UCM and Whiteman Air Force Base to develop a calendar that combines activities from each of these communities.
The board is also collecting more data on Warrensburg in order to understand what types of programs may benefit the community the most. VanSchenkhof said he intends to utilize UCM students from the College of Business next semester to help with this.
City Council members applauded the CTAB’s efforts.
“I’m pleased with the progress this organization has made,” said Councilman Baird Brock.
 
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City to assist credit union move, temporarily lifts open container ban