Mexico, Missouri Development News
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City of Mexico
Published: Jul 14, 2026
City Council Approves Additional Excavation at Lake View Lake as Part of Culvert Replacement Project
The council authorized a change order for the fair grounds culvert replacement project, which includes additional work to excavate the west end of Lake View Lake. The project, initially funded by ARPA stormwater grants from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), aims to replace a culvert. As part of the process, the lake had to be lowered, presenting an opportunity for additional excavation at the west end. DNR approved the use of $100,000 for this excavation. Sam Gaines Construction, the contractor, will perform the work, with a maximum not-to-exceed amount of $100,000. This brings the total project cost to $339,727.16. Due to previous change orders, the project is exceeding the ARPA grant maximum, and $550,000 will be transferred from the capital improvement sales tax fund to cover costs. The excavation depth is targeted at 5 feet, recommended by the conservation department to address algae problems and silting. This dredging is expected to decrease the need for future culvert maintenance and improve the lake's aesthetics and usability for fishing. Permits are in place, and the city is coordinating with the street department for hauling excavated material. The street will be closed for approximately one month for this work. A separate resolution (Bill number 2026-42) was passed to authorize the city manager to sign this change order.
Parkplace Subdivision Amended Plat Approved by City Council
The council discussed and approved an amended sketch plan and final plat for Parkplace Subdivision. Timothy Furlong requested the change, with Brush and Associates serving as the surveyor. The amendment adjusts lot lines to make them more user-friendly and easier to develop, particularly addressing issues with sanitary sewer mains running from the east and west. Due to the lot line adjustments, one lot was eliminated. The plan was previously reviewed by Planning and Zoning (P&Z) on May 5th and by the council on May 11th. P&Z recommended approval of the amended plat on June 23rd. The location is along Mars Street, east of Birkshshire Estates and between Mars and J Street. The changes aim to improve developability by making some lots larger and more accessible to sewer lines. The amended plat was approved.
Gemma Architects Selected for Design Services for New City Hall/Public Safety Facility
The city council authorized the city manager to sign an agreement with Gemma for professional design and construction administrative services for the new city hall/public safety facility at the former green medical center cancer site. After a request for qualifications (RFQ) process involving eight firms, Gemma and Arc Images were the top two. Following interviews, Gemma was selected for their professionalism and familiarity with similar projects. The contract negotiated with Gemma totals $857,312.49. This cost is considered reasonable given current industry averages where design costs can reach approximately 27% of construction costs. The project timeline includes schematic design through October 2026, design development through January 2027, construction documents through May 2027, bidding in June 2027, and anticipated construction start in mid-to-end June 2027, with completion projected for July 2028. The firm's team, including David Loll from Navigate Building Solutions, John Ebert (partner at Gemma), and Matt Sutherland (principal and project manager), presented two conceptual design options (Contextual and Contemporary) for the facility, emphasizing the reuse of the existing building and potential additions. The scope of services covered by the contract includes all engineering and construction administration expenses.
City Council Approves Additional Use Permit for Shipping Containers on East Liberty Street
The city council considered a request for an additional use permit to place four shipping containers on a property located at 5550 East Liberty Street. The applicant, Michael Hillwick, intended to use these containers for commercial storage. Initially proposed for the east end of the property, staff advised that this location would have an adverse impact due to its proximity to the highway and visibility. Following discussions, an amended location south of the existing storage building was proposed and deemed satisfactory, being far enough back to not adversely impact the neighborhood. The planning and zoning commission recommended approving the use of the containers for commercial storage, provided they are placed adjacent to the south property boundary, making them difficult to see from the highway. During the council meeting, concerns were raised regarding the appearance of the containers, potential for increased traffic hazards, fire hazards, adverse effects on neighborhood character or general welfare, and utility strain. Staff confirmed that the containers would be nearly new and well-maintained, and while there are no specific codes for shipping containers, they fall under general property maintenance codes. The council found no substantially increased traffic or fire hazards, nor adverse effects on neighborhood character or general welfare, nor overt tax on utilities, allowing them to approve or deny the permit. The permit was ultimately approved.
Sanitary Sewer Relocation Approved to Support Hospital Demolition Project
The city council considered authorizing Plan B Development to relocate a sanitary sewer line due to the ongoing demolition of the Andre Medical Center. The relocation is necessary because several houses in the northwest parking lot and Barbar Lane area are connected to a sewer main that runs towards the hospital, and disconnecting it would terminate service to these homes. Plan B Development provided an estimate of $22,917 for relocating approximately 170 linear feet of 8-inch main, including tying into an existing manhole and placing a new one. While the 2025-2026 annual budget has under $12,000 remaining for collection system improvements, this project would utilize reserve funds, leaving approximately $68,985 in the reserve. Staff believes this is the final unexpected cost related to the hospital demolition. The council recommended proceeding with authorizing Plan B Development for this work.
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