City Council approves variance for church sign

The Tea City Council met April 6 and approved a variance for a church sign.

The sign for Living Hope Church blew down and asked the council for a variance to erect a new sign. The council approved the size at 45 square feet, 13 feet wide and 7 feet tall. They approved the second reading of ordinance 336, recodification of the city of Tea municipal code of ordinances. The code of ordinances will be posted on the city website.

City administrator Justin Weiland said the city budgeted to paint the north water tower, which is in desperate need of painting. The water tower’s paint is 20 years old and showing its age. The council approved the bid of $98,500 from Maguire Iron.

Weiland also noted the city budgeted for a plan to help property owners plant trees within the city on private property. Anyone wanting to participate in the tree planting rebate program needs to fill out an application, bring the city a map of where the trees are planted and a receipt of the tree that was planted. 

Property owners can earn a rebate of up to $200 per property. Contact the city to find out more.

HDR engineer Ben Scholtz presented the Tea Transportation Plan. The plan should be updated every 10 years and can be used to help budget for future road projects. He noted that the city has five times more miles of road than they did 10 years ago. The report will be published on the city website. The council approved the formal adoption of the plan.

Scholtz also talked about the Sundowner Avenue improvement project. He said the project includes addressing drainage and involves putting in sanitary sewer and about a mile of water main. They discussed when to bid the project but did not decide on a date. The council approved the engineering agreement with HDR.

Community development director Albert Schmidt asked the council to consider updating the permitting software. He noted it is not budgeted for this year but asked for a committee to sit in on talks about possible software options for the future.

Weiland said the police department received a grant for a drug detection device. He also said the city shop construction is coming along and the pickleball courts are going to bid.

The council held an executive session.