City of Rolla Weekly E-Updates (Aug. 13, 2012)

Rolla’s Olympian

Chantae McMillan

makes history

By Mayor Bill Jenks, III

After finishing third during her first Olympic Trial attempt in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials for the heptathlon (a program made up of seven events) at Hayward Field in Eugene Oregon, and competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games In London, England, Rolla’s Chantae McMillan, a track star, graduate and High School All-American at Rolla High School, has made history. And in doing so, she has made our community extremely proud of her.

Regardless of whether you have been following the 2012 U.S. Olympic heptathlon team compete in the Summer Games in London, or if you are aware of the many accomplishments of Chantae’s distinguished track and field career at Rolla High School or the University of Nebraska where she was an All-American, 4-time Big 12 Champion, team captain and school record holder in the Indoor Pentathlon and Outdoor Heptathlon, there is reason to celebrate, take notice, and recognize the special achievements and accomplishments of this truly gifted and amazing athlete. Despite suffering a knee injury and undergoing surgery last summer, she made her Olympic debut in the 2012 Summer Games in London. 

It goes without saying that the entire Rolla City Council and Rolla community are extremely proud of Chantae’s performance at the 2012 Summer Games in London, and how much pride and honor she has brought to Rolla High School, Rolla Public Schools, and the Rolla community throughout her stellar track and field career. A special thanks and recognition also has to go out to Chantae’s parents, Badger and Peggy McMillan, who reside in Rolla, and of course Rolla High School varsity track coach Don Knapp and Don’s wife, Joyce, who both played an integral role in Chantae’s track and field career while she was a student for four years at Rolla High School. Coach Knapp is known not only as a talented and gifted track coach, but also a remarkable mentor and motivational stand-out to the thousands of students and athletes he has coached throughout his distinguished coaching career at Rolla High School. It was only fitting that Coach Knapp and his wife, Joyce, attended both the 2012 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, and the 2012 Summer Games in London where they, along with Chantae’s parents, attended all of the heptathlon events Chantae competed in.

Chantae’s accomplishments as an extraordinary athlete with an Olympic legacy - that to many would be considered legendary in the Rolla area - are all the more timely and fitting, as over 4,000 students will be starting school in the Rolla Public School system on Aug. 15. Already a household name in the sports world and athletic record books at Rolla High School, Chantae’s accomplished career in track and field, combined with her academic accomplishments at RHS and the University of Nebraska, where she recently graduated, will give students and student athletes encouragement, motivation and inspiration today, and for years to come. That is truly a gift that many folks can only wish to bestow once in a lifetime. I am looking forward, along with the Rolla City Council, in formally recognizing and congratulating Chantae and her parents at a future Rolla City Council meeting. I’m sure the entire Rolla community will be thrilled to shower her with praise, pay tribute to her, and her accomplishments as an Olympic athlete. We wish Chantae only the very best to come! 

Remarkably as it may seem to have Rolla’s Chantae McMillan compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics, I am also very proud to recognize and congratulate Tyrone Smith, a former track and field standout at Missouri S&T who also competed in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, and finished 12th in the finals of the long jump competition.  Missouri S&T is known throughout the country and many parts of the world as a leader in research, science, engineering and technology, and student athletes like Tyrone Smith who have competed at the Olympic level, surely reflect the quality of student athlete at our own Missouri S&T I’m sure the athletic department at Missouri S&T and faculty, staff and students are more than thrilled with the accomplishments of Mr. Smith and the great legacy he leaves at Missouri S&T and the Rolla community.

Enjoy the weekend and have a safe week!

Rolla Planning and Zoning

Commission Meeting

set for Aug. 14

The next Rolla Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Rolla City Hall – Council Chambers, 901 N. Elm St.

In addition to the approval of the May 8, 2012 P&Z Commission meeting, there will be a report on City Council actions at the Aug. 6 City Council meeting when a resolution was passed supporting the Country Hills Affordable Housing Project through MHDC.

There will also be a public hearing on a request to revise Exhibit I of Pebble Stone Planned Unit Development (Forness), and a report from the Chairperson, committees or staff regarding the following: 

A.  Board of Adjustment met on August 2, 2012 and approved a request to allow an off premise sign within 1000 feet of residential zoning, to be used as a billboard.

B. General overview on possible projects and upcoming Planning and Zoning request.

Parking pain, but

payoffs enormous

By Linda Fulps

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Communications Department

Those looking for a place to park or trying to maneuver the streets around the Missouri S&T campus may be irritated by all the construction created by the geothermal energy project. The university recognizes this construction may be an inconvenience, but the long-term benefits of the project are enormous.

The geothermal project will replace Missouri S&T's aging coal-fired plant, which was built in 1945. It will cut the campus’s annual energy use by half, its carbon footprint by 25,000 metric tons per year and water usage by 8,000,000 gallons per year.

The project will also eliminate a backlog of about $26 million in postponed maintenance costs for the power plant. Those costs include the replacement of boilers, steam lines and other outdated infrastructure.

Ground-source wells dug around campus are being fit with pipes and connected to create closed geothermal loops. Water will be circulated through the loops from three geothermal plants that will be built on campus. The system will allow energy to be stored in and reclaimed from about 600 well fields around campus.

The City of Rolla reminds drivers not to block driveways or entrances to businesses or properties in the downtown Rolla area, and to be aware of timed parking hours, which will be enforced.

Learn more about the project online, please visit http://geothermal.mst.edu.

Drive Sober or

Get Pulled Over

Rolla Police Cracking Down

on Impaired Drivers Aug. 17 – Sept. 3

The sobering fact is that impaired driving contributes to nearly 30 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2011, 220 people were killed and 902 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver; that’s why the Rolla Police Department will join other Missouri law enforcement agencies to crack down on drunk driving Aug. 17 – Sept. 3.

The Rolla Police Department will participate in statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols enforcing Missouri’s DWI laws and keeping impaired drivers off the road.

Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences,” said Sgt. Tim Mayfield. “Our message is simple and unwavering: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.

City widens 10th Street

from Hwy. 63 to

Spring Avenue

The City of Rolla Street Department continues a project to widen 10th Street from Hwy. 63 to Spring Avenue. The current phase of the project includes the milling/paving of an additional right turn lane onto Hwy. 63 that will greatly improve traffic flow and safety at this busy intersection.

Caution signs will be posted in the construction area, indicating that this is a work zone, and for motorists to please drive carefully. During this time the City appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the public.

For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 364-8659 or visit www.rollacity.org.

Rolla City Council

Mtg., Aug. 20

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street.

Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday.
To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948

Budget Workshops

set for Aug. 27 and 29

at Rolla City Hall

The Rolla community is invited to attend a series of City budget workshops scheduled for Monday, Aug. 27 and Wednesday, Aug. 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall (901 North Elm St.).

The budget workshops will provide the Rolla City Council, City staff and members of the community an opportunity to review and discuss the City of Rolla’s 2012-2013 fiscal year budget, which officially begins Oct. 1.

Public hearings to discuss and provide input on the 2012-2013 City budget will be held during the Sept. 5 and Sept. 17 Rolla City Council meetings, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall.

For more information regarding the City’s upcoming 2012-2013 budget, please call the City’s Finance Department at (573) 426-6980 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org.

International Idol

Talent Competition

auditions, Sept. 6

Do you sing, dance, rap, act, or play a musical instrument? Talented community members (all ages and acts are welcome) are invited to audition for the International Idol competition on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Havener Center, Meramec Room, on the Missouri S&T campus.

The final competition will be held during the 3rd Annual Celebration of Nations event on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Downtown Bandshell (located at the corner of 9th and Oak Street.) Group and individual prizes will be awarded.

To sign up or for more information, please contact Rebecca Holmes at rmhq57@mst.edu or Barbi Spencer at spencerbar@mst.edu.

Celebration of Nations was created to promote awareness, understanding and the celebration of the vibrant cultural diversity that makes Rolla unique to the Ozarks. ”One Campus. One Community. One World.”

Operation Neighborhood

Clean-up set for Nov. 2

The 5th annual “Operation Neighborhood Clean-up” will be held on Friday, Nov. 2 throughout the Rolla community in designated, high priority areas. The selection of these properties will be determined by the City of Rolla Police Department and the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance.

All volunteers are asked to attend the welcome gathering at 6:30 a.m. at Greentree Christian Church Youth Center located at 801 East 10th Street. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. The clean-up will take place from 7 a.m. to 12-noon.

The entire community is invited to participate in this beautification effort, which is once again being coordinated by the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance and the Rolla Police Department.

Operation Neighborhood Clean-up is an opportunity for residents to partner with the Rolla Area Ministerial Alliance, community churches, and the Rolla Police Department to enhance a sense of community, well being, pride and property values among the neighborhoods where the clean up is conducted.

The clean-up effort will involve limited tree trimming, hedge trimming, and the removal of brush piles, leaves, household items and trash. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering may contact Chris Foster, Adult Education Minister at Greentree Christian Church, at 364-2649 or cfoster@greentreerolla.org, or Officer Vince Giacolone at the Rolla Police Department at 308-1213 or at vgiacolone@rollacity.org. 

Rolla Downtown

Farmer’s Market

open every Tuesday

The Rolla Downtown Farmer’s Market is open and operating under the new shade structure in the lower parking lot of Rolla City Hall from 7 a.m. until 12-noon each Tuesday throughout the growing season.

The Farmer’s Market is coordinated by Roy Fiscus and Wilma Bingham, and spots are available for vendors to sell their items, but they must be locally grown or made products/produce (Phelps County).

No flea market, yard sale type items will be permitted. All spots are first come, first served. The cost to host a booth is $2 per day, which is given to the organizers the day the vendors are there.

For additional information, please contact Roy Fiscus at 341-8045 or Wilma Bingham at 364-5544.

Environmental Services Important Dates

 (clip & save coupon)

Sept. 3, 2012 - Labor Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Oct. 6, 2012 - Citywide Fall Clean Up: Saturday - Citywide clean up day (residential only).

Nov. 22, 2012 – Thanksgiving Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2012 – Christmas Day:  Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

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Holidays NOT affecting trash or recycling collection:

            Oct. 8, 2012 – Columbus Day

            Nov. 12, 2012 – Veteran’s Day

Nov. 23, 2012 – Day after Thanksgiving

Rolla Channel 16

live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting, Planning & Zoning meeting, Rolla Public School Board meeting or Board of Public Works meeting, you can now watch them live on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com.

Rolla Channel 16, Rolla’s premiere Education and Government channel, is also now live streaming (24/7) at http://rollachannel16.com. RC16 is live streaming all Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, Rolla Public Schools board meetings, Rolla High School Review and “City Minutes” hosted by the City of Rolla’s Communications Office.

Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com.

For more information regarding programming or DVD duplication of Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning meetings, and Rolla Public Schools board meetings, etc., please call (573) 426-3377. Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 2012

Aug. 14 – Planning & Zoning Commission Mtg. (5:30 p.m.); City Hall – Council Chambers

Aug. 18 – Relay for Life (noon-midnight); Lions Club Park, Hwy. 63 South

Aug. 20 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Aug. 24 – 4th Annual Bulldog Pride Night (5:30 p.m.); Rolla High School – Lions Memorial Stadium

Aug. 27 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall – Council Chambers

Aug. 29 – City Council Budget Workshop (5:30 p.m.); City Hall – Council Chambers

Aug. 31 – Sept. 3 – The Centre will be closed for annual Preventative Maintenance

SEPTEMBER 2012

Aug. 31- Sept. 3 – The Centre will be closed for annual Preventative Maintenance

Sept. 3 – City Hall closed for Labor Day holiday

Sept. 5 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Sept. 6 – International Idol Talent Competition Auditions (6-8 p.m.); Havener Center (to register, contact Rebecca Holmes at rmhq57@mst.edu)

Sept. 8 – Cruise In (5-8 p.m.) Fairground Chevrolet; 100 Fairgrounds Rd.

Sept. 17 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Sept. 26 – Eggs & Issues (7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.); Oak Meadow Country Club; to RSVP, call the Rolla Chamber at 364-3577

Sept. 29 – 3rd Annual Celebration of Nations (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park

OCTOBER 2012

Oct. 1 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Oct. 6 – City-wide Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.); residential only
Oct. 13 – 34^th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Oct. 15 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Director

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

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