City of Rolla Weekly Updates (Sept. 6, 2011)

Rolla City Council

Mtg. set for Sept. 6

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 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://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

Community encouraged

to attend public hearing

on City’s annual budget

The public is invited to attend a public hearing for the City of Rolla’s proposed 2011-2012 annual budget at the Rolla City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rolla City Hall Council Chambers (901 N. Elm Street).

During the meeting the City Council will also consider the first reading of the ordinance adopting the City’s 2011-2012 annual budget. The final reading of the City’s annual budget will be made at the Rolla City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Attending the public hearing gives residents and members of the community an opportunity to learn more about and comment on the city’s finances and priorities for the coming year. For more information about the public hearing, please call John Butz, City Administrator, at 426-6948.

Rolla City Council agendas and minutes to past council meetings are posted on the City’s Web site at http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm.

I-44 ramp closures in Rolla

for Kingshighway

interchange

Motorists who want to access eastbound Interstate 44 at mile marker 184 in Rolla will need to find alternate routes beginning Aug. 22, 2011, weather permitting.

H.D. Quadri Contractors, contractor for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), will close the eastbound on-ramp to I-44 as part of a project to construct roundabouts at the interchange.

The ramp will be closed for approximately two weeks. Motorists can access eastbound I-44 by using the I-44 Business Loop (Kingshighway) to U.S. 63 north (Bishop Ave.) to the interchanges at mile markers 185 and 186.

The contractor will have various types of traffic control in place to secure the safety of the motoring public as well as their employees. MoDOT encourages motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow work zone signing and drive safely through the area.

Motorists should expect additional ramp closures at the 184 mile marker interchange as construction continues. Closures are scheduled every two weeks, and construction is staged so only one ramp will be closed at a time. Weather permitting, the on-ramp to westbound I-44 is scheduled to close on Sept. 5. The off-ramp from westbound I-44 is scheduled to close on Sept. 19, and the off-ramp from eastbound I-44 is scheduled to close Oct. 3.

MoDOT appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists during the closures, which are necessary to accelerate construction. Work on the roundabouts should be complete by late 2011.

A roundabout is an intersection which accommodates traffic flow in one direction around a central circular island. As drivers approach a roundabout, they slow down and yield to traffic already circulating through the area. When a gap in traffic appears on the left, drivers enter the roundabout by turning right and following the circle until reaching their exits.

Roundabouts reduce driver delay by allowing motorists to yield until they can safely enter the circle, rather than waiting at a traditional traffic signal. They can also handle higher traffic volumes than signalized intersection and reduce traffic crashes by lowering the speed of vehicles moving through them and eliminating many of the conflict points where vehicles can collide.

For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook for project updates.

  

Caution urged during

round-about construction

on Kingshighway

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through the construction zone where two new round-abouts are being built at the Kingshighway, Interstate-44 bypass by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). And while no detours are posted in this area, the City recommends local motorist and customers use Bridge School Road to St. Johns Parkway as an alternate route. 

Construction of the two round-abouts, referred to as a ‘dogbone’ configuration, is Phase 3 of the ‘Rolla West’ project that began two years ago with the extension of Ridgeview Road at the State Route 63/Highway 72 Intersection, and then the new Bryant Drive Extension and intersection on Kingshighway next to Fairground Chevrolet and the new McDonalds restaurant.

Also included in Phase III of the Rolla West project will be the eventual widening of Kingshighway from three to five lanes, from the Bryant Drive intersection to the I-44/Kingshighway overpass. This project is tentatively schedule in 2012/ 2013. Phase 4 will involve the extension of Ridgeview Road (Hwy. 72) to Bridge School Road. Phase 5 of Rolla West would involve the construction of a fifth Rolla interchange on I-44 west of the Kingshighway overpass at some point in the distant future.

The Rolla West project was presented as part of the Rolla 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update adopted by the Rolla City Council in January 2006. One of the keys to the success of the Rolla West project is the partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Highway Commission, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Phelps County, and the Rolla Regional Economic Commission (RREC).

“Through mutual cooperation we hope to achieve improvements and growth that will propel Rolla and Phelps County into a bright and prosperous future,” said John Butz, Rolla City Administrator.   

For more information, or to view a detailed version of the Rolla West Master Plan, please visit http://www.rollawest.com/index.shtm or contact the City of Rolla Public Works Department at 364-8659.

Rolla Channel 16

now live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting or Planning & Zoning meeting, you can now watch them online 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, all future episodes of “City Minutes”, all Rolla Public Schools board meetings, and Rolla High School Review.

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 contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts

and posters available

at City Hall

Rolla Sesquicentennial commemorative T-shirts and posters are still available to the public for purchase at Rolla City Hall, (901 N. Elm Street).

The vintage Heather grey T-shirts that showcase the Sesquicentennial logo designed by Angi Yowell, Graphic Design Instructor at Rolla Technical Institute, are selling for $5 a piece in the following sizes: Large (3).

The 4-color, 11x17 glossy Sesquicentennial commemorative posters are selling for $2 each.  In addition to the T-shirts and posters, a limited number of newly designed and printed Rolla City flags are available for purchase as well. City flags may be purchased in the Community Development Department (2^nd Floor) at Rolla City Hall for $40 each.

Proceeds from the sales of Sesquicentennial T-shirts and posters will be used to offset costs and expenses incurred for Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration held on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The City of Rolla, which was incorporated 150 years ago on Jan. 25, 1861, continues to celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, which began on Jan. 25, 2011. For more information, please call Scott Grahl, Communications Officer, at 426-6943 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org and click on the Rolla’s 150^th tab.

  

2011 Environmental Services Dept.

List of Important Dates:

(Clip & save for easy reference!)

Oct. 1, 2011 - City-wide Fall Clean-Up: Saturday (residential only)

Nov. 24, 2011 – Thanksgiving Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2011 – Christmas Day (Observed Dec. 26):  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Holidays NOT affecting trash

or recycling collection:

Oct. 10, 2011 – Columbus Day

Nov. 11, 2011 – Veterans Day

Nov. 25, 2011 – Day after Thanksgiving

Hotline number: 341-1168

Upcoming Events

SEPTEMBER 2011

6 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

10 - Canine Plunge at SplashZone (noon-3 p.m.); early registration required

(364-8222)

19 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

24 - Celebration of Nations (11 a.m.-5 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park

OCTOBER 2011

1 - City-wide Fall Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.); residential only

3 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

8 -  Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m.-4 p.m.); downtown Rolla

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

31 – Have a Safe Trick or Treat Night (downtown Rolla)

  

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Officer

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

Follow us on Facebook

& Twitter at www.rollacity.org

Balancing budget top priority for City Council

As the Rolla City Council winds down a lengthy six-month annual budget review process that began in April 2011, I would like to share the content of a recent memo that was sent to all Rolla City employees by Rolla City Administrator John Butz.

Considering the size and scale of the issues the City Council is facing as they continue to discuss ways to balance the budget for the upcoming 2011-2012 fiscal year, I thought it would especially be appropriate to reiterate John’s message to our residents and the Rolla community.

The Council’s challenge in balancing the budget, is even more complicated in the fact that the City’s General Fund cash position desperately needs to be rebuilt. The City’s primary tax revenues in FY 2012 will still likely be less than our FY 2007 tax revenues, which has eroded the City’s “unrestricted” cash position – including the funds needed to pay many bills and much of the City’s payroll.  Further complicating things is the fact that the Sewer Fund, Recreation Fund, The Center Fund, Environmental Services Fund and Street Fund all have reasonably good cash and reserve balances.

As explained to our employees, within the purview of governmental fund accounting, it is not appropriate or legal to arbitrarily shift dedicated funds (sewer fees, trash fees, or dedicated sales taxes such as the transportation sales tax, parks sales tax, gas tax, etc.) to the City’s General Fund to cover basic City services. So although some citizens may have the perception that the City doesn’t necessarily need some of the projects included in the budget such as a new public works facilities, Rolla West improvements, roundabouts, parking lots and festival tents, it’s not really a case of choosing one over the other. Each of the City’s nine funds needs to balance independent of the others – and that is the City’s biggest challenge. The general taxes (sales and property tax revenues) of the City are what supports the General Fund, which is the fund that is in dire need of a cash infusion.

Departmental budgets were submitted in June and July and reasonable cuts were made throughout.  For five years the City has diligently deferred the purchase of equipment and vehicles, deferred hiring replacements (have previously not funded the city engineer, fire marshal, and one building inspector position), deferred many capital projects, and limited personnel increases; and yet, unfortunately, it appears we will likely need to move into specific manpower cuts in FY 2012.  As of the Aug. 22 budget workshop we were still looking at an additional $300,000 in cuts to the General Fund.  After several hours of budget deliberations the City Council made the following motion:        

1)    A proposed .05 cent increase in RMU electric franchise for street lighting

2) Allocation of approximately $60,000 of direct expense from Sewer Fund to offset engineering costs

3)    Elimination of proposed 1% COLA in the entire 2012 budget

4)    Layoffs or additional retirements equivalent to $100,000 in the General Fund

5)  Support for ERIP (Early Retirement Incentive Program) subject to approval at Sept. 6 City Council meeting

6)    Support for consolidation of parks/recreation departments subject to approval on Sept. 6

7)    $25,000 increase in building, park and miscellaneous fees

8)    Hiring freeze

Despite spirited debate Council felt a combination of revenue increases and budget cuts (primarily affecting the General Fund and Park Fund) was necessary.  At this point City staff is finalizing legal review for a possible increase in the RMU franchise fee from 5% to 5.5% (for street lighting) and fine-tuning the final resolution approving the Early Retirement Incentive Program. Unfortunately layoffs in the General Fund remain a strong possibility depending on the number of retirees and the opportunity to reorganize departments. We asked for continued patience as we work through this difficult process.

On a separate note, as we look toward spending time with family and friends over the Labor Day weekend I’d like to remind everyone that Rolla City Hall will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The Rolla City Council meeting, which is usually held the first Monday of the month, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

The Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Monday’s trash on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday. There will be no special pick ups on Wednesday. For more information, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, located at 1200 North Holloway Street, will be closed Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5 for facility’s annual preventative maintenance, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 a.m.

This weekend will also be the final weekend SplashZone (Rolla’s outdoor water park), will be open this year. Closing day at SplashZone is Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 5 from 12-noon to 5 p.m. The popular Canine Plunge (end of the season swim for pets), where you may bring your dog to the SplashZone, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 12-noon to 3 p.m. Registration to this popular event is required, and there is a cost of $5 per dog. All dogs must be vaccinated, accompanied by their owners and be socialized. This event is limited to 30 canines. For more information please call SplashZone at (573) 364-8222.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend and holiday, and a safe school year!

Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 796 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 23 arrests, 18 alarm calls, 18 traffic accident reports, 51 traffic complaints, 17 check the well being requests, 108 traffic stops, 27 disturbance calls (including domestics), 20 suspicious nature complaints, 25 assists of other agencies, 6 narcotics violations, 13 security checks, 15 business escorts, 4 soliciting complaints, 2 lost or stolen property reports and 1 business license complaint. This call total is down 52 calls from last week, but yet another busy week.

• Since its inception, the Rolla Police Department’s VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program has had a close relationship with the Rolla Public Schools. Every school day, VIPS personnel regularly patrol a 2-3 block radius around each school, helping to ensure student safety. In addition, VIPS volunteers monitor traffic speed around the schools, assist the crossing guards, manage summer school traffic, participate in safety presentations and functions at all the schools, and generally assist the School Resource Officer when needed.

In January of 2009, the VIPS program began operations with two patrol vehicles. Both vehicles were used extensively as RPD patrol vehicles prior to the vehicles being assigned to the program. Due to growth in the program, and the fact that each VIPS vehicle had well over 100,000 miles, it was decided that VIPS needed another vehicle to complement existing road operations. Given the level of VIPS activity with the Rolla School District, Captain Jason Smith approached district Superintendent Dr. Aaron Zalis about the possibility of providing a third vehicle to the VIPS’ fleet. Dr. Zalis liked the idea and asked his staff at the Rolla Technical Institute to look for a vehicle (possibly a wrecked police car that could be repaired at RTI) to integrate into the existing fleet. Within a couple of weeks, Collision Repair Instructor Mike Hoffstetter found a 2010 Crown Victoria police car at St. James Auto Salvage that had been in a wreck. Captain Smith and VIPS Director Vince Giacolone looked at the vehicle and determined that, after repair, the vehicle would be perfect for the VIPS program.

•

• In February 2011, the car was purchased by the district and moved to the RTI body shop for repairs. At about the same time, Angie Yowell, RTI’s graphic arts instructor was contacted about the possibility of using the students in her graphics design class to design the exterior graphics for the new VIPS patrol vehicle. Angie liked the idea because it would give her students “real world” design experience. Rough parameters and guidelines were established in two separate meetings and the graphic arts students were then given the challenge of creating the graphic “wrap” for the vehicle. Within three weeks, Angie presented RPD with forty different graphic designs, one from each student, for the wrap. Chief Kearse, Captain Smith and Vince Giacolone selected five of the best designs, and within one week, met one more time in early April with Ms. Yowell to select the final design that would be used on the new VIPS vehicle. Once the design was selected, final body work was completed on the vehicle the graphic design package was given to Sign Dimensions, of Rolla for the exterior wrap to be applied; this was the first week of May. Two weeks later, the car was returned with the wrap in place, but all parties, RPD, RTI, even Sign Dimensions, agreed that the colors in the wrap did not match the anticipated colors presented in the design package. Several attempts at color matching were made during the summer months, but finally the new VIPS car was accepted by RTI and RPD on August 18. Emergency lights, sirens and radios are being installed at the present time.

The Rolla Police Department Volunteers in Police Services and the Rolla Public Schools would like to invite you to the first annual RTI/RTC Family night "Cruise-In" at the Rolla Technical Institute located at 1304 E. 10th St. on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 6 - 8 p.m. The "Cruise-in" will feature custom cars and motorcycles on display and will also be the chosen site for the unveiling of the new Volunteers in Police Services Patrol Car provided by the Rolla Public Schools. We are very excited about the introduction of this "specialty" vehicle to our VIPS program and would like to invite you and your family to share in the excitement. There will be several of our VIPS volunteers on hand to answer any questions you may have concerning the new VIPS patrol car or the VIPS program.

In celebration of the upcoming introduction of our new Volunteers in Police Services vehicle, we would like to announce that on Saturday, September 24, 2011 the new VIPS Patrol car will be featured in the upcoming Celebration of Nations Parade. If you would like to be part of this celebration and ride along in the parade with VIPS Director Vince Giacolone, simply tell us on FaceBook what you like about our VIPS program or about how a VIPS volunteer/officer has provided a service you have witnessed. We will review the stories and choose 2 winners to be our Guest of Honor in the parade. Contest will end on September 21, 2011. Let the stories begin!

This past week the Rolla Police Department was notified by the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic & Highway Safety Division that they will continue to provide us with grant funds for the 2012 fiscal year. During the last few years these funds have been used to combat impaired driving, aggressive driving and occupant protection enforcement by providing funds for manpower and equipment. Over the next several weeks our Patrol Division will be taking part in the “You Drink and Drive, You Lose” driving while intoxicated campaign where enhanced patrols will be conducted targeting intoxicated drivers, speeding violations and careless and imprudent driving incidences.

And in closing I am proud to announce recent promotions within the Rolla Police Department. Effective September 4, 2011 Sgt. Tim Mayfield will begin his duties as shift supervisor in the Patrol Division. Sgt. Mayfield began his tenure with the Rolla Police Department as a Police Explorer. He then went on to become a telecommunicator in Central Dispatch. After a period there, he became interested in becoming a police officer and was appointed to the patrol division where he attained the rank of Corporal, then Sergeant. Sgt. Mayfield left the Rolla Police Department for a brief period to take a position as a Fire Fighter with Rolla Fire and Rescue. Tim then returned to us as a Corporal where he has served remarkably thereby warranting his promotion to Sergeant. Congratulations Tim!

I am also very proud to announce that effective September 4, 2011 Corporal Josh Campbell of the Street Crimes Unit will begin his duties as supervisor of the Street Crimes Unit and the Police K-9 Unit. Josh began his law enforcement career with the Houston, Missouri Police Department before transferring to the South Central Drug Task Force where he served as an agent in covert drug operations. Cpl. Campbell then joined the Rolla Police Department where he continued to serve with the SCDTF until becoming a member of the Street Crimes Unit and K-9 handler. Congratulations Josh.

And last but not least I would like to congratulate Senior Patrol Officer Luke Kearse on his appointment as S.W.A.T. Team Leader. Spo. Kearse served in the U.S. Marine Corps., before joining the Rolla Police Department in January of 2003. Spo. Kearse served in the Patrol Division until his activation in the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserves where he served a year long term in Iraq. Spo. Kearse returned to the Police Department and was critical in the implementation of the newly formed Street Crimes Unit where he currently is assigned. Kearse’s training and experience will be a tremendous asset to the S.W.A.T. team leadership. Congratulations Luke!

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse

City of Rolla Weekend Updates (Sept. 2, 2011)

Rolla Firefighters to

Fill-The-Boot for

MDA, Sept. 2-4

The City of Rolla Fire & Rescue and IAFF Local #3905 will hold their annual “Fill-the-Boot” drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning Friday, Sept. 2 in front of the Rolla Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The Firefighters will be collecting donations from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, then again from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, and from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. They will also have concession on Saturday, Sept. 3. Firefighters will be grilling brats, burgers and hotdogs as well as serving snow cones.

Residents are encouraged to have a dollar or two handy to help the firefighter’s “Fill-the-Boot for MDA. Through the firefighters and their boots, the citizens of Phelps County have stepped forward each year to fill those boots and contribute more each time. In addition to “Fill the Boot,” MDA Coin Canisters have been placed at several local businesses.

The “Fill-the-Boot” has been a tradition for firefighters across the country. In fact, firefighters continue to be the Association’s largest sponsor nationwide and MDA counts on their unwavering support to continue its research and patient care programs.

The Greater Area Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association benefits over 750 families in the Ozarks affected by one of the 43 neuromuscular diseases covered under the Association’s programs. Services include assistance with the repair of wheelchairs and braces, a free summer camp for kids age 6-17, free medical clinics at St. John’s Regional Health Center, and research being conducted at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri in Columbia. All MDA’s services are provided free of charge.

Dollars raised through the Rolla firefighters’ Fill-the-Boot drive will be recognized on the MDA Labor Day Telethon, which airs on KOLR 10 from 6 p.m. to midnight, Sunday, Sept. 4.

City Hall to close

Sept. 5 for

Labor Day Holiday

Rolla City Hall will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The Rolla City Council meeting, which is usually held the first Monday of the month, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). 

The Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Monday’s trash on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday. There will be no special pick ups on Wednesday. For more information, please call the Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.

The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, located at 1200 North Holloway Street, will be closed Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5 for facility’s annual preventative maintenance, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 a.m.

This weekend will also be the final weekend SplashZone (Rolla’s outdoor water park), will be open this year. Closing day at SplashZone is Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 5 from 12-noon to 5 p.m.

The popular Canine Plunge (end of the season swim for pets), where you may bring your dog to the SplashZone, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 12-noon to 3 p.m. Registration to this popular event is required, and there is a cost of $5 per dog. All dogs must be vaccinated, accompanied by their owners and be socialized. This event is limited to 30 canines. For more information please call SplashZone at (573) 364-8222.

Rolla City Council

Mtg. set for Sept. 6

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

During the meeting the public is invited to attend a public hearing for the City of Rolla’s 2011-2012 annual budget. The City Council will also consider the first reading of the ordinance adopting the city’s 2011-2012 annual budget. The final reading of the city’s annual budget will be made at the Rolla City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Attending the public hearing gives residents and members of the community an opportunity to learn more about and comment on the city’s finances and priorities for the coming year.

To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

City Council meetings are also broadcast live on Rolla Channel 16 (RC16). To check to see when the City Council meetings are rebroadcast, please check the RC16 Program Guide online at http://rollachannel16.pegcentral.com.

Rolla PD to crack down

on impaired drivers

Aug. 19-Sept. 5

The sobering fact is that impaired driving contributes to nearly 30% of all Missouri traffic fatalities. In 2010 alone 234 people were killed and 957 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. 19 – Sept. 5, 2011.

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 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 Corporal Tim Mayfield, Rolla Police Department Traffic Division Traffic Supervisor. “Our message is simple and unwavering: You Drink and Drive. You Lose.”

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

Rolla Public Schools

partner with RPD

on new VIPS vehicle 

Building on an already strong partnership to ensure the safety of students and the Rolla Public School system, Captain Jason Smith, with the Rolla Police Department, recently partnered with District Superintendent Dr. Aaron Zalis on an innovative project that will result in a ‘win-win’ scenario for the RPS System, the RPD and Rolla community.
This ‘win-win’ project is the result of a lot of talent, expertise, creativity and effort on the part of several students and instructors at Rolla Technical Institute (RTI) who transformed a badly damaged 2010 Crown Victoria police car into a completely refurbished, newly painted and designed VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service) police vehicle that will complement the VIPS fleet and existing road operations.

Every school day, VIPS personnel regularly patrol a 2-3 block radius around each school, helping to ensure student safety. In addition, VIPS volunteers monitor traffic speed around the schools, assist the crossing guards, manage summer school traffic, participate in safety presentations and functions at the schools, and generally assist the School Resource Officer when needed.

According to VIPS Director Vince Giacolone, who worked closely with Captain Smith and Dr. Zalis on identifying a vehicle that would be appropriate for a VIPS vehicle, the damaged car was purchased by the district from St. James Auto Salvage in February 2011 and moved to the RTI body shop for repairs. RTI Collision Repair Instructor Mike Hoffstetter, and RTI Graphic Design Instructor Angi Yowell both liked the idea of providing their students with ‘real word’ collision repair and graphic design experience. Once the design was selected, final body work was completed on the vehicle, and the graphic design package was given to Sign Dimensions of Rolla for the exterior wrap to be applied. After several attempts at color matching were made the new VIPS car was accepted by RTI and RPD on Aug. 18. Emergency lights, siren and radios are being installed at the present time.

“Budget challenges and the need for additional resources sometimes result in some of the best outcomes when organizations such as Rolla Public Schools and the Rolla Police Department work together,” said Police Chief Mark Kearse. “The Rolla Police Department and the City are very appreciative of Dr. Zalis, Mike Hoffstetter, RTI Collision Repair Instructor, Angi Yowell, RTI Graphic Design Instructor, and the dedicated students at Rolla Technical Institute for all their generosity, efforts, hard work, and creativity.”

The RPS District plans on rolling out and showcasing the new VIPS car at a “Cruise-In” on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at Rolla Technical Institute where other show cars and motorcycles will be displayed. In addition, the new VIPS car will be introduced to the Rolla City Council and on display outside of City Hall at the regular City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

I-44 ramp closures in Rolla

for Kingshighway

interchange

Motorists who want to access eastbound Interstate 44 at mile marker 184 in Rolla will need to find alternate routes beginning Aug. 22, 2011, weather permitting.

H.D. Quadri Contractors, contractor for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), will close the eastbound on-ramp to I-44 as part of a project to construct roundabouts at the interchange.

The ramp will be closed for approximately two weeks. Motorists can access eastbound I-44 by using the I-44 Business Loop (Kingshighway) to U.S. 63 north (Bishop Ave.) to the interchanges at mile markers 185 and 186.

The contractor will have various types of traffic control in place to secure the safety of the motoring public as well as their employees. MoDOT encourages motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow work zone signing and drive safely through the area.

Motorists should expect additional ramp closures at the 184 mile marker interchange as construction continues. Closures are scheduled every two weeks, and construction is staged so only one ramp will be closed at a time. Weather permitting, the on-ramp to westbound I-44 is scheduled to close on Sept. 5. The off-ramp from westbound I-44 is scheduled to close on Sept. 19, and the off-ramp from eastbound I-44 is scheduled to close Oct. 3.

MoDOT appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists during the closures, which are necessary to accelerate construction. Work on the roundabouts should be complete by late 2011.

A roundabout is an intersection which accommodates traffic flow in one direction around a central circular island. As drivers approach a roundabout, they slow down and yield to traffic already circulating through the area. When a gap in traffic appears on the left, drivers enter the roundabout by turning right and following the circle until reaching their exits.

Roundabouts reduce driver delay by allowing motorists to yield until they can safely enter the circle, rather than waiting at a traditional traffic signal. They can also handle higher traffic volumes than signalized intersection and reduce traffic crashes by lowering the speed of vehicles moving through them and eliminating many of the conflict points where vehicles can collide.

For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook for project updates.

  

Caution urged during

round-about construction

on Kingshighway

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through the construction zone where two new round-abouts are being built at the Kingshighway, Interstate-44 bypass by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). And while no detours are posted in this area, the City recommends local motorist and customers use Bridge School Road to St. Johns Parkway as an alternate route. 

Construction of the two round-abouts, referred to as a ‘dogbone’ configuration, is Phase 3 of the ‘Rolla West’ project that began two years ago with the extension of Ridgeview Road at the State Route 63/Highway 72 Intersection, and then the new Bryant Drive Extension and intersection on Kingshighway next to Fairground Chevrolet and the new McDonalds restaurant.

Also included in Phase III of the Rolla West project will be the eventual widening of Kingshighway from three to five lanes, from the Bryant Drive intersection to the I-44/Kingshighway overpass. This project is tentatively schedule in 2012/ 2013. Phase 4 will involve the extension of Ridgeview Road (Hwy. 72) to Bridge School Road. Phase 5 of Rolla West would involve the construction of a fifth Rolla interchange on I-44 west of the Kingshighway overpass at some point in the distant future.

The Rolla West project was presented as part of the Rolla 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update adopted by the Rolla City Council in January 2006. One of the keys to the success of the Rolla West project is the partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Highway Commission, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Phelps County, and the Rolla Regional Economic Commission (RREC).

“Through mutual cooperation we hope to achieve improvements and growth that will propel Rolla and Phelps County into a bright and prosperous future,” said John Butz, Rolla City Administrator.   

For more information, or to view a detailed version of the Rolla West Master Plan, please visit http://www.rollawest.com/index.shtm or contact the City of Rolla Public Works Department at 364-8659.

Rolla Channel 16

now live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting or Planning & Zoning meeting, you can now watch them online 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, all future episodes of “City Minutes”, all Rolla Public Schools board meetings, and Rolla High School Review.

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 contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts

and posters available

at City Hall

Rolla Sesquicentennial commemorative T-shirts and posters are still available to the public for purchase at Rolla City Hall, (901 N. Elm Street).

The vintage Heather grey T-shirts that showcase the Sesquicentennial logo designed by Angi Yowell, Graphic Design Instructor at Rolla Technical Institute, are selling for $5 a piece in the following sizes: Large (2).

The 4-color, 11x17 glossy Sesquicentennial commemorative posters are selling for $2 each.  In addition to the T-shirts and posters, a limited number of newly designed and printed Rolla City flags are available for purchase as well. City flags may be purchased in the Community Development Department (2^nd Floor) at Rolla City Hall for $40 each.

Proceeds from the sales of Sesquicentennial T-shirts and posters will be used to offset costs and expenses incurred for Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration held on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The City of Rolla, which was incorporated 150 years ago on Jan. 25, 1861, continues to celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, which began on Jan. 25, 2011. For more information, please call Scott Grahl, Communications Officer, at 426-6943 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org and click on the Rolla’s 150^th tab.

  

2011 Environmental Services Dept.

List of Important Dates:

(Clip & save for easy reference!)

Sept. 5, 2011 - Labor Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Oct. 1, 2011 - City-wide Fall Clean-Up: Saturday (residential only)

Nov. 24, 2011 – Thanksgiving Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2011 – Christmas Day (Observed Dec. 26):  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Holidays NOT affecting trash

or recycling collection:

Oct. 10, 2011 – Columbus Day

Nov. 11, 2011 – Veterans Day

Nov. 25, 2011 – Day after Thanksgiving

Hotline number: 341-1168

Upcoming Events

SEPTEMBER 2011

5 - City Hall closed for Labor Day Holiday

5 - Environmental Service closed for Labor Day; Monday’s trash picked up Tues.; Tuesday’s trash picked up Wed.

6 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

10 - Canine Plunge at SplashZone (noon-3 p.m.); early registration required

(364-8222)

19 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

24 - Celebration of Nations (11 a.m.-5 p.m.); Downtown Festival Park

OCTOBER 2011

1 - City-wide Fall Clean Up (items to curb by 6 a.m.); residential only

3 - City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

8 -  Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival (9 a.m.-4 p.m.); downtown Rolla

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

31 – Have a Safe Trick or Treat Night (downtown Rolla)