City Talk - Rolla's Town & Gown relationship shines during Tour of Missouri

The City of Rolla’s and the community’s historic ties with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) were taken to another level on Thursday, Sept. 11 when Stage 4 of the Tour of Missouri finished near the front steps of Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center on 10th Street.

And what better venue might you imagine to showcase the assets and treasures of our community than when the entire world is watching the riveting finish of one of the most coveted professional cycling events in the country?

Never before, at least not to my knowledge, has our City received the type of national and international recognition and exposure as it did when 120 cyclists from 22 countries came roaring through Rolla at speeds most of us can only imagine on the back of a bicycle. How we measure the benefits and magnitude of this event, and the positive impact it has had and will continue to have on our community, will be something we will probably be discussing for months and years to come.

Being selected as a host city for the Tour of Missouri, along with the City of St. James was truly an honor, and one that every Rolla resident should take pride in. The number, variety and quality of events held on Sept. 11 in addition to the Tour of Missouri, was I believe, a testament to the amount of pride and patriotism our community demonstrated on September 11. And as I envision the final stretch of the Tour of Missouri as the cyclists near the historic Gateway Arch in St. Louis on Sept. 14, it seems like yesterday Lt. Governor Peter Kinder held a press conference in the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City announcing the host cities. The speed in which the last nine months flew by was mirrored by the speeds attained by the Tour of Missouri cyclists as they crossed the finish line at Castleman Hall.

Striving for an encore to something as big as the Tour of Missouri will be a tall order indeed, but Rolla is poised for many more positive milestones in the future. That said it is hard not to imagine the impact an event like the Tour of Missouri will have on so many aspects of our community.

I can only say how appreciative and grateful I am to the many individuals, businesses, organizations, volunteers and residents who helped make this event as successful and unforgettable is it was. From the members of the Local Organizing Committee who worked tirelessly for months leading up to the event, to the numerous sponsors/businesses who helped finance this event, to the hundreds of volunteers, Missouri S&T students, members of the Rolla High School Marching Bulldog Brigade, Rolla HS Cheerleaders, Veterans, law enforcement agencies, and of course Rolla residents who embraced and supported the Tour.

It would be a tall task in deed to specifically mention and thank every person, business, agency and organization who made the Tour the success it was, but I’ll do my best by saying THANK YOU to everyone for supporting the Tour and putting your best foot forward on a world-wide stage.

Our community has much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in the months and years to come. Let’s keep the momentum going. And don’t forget to cheer on the cyclists as they enter the final stage of the Tour Sept. 14 in St. Louis!

Rolla listed among Top Outdoor Towns in U.S. in Outdoor Life

Rolla listed among Top Outdoor Towns in U.S. in Outdoor Life

After months of extensive research Outdoor Life magazine has included Rolla, Missouri in a list among the top 200 towns for hunting and fishing in America.

Rolla, which is located in the 1.3 million-acre Mark Twain National Forest, in the Meramec Valley region of the Ozarks, was ranked number #74 and included among such notable cities as Durango, Colorado; Grand Junction, Colorado; Grants Pass, Oregon; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Fairbanks, Alaska; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Helena, Montana.

Mountain Home, Arkansas topped the list at number one, followed by Lewiston, Idaho (#2) and Sheridan, Wyoming in the number 3 slot. Other Missouri cities that made the list include: Boonville (#22), Kirksville, (#53) and Springfield (#129).

The Outdoor Life Website at http://www.outdoorlife.com/article_gallery/Paradise-Found says that the Top 200 list is about moving to “places where life seems simpler, the people friendlier and where the economy is nourished by postcard-perfect vistas.”

The Website article goes on to state that “Outdoor Life has evaluated towns across America to find the places that offer world-class hunting and fishing, easy access to public land and water and vibrant economies that remain affordable and hospitable.”

City Talk - Rolla West Master Plan sets framework for City's Future

Rolla West Master Plan sets framework for City's future

Planning and preparation are known to be key ingredients for the successful outcome of any worthwhile venture, whether it is a short- or long-term endeavor. That said, planning to enhance our City's future, our children's future and the future of Rolla is something our City staff and the City Council continues to embrace as one its highest and most important priorities. So it was encouraging during Monday's City Council meeting (Sept. 2) when the Final Draft of the Rolla West Master Plan was presented by Brian Comer, an architect and consultant with HNTB.

After a great deal of study, research, deliberation, and public input from open public discussions, a three-day series of Rolla West Community Visioning workshops, a public open house, and a Web log on the City of Rolla's Website (www.rollacity.org), the Final Draft of the Rolla West Master Plan was completed.

The purpose of the Rolla West Master Plan, as stated in the Final Draft presented by HNTB, is to "outline a long-term comprehensive vision for land use, transportation and infrastructure within the Rolla West area."

Having a road map or a framework that our City and community can build our future on, is something that the Rolla West Master Plan provides. It is also a document that land owners, real estate companies and developers can refer to when discussing the Rolla West concept to businesses, investors and others who may be interested in starting a business or locating in the Rolla West area.

Among the plan objectives in the Rolla West Master Plan is a stated objective of coordinating planning efforts with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), including the new E3 Campus and Technology Park. By broadening the scope of the Rolla West area to include the E3 Campus and Technology Park, the plan takes into consideration the considerable and important impact these projects will have on our community in the years to come.

Among the goal statements that were identified during the Community Visioning Workshop and included in the Rolla West Master Plan were the following:

1. Serve as a major catalyst in solidifying the City of Rolla as the center of commerce, education and health care for South Central Missouri.
2. Provide a balanced mix of uses that meets the needs of Rolla and the region.
3. Identify new development that will pay its' share of the costs of City infrastructure, transportation improvements and services that are necessary to serve the area.
4. Promote environmentally sensitive development that harmoniously blends within the natural character and scenic quality of the area.
5. Encourage quality development that will provide a positive first and last impression.

Among the priorities identified as necessary in the development of Rolla West, and as stated in the Master Plan are the following:

1. Highway 72 Ridgeview Road extension to Bridge School Road
2. A fifth interchange
3. Kingshighway interchange improvement

If you haven't had a chance to review the Final Draft of the Rolla West Master Plan, I encourage you to visit http://www.rollacity.org/rollawest and look over the document. It consists of 47 pages of very useful data, diagrams, tables, drawings, and photos. Hard copies of the Rolla West Master Plan also are available in the Public Works Department at Rolla City Hall (901 North Elm Street).

The Rolla West Master Plan will be presented to the Rolla City Council for adoption and inclusion in the City's Comprehensive Plan sometime in the near future.

In closing I invite and encourage the entire community to attend the Tour of Missouri Stage 4 Finish in Rolla on Thursday, Sept. 11 (between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and Stage 5 Start in St. James Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. A detailed description of the Tour of Missouri route along with a complete listing of events planned on Sept. 11 in Rolla can be viewed on the City's Website at www.rollacity.org (just click on the orange TOM tab at the top of the homepage). Please also remember that on Thursday, September 11, it would be wonderful if everyone (businesses, civic organizations and residents alike) would make an extra effort to display an American flag.

I'd like to also remind everyone to please not park on any of the streets that are included in the Tour of Missouri route that will be going through Rolla on Sept. 11 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be "No Parking" signs posted along the TOM route the evening of Sept. 10, but I would still like to spread the word that we will need to keep the streets clear of vehicles prior to and during the race. Your cooperation concerning this important safety matter is greatly appreciated. The race will enter Rolla on Martin Springs Drive, continue on Blues Lake Parkway, Bridgeschool Road, Kingshighway, Fairgrounds Road, 10th Street, State Street, 8th Street, along Pine Street to 6th, Olive, Bardsley, 12th, Holloway, 10th and back to State Street for three figure 8 loops. The finish line will be on 10th Street in front of Castelman Hall Performing Arts Center.

See you on September 11 for the Tour of Missouri. I hope you'll be there!

City Talk - Sprucing up for the Tour of Missouri

With one of the largest sporting events (Tour of Missouri) ever to be hosted in Rolla, and in the state, just days away, I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone in the community, to not only attend the Stage 4 Finish in Rolla on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Stage 5 Start in St. James Sept. 12, but also to pitch in and help beautify our community for a world stage.

With more than 100 different countries watching the Tour of Missouri international cycling race (Sept. 8-14) via television and millions others viewing the official Tour of Missouri Website (www.tourofmissouri.com), the Rolla community will be spotlighted across the globe.

Many residents and businesses located in and around the official route for the Stage 4 Finish in Rolla have already spruced up their lawns, facades and businesses so that the many thousands of visitors who will be in Rolla on Sept. 11 will have not only a favorable, but a memorable impression of our great City. Like you have heard so often, first impressions are usually lasting ones, and what better time to project a clean, vibrant and positive image of our city than when thousands of visitors are here watching an international professional cycling event.

You may have already noticed, and I have mentioned in previous City Talk columns, that the City’s Public Works Department, together with Donnelson Construction, Inc. completed the micropaving of many of the streets that are part of the official Tour of Missouri route in Rolla. A detailed description of the Tour of Missouri route can be viewed on the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org (just click on the orange TOM tab at the top of the homepage). We hope these enhancements provide incentive for others in the Rolla community to take pride in their businesses, right-of-ways and lawns, so that our town shines like it has never shined before. There are only three international cycling events of this caliber in North America, and Rolla and St. James are truly fortunate to be part of this event.

And while the lion’s share of the planning and coordination for the events and activities leading up to the Tour of Missouri have been handled by the members of the Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee, and other agencies, businesses, organizations and numerous sponsors involved in this event, it will truly take a village – the entire Rolla community – to not only roll out the red carpet, and cheer on the 120 cyclists from 22 different countries, but to show the Show-Me-State and the rest of the world why Rolla continues to be one of the best towns to live, work and play in the United States. I think you will agree with me that this event is a great opportunity to not only see the best cyclists in the world compete in our own backyards, but also to make the racers and their support teams and staff feel like they are visiting one of the most unique towns in the country as well.

In closing, I’d like to also remind everyone to please not park on the any of the streets that are included in the Tour of Missouri route that will be going through Rolla on Sept. 11 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition to door hangers, and windshield notices, there will be “No Parking” signs posted along the TOM route the evening of Sept. 10, but I would still like to spread the word to residents, business owners, visitors and other members of the community that we will need to keep the streets clear of vehicles prior to and during the race. Your cooperation concerning this important safety matter is greatly appreciated. The race will enter Rolla on Martin Springs Drive, continue on Blues Lake Parkway, Bridgeschool Road, Kingshighway, Fairgrounds Road, 10th Street, State Street, 8th Street, along Pine Street to 6th, Olive, Bardsley, 12th, Holloway, 10th and back to State Street for three figure 8 loops. The finish line will be on 10th Street in front of Castelman Hall Performing Arts Center.

While it is difficult to estimate the exact time the cyclists will be arriving in Rolla on Sept. 11, race officials predict they will be arriving sometime between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., depending on race speeds.

With the Labor Day weekend upon us, I’d also like to mention that The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, located at 1200 North Holloway Street, will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday for The Centre’s annual preventative maintenance, and will reopen at its regular time on Tuesday morning. Since City Hall will be closed on Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 1, the Rolla City Council meeting usually held the first Monday of the Month will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall.

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. 1 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 next Saturday, Sept. 6 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.

Sincerely, William S. Jenks, III, Mayor

Police Chief Chat - Tip A Cop / Burglary

Good morning! I hope you had a great week and were able to enjoy the unseasonably cool weather the past few days. My staff and I have been busy with budget adjustments in preparation for the final budget hearings this week. The Rolla Police Department will be involved in several fund raising/community related events in the next few weeks and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate and help us with our efforts.

On Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. the Rolla Police Department and Behind the Badge would like to invite you to our 2nd “Tip a Cop” fundraiser that will be held at Pizza Inn in Rolla. Our officers and their families will be serving drinks, taking food orders, doing dishes and whatever we need to do to make your dining experience a pleasure. We will be working for tips to be donated to the Behind the Badge organization that works to assist several non-profit projects in the community. Pizza Inn will also be donating 20% of the nights proceeds to the cause. Last year this event raised nearly $750.00, so bring your family to Pizza Inn and let us show you we are really “Proud to Serve”. Thanks to Pizza Inn, Bob and Jo Campbell and their wonderful customers for this opportunity.

The “Behind the Badge” organization has also joined forces with the Rolla Public Schools and will participate in the “Back Pack” Program, where less fortunate families in need are provided nutritional food items to be used over the weekend. The students will pick up the food items on Fridays and transport the items home in their back packs. The “Behind the Badge” volunteers will be accepting donated food items at the Pizza Inn “Tip a Cop” fundraiser on September 14, 2008. Kudo’s to the Rolla Public Schools for developing this program. If you would like to donate food items to the program please contact: Faith Barnes at (573) 368-8001 for further information.

On Friday, September 19, 2008 from 4 – 8 p.m., members of the Rolla Police Department and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department will be participating in the 2nd Annual “Gas Up for a Good Cause” campaign being held at Love’s Truck Stop at the intersection of I-44 and Hwy V. In that campaign police officers and Sheriff’s deputies will be filling your tank and cleaning your windshield for a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Last year’s campaign was very successful in that we were able to raise $1,000.00. The Children’s Miracle Network is the alliance of premier children's hospitals. Every year, Children's Miracle Network hospitals treat 17 million children for every disease and injury imaginable.

Then on Friday, October 17, 2008 the Rolla Police Department and Special Olympics – Missouri will host the 7th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run “Trivia Night” at the Rolla Elk’s Lodge. This event has been declared the best trivia night in the area and will offer space for 33 teams. The teams may consist of up to 10 players who will answer 10 trivia questions in 10 different categories. The winning team will secure free berth to next years event and be awarded the traveling trophy emblazed with the team name for the year. In addition, food is provided and a cash bar will be available. This is a night of fun and all proceeds will benefit our special Olympic athletes. The cost to enter a team is a $100.00 donation to Special Olympics. To register a team contact: S/Sgt. Rick Williams at 573-364-0012. Please try to register early as we will only have room for 33 teams.

In other news, on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at approximately 4:00 am, Cpl. Derrick Dillon was investigating a noise complaint in the area of Cedar Street near Hwy 72, when he observed what he believed to be a residential burglary in progress. At the same time central dispatch advised Cpl. Dillon via radio that they had received a prowler complaint in the same vicinity. Cpl. Dillon called for back-up, parked a short distance away, and exited his vehicle. Patrol officer Jamie Solis responded to the area and arrived shortly thereafter joining Cpl. Dillon. As the officers approached the scene, a resident (Scott Melton), alerted them to a suspect crouched and hiding behind a bush between two houses. Cpl. Dillon and Pto. Solis apprehended the suspect, and detained him pending further investigation. Sgt. Ken Moberly and Pto. Greg Long also arrived on the scene to assist and were advised by Mr. Melton of 2 other suspects hiding in the bed of a pick-up truck parked nearby. Sgt. Moberly apprehended the 2 additional suspects and detained them as well. Investigation revealed that all 3 male suspects were in the act of committing a residential burglary when Cpl. Dillon made his discovery. All three suspects were placed under arrest and incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail pending warrants for 2nd Degree Burglary. Numerous items were recovered near the scene, and the owner of the burglarized home, who had been away at the time, was notified of the incident. Great job guys. Special thanks to Scott Melton for his assistance in this incident.

I hope you have a great week.

City Talk - Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee helps chart Rolla's Future

Planning for the future of our City, and especially our City’s financial future and how it will impact our quality of life for years to come, is something the members of the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee recently accomplished since they began meeting in January of this year.

With the City of Rolla’s annual Budget Workshop meetings scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, the final recommendation of the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee given by Rolla City Councilman Lou Magdits recently should be very helpful as the City Council reviews the City’s proposed 2008-2009 annual budget and charts a vision for Rolla’s future.

My sincere thanks and appreciation is extended to all the official and ex-officio members of the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee who spent numerous hours meeting on a regular basis for the past seven months at Rolla City Hall. The members of the committee included: Chairman and City Council member Lou Magdits; Co-Chair Emma Lou Brent; Councilman Don Barklage; Wayne Perry (US Bank); Terry Harris (investments); Jess Cortese (Brewer Science); Doug Cresswell (retail); Rodney Creech (retail); David McKee (Phelps County Bank); Bob McKune; Kate Howell (real estate); Ex Officio members Steffanie Rogers, Finance Director, City of Rolla, and Rolla City Administrator John Butz.

All of the Policy Statements and policy recommendations that were included in the final recommendation by the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee were included in the full agenda packet for the Aug. 18 City Council meeting, and can be reviewed and downloaded on the City of Rolla’s Website at http://www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm. Hard copies of the recommendation are also available in the Administration Department at Rolla City Hall located at 901 North Elm Street. If you haven’t had the opportunity to review these policy statement and recommendations, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so. The five policy statements included among the recommendations will also be posted and displayed in the Council Chambers in the near future for the members of the City Council and general public to view as well.

In summary, the policy statements emphasize the importance of demonstrating fiscal discipline, sustaining existing City services and infrastructure as a priority over new and expanded programs and services, the active pursuit of creative partnerships, and consolidation of public services. The policy statement also states before funding new and expanded services, the City should first consider the practicality and feasibility of user fees, and that user fees should be considered when the primary beneficiary is a small segment of the population. The final policy statement states that any new or expanded program or service should first identify funding alternatives and secure funding before implementation.

After the City Council reviews and formally endorses the specific policy recommendations made by the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee sometime in September, a Park Sales Task Force will be formed to further explore the options regarding the Park Sales Tax of ½ cent that was approved by Rolla voters in August, 1998 with an effective date of Jan. 1, 1999. The tax is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2013. The dedicated sales tax was approved to retire the debt service payments on an $11.7 million GO Bond issued to construct the SplashZone, Rolla outdoor waterpark and The Centre, Rolla Health and Recreation Complex.

I will continue to keep you updated regarding the recommendations of the Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee and the formation of the Parks Sales Task Force. You may review the specific policy recommendations as outlined in the Aug. 18 City Council Meeting agenda packet under VII. B - “Rolla 2020 Fiscal Advisory Committee – Preliminary Report” at www.rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtm.


Sincerely, William S. Jenks, III, Mayor

Rolla West - Alternative Master Plans

Please let us know your thoughts, ideas and opinions regarding the Rolla West Master Plan Alternatives. All public comments and suggestions will be considered in the finalized Rolla West Master Plan which will be presented by HNTB Corporation to the Rolla City Council later this year.

You can see each plan by clicking on the following links:

Alternative #1 / Alternative #2 / Alternative #3

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