Missouri American Water will soon begin on some water line improvements in downtown Parkville, which will hopefully address some water volume and pressure issues due to old water lines.
The Parkville Board of Aldermen met via Zoom Tuesday, April 20 and heard presentations from utility representatives. A water main along Park Street will be extended, providing for better water flow in the area. The work is part of a long-term plan to update water lines in the historic district.
PARK SIGNAGE
The board heard a presentation on riverfront park signage for English and Platte Landing parks from consulting firm Vireo. A design committee determined to install monument signs in each park at a cost of about $30,000 each, as well as smaller informational and directional signage within each park. An entryway arch sign, which could cost up to $400,000, was eliminated from the recommendations due to the cost.
The city budgeted about $100,000 this year for the signage project.
HIGHWAY 9 IMPROVEMENTS
Work will soon begin on the next stage of improvements to Highway 9, this time at Sixth Street near Park University. The city plans to install turn lanes at the intersection at a cost of about $860,000 – well above the engineer’s estimate of around $600,000. It’s a common problem during the pandemic, as Platte County encountered similar problems on a culvert replacement project.
The project is partially funded through a state program with a deadline of project completion in July. The city is one of many stuck in the position of finding project costs skyrocket due to shortages of materials and other factors. An extension of the deadline is possible, but would require approval from the state legislature.
USE TAX QUESTION
The board heard a presentation from city administrator Joe Parente to place an issue on the August election ballot to establish a Parkville use tax. The question received preliminary approval, with final approval next month. If approved by voters, the city would join Platte County, Platte City and a number of other local cities to establish a use tax allowing local business to better compete with out-of-state outlets. The proposed tax would match the local sales tax, which is currently two percent.
The issue is complicated by the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota vs. Wayfair, permitting states to mandate that businesses without a physical presence in a state, and meeting certain criteria, collect and remit sales taxes on transactions in the state. Missouri is the last state to adopt the policies permitted by the Wayfair decision, with the legislation currently in the Missouri State Legislature. The deadline for Gov. Mike Parson to sign or veto bills is July 14, but if the city waits for the final word from the state it will miss at least one potential election window.
Aldermen had questions about a provision stating such purchases were only taxable up to $2,000. Parente said this is already a state law, but the law also requires the inclusion of the information in the ballot question. The city has no role in this section of the use tax laws, as it is tied to the state income tax system. Parente admitted that the public would need to be educated on this portion of the tax.
Board members also questioned whether voters would approve a tax that increases their own costs on online purchases. Parente said it was a matter of education and equity – whether or not voters believe local business should have a more level playing field with out-of-state companies.
Also at the meeting, Marc Sportsman was re-elected president of the board of aldermen. He has served in this capacity since 2012.