Traffic signal study for Frederick/Fairleigh Terrace, grant filing for John Lucas Park up for City Council vote

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- City officials are laying the groundwork for potential upgrades to a well-known Midtown park with the help of a $500,000 federal grant on Monday's City Council agenda, one of several agenda items including a traffic signal study for a busy Frederick Avenue intersection.

Councilmembers will review two noteworthy measures at tonight's City Council meeting -- among other items -- including voting on a $33,987 study with HDR for potential intersection improvements at Farleigh Terrace, Frederick Avenue and Noyes Boulevard.

The city is looking at the possibility of installing a new and improved traffic signal to provide better access for those entering and exiting Fairleigh Terrace, the fifth leg of the busy intersection.

HDR will perform a concept study that evaluates the feasibility and costs of installing a new traffic signal. A concept drawing will be completed depicting a layout for the traffic signal.

Parks and Recreation eyes state grant for John Lucas Park

Located at 1805 Sylvanie St., John Lucas Complex could see the replacement of its playground and renovation of the restroom if awarded a $500,000 grant through the 2026 Land and Water Conservation program from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Councilmembers will vote Monday to submit an application for the grant, part of federal program that supports the development and preservation of public outdoor recreation areas. 

The park, located next to the Bartlett Center, has served the Midtown area since the 1970s, featuring a playground, basketball courts, picnic tables and shelters.  

The grant would be used with $500,000 in local matching funds for design and construction of a new playground and renovation of the restroom/concession area. The current budget for the playground and restroom/concession would allow for a basic design with simple support facilities. If awarded the LWCF grant, it would allow for a more accessible playground and facilities.

Local residents will also have the chance to offer input on improvements they'd like to see as part of a public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation administration building, located at 1920 Grand Ave.

Agenda items up for approval:

• Amendment to the capital projects fund in the amount of $21,925 to provide additional funding to complete the Civic Arena improvements. 
  
• Execution of a Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission maintenance agreement and a sidewalk improvements agreement for the portion of Route 752 at King Hill Avenue to Belding Street. 
  
• Purchase of one Sulzer dry pit submersible pump for the Candy Creek Pump Station in the amount of $57,000 from FTC Equipment, LLC, for use by the Water Protection Division. 
  
• A resolution authorizing the purchase of a new 2026 Chevy Equinox from Reed Chevrolet for the property maintenance division utilizing marijuana tax funds in the amount of $30,043.30.
  
• Two work orders with Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt Consulting Engineers in the total amount of $56,917.00 to provide professional engineering services for the St. Joseph Sanitary Landfill.