City exploring ways to help St. Joseph residents if SNAP funding freezes Nov. 1

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- City officials announced during Tuesday's City Council meeting that they will explore options to help impacted residents if funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program freezes due to the government shutdown.

The ongoing shutdown has put millions of Americans at risk of losing SNAP benefits if funding for the program halts on Nov. 1. The program provides food and nutrition benefits to nearly 42 million people in the U.S, including thousands of St. Joseph residents.

In light of the situation, councilmembers verbally agreed to a proposal Tuesday allowing city staff to explore the viability of a plan to make funds available for impacted residents, specifically working residents.

"It's got to be people that are just trying to get by and need a little bit of help. Maybe we work with United Way," St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said. "How do we help the people that are in need right now so that they can continue and not have that worry?"

The city hopes to make a follow-up announcement next week to inform residents about the status of financial assistance, if feasible.

Previous data indicates that 12,000 to 13,000 residents in St. Joseph could be significantly impacted by the loss of SNAP funding.

"That's 1 in 8 is what they're talking about. If you think about those people -- no fault of their own -- you know, not being able to make ends meet. If there's something little we can do even to help, I think that makes a difference," he said.

Josendale stressed that if implemented, the program would not be a simple handout of funds to any resident. The goal would be to coordinate with local organizations to help working residents impacted the most.

“With the idea that we use some reserved funds that we may have and be able to draw it down as needed," he said.

New firefighter gear on the way for St. Joseph Fire Department

St. Joseph firefighters will see more than two dozen new sets of gear added to their inventory. 

City councilmembers unanimously approved a $101,954 contract Tuesday to purchase 23 new sets of firefighter gear for the St. Joseph Fire Department. 

The new gear, which includes helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, will be purchased from Globe Manufacturing Company, LLC, and used for the department’s turnout Gear Replacement Program.                                                   

The department currently consists of 51 firefighters, 33 drivers, 33 captains, three fire Inspectors, three Battalion Chiefs and five Fire Administration positions for a total of 128 personnel that require turnout gear. 

SJSD, MoDOT propose new South End school zone for City Council

Tuesday’s meeting saw Councilmembers amend the city's code of ordinances to create a new school zone with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit for Lake Contrary Early Learning Center along Route U.

“Route U is a very busy road and of course the learning center is right there. So we received a formal request from MoDOT to install these flashing lights and make it a school zone,” St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney said. 

As part of the project, which also includes coordination with the St. Joseph School District, MoDOT will install a set of “School Speed Limit Flashers” and accompanying traffic signs to provide for the school zone. 

The new school zone will be 25 mph along Route U west of Collins Street to west of Diagonal Avenue from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. on school days. This is being done to ensure the safety of students.

A timeline for installation of the signs is unknown at this time. 

Elevator upgrades in store for Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center

Visitors to a popular senior center will see much-needed elevator improvements carried out following 

Tuesday’s council meeting saw the approval of a $239,955 contract for elevator upgrades at Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, part of a widespread facility improvement project.

The contract with MEI Total Elevator Solutions -- along with a $35,000 donation from the Senior Citizen Foundation, Inc. -- will be used to either replace or significantly upgrade the aging elevator, a structure that has experienced frequent maintenance issues of late. 

“There is growing concern that the elevator could soon become inoperable, potentially requiring a complete shutdown for safety or repair reasons,” an ordinance for the contract states. “Upgrading or replacing the elevator is a proactive and necessary step to prevent this disruption.”

Rosecrans to receive nearly $700,000 in grant funding

St. Joseph's main airport runway will see widespread improvements with the help of grant funds approved on Tuesday. 

Councilmembers voted to authorize two grant agreements with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Rosecrans Memorial Airport apron reconstruction project, a pair of grants totalling $697,922. 

The project will see the reconstruction of Rosecrans’ general aviation apron and terminal apron, covering approximately 75,000 square yards. 

Construction crews will remove the existing pavement and install new concrete pavement sections to restore the area to current standards.

Other bills approved by City Council

• Execution and submission of the Federal Transit Administration grant application to provide transit operating assistance in the amount of $2,088,082 for FY2025.
  
• An ordinance authorizing the acceptance of payment from WoodSpring Suites for future professional service costs associated with the development of a new hotel at 3909 S. 40th Terrace for $5,215. 

• Filing of a grant application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety Homeland Security Program Region H in the amount of $29,880 to be used for technical rescue training and overtime costs.

• Filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety for the FY25 Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $45,662 with the city contributing matching funds in the amount of $45,662 for a total amount of $91,324 to provide funding that will sustain the current emergency manager position.

• A resolution accepting a donation of four pieces of fitness equipment, valued at $20,168 to be used at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, from the Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc.

• Agreement with Advanced Cleaning Systems, Inc. in the amount of $36,400 for janitorial services at City Hall. 

• Execution of a work order with Sprague Excavating Co., Inc., to repair the sludge line at the Water Protection Facility in the amount of $39,272.

• Execution of change order with Auxier Construction Company in the amount of $24,000 for additional work for the City Hall limestone patio replacement project.

Nominations and appointments

• Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christy George  to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; she is replacing Ron J. Olinger, whose term has expired.

Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christopher Lanman to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; he is replacing Max Guenther, whose term has expired.