Boone County News Release

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Boone County Week In Review

March 9, 2012

For the week ending March 9, 2012

Things you may have missed...

First Missouri MS4 Stormwater Conference hosted in Columbia, MO

On February 28 and 29 more than 85 stormwater managers came together in Columbia Missouri to network and discuss upcoming changes in state and federal regulations. As of the 2010 census, seven more communities in Missouri met federal thresholds requiring stormwater management. Currently there are 157 communities struggling to meet permit requirements. To meet this need, the conference opened with a session on developing a stormwater program. The County Counselor was on hand to provide guidance on state statues and help define the role for community leaders. During a parallel track, DNR introduced the new Missouri Green Infrastructure Guide. The main conference started after lunch with topics including changes to water quality standards, and classified waters, site-specific permitting, and surviving an EPA audit. (The County, City and MU were audited last year. We are still waiting for EPA's findings). On the second day of the conference topics included a discussion on educational campaigns, conducting site inspections, and water quality monitoring, and maintaining stormwater facilities. The event was held east of Columbia at Bradford Farms Research Facility on Rangeline Rd. There were 135 people in attendance.

Stream Table debut at Global Village, Rock Bridge High School

The Rock Bridge High School Environmental Club invited the County Stormwater team to display the brand new Stream Table during RBHS Global Village. During this 2.5 hour event on Friday March 2, more than 60 students learned about stream processes. This display focused on the importance of riparian corridors to stabilize the stream. Other topics included channelization, and stream changes caused by development. The stream table was partially funded by Region 7, USEPA, through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources under section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Project G10-NPS-08.

Request approved at evening meeting of Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission

Once a month, the Boone County Commission meets at night to consider recommendations made by the Boone County Planning & Zoning Commission. On Tuesday, February 28, the Commission approved a request that will have dividends in economic growth and also traffic safety. The Commission approved 73 acres for Planned Industrial zoning west of the Boone County Public Works facility on Highway 63 South. This development will add more jobs to the county tax base, which is the economic dividend. To also achieve the goal of improved traffic safety, this development will create a road that loops behind Public Works and connects the outer roads north and south of the Public Works building. Currently, crossing Highway 63 at the junction leading to Boone County Public Works is hazardous at best. Once the road is complete, that hazard will be reduced. This project is being completed in conjunction with improvements being done by MoDOT on Highway 63; both will improve traffic flow and safety.

Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill pushes for ideas to improve roads leading to Battle High School

On Monday, February 27, Dan Atwill spoke with community leaders from both the private and public sector, urging them to consider the impending traffic issues expected with the opening of Battle High School in fall of 2013. Atwill presented multiple concerns to the group before encouraging open discussion about both design and funding solutions. “If you give me a plan, I will push it,” Atwill stated, urging the group to bring any and all ideas to the table. Atwill also spoke before the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission regarding the urgency of this matter and requesting support from the Missouri Department of Transportation for improvements to the state roads connecting to the county infrastructure.

Bond refinancing will save Boone County government an estimated $170,000

County Treasurer Nicole Galloway announced March 6, 2012 that the county has taken advantage of its strong bond rating to refinance $2.2 million worth of revenue bonds. The move saves county government an estimated $170,000 in principal and interest payments over the next six years. The refunding County Treasurer Galloway sought was approved by the County Commission unanimously March 1. For more information, please see www.showmeboone.com/commission/webpublish/pressReleases/20120306.asp.

Now Hiring!

Boone County Human Resources is actively recruiting for Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff and Facilities Maintenance Technician. For more details about these positions, or to apply, please visit www.showmeboone.com/hr.

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