Development News for Rolla, Missouri

City Approves Project Development Agreement with Johnson Controls and Reaffirms Sovereign Immunity

The City Council considered a resolution authorizing a project development agreement with Johnson Controls for the center project. Public Works Director Darren Prior explained that four firms submitted qualification statements, and Johnson Controls was selected based on qualifications and interviews. The agreement includes a $50,000 payment to cover the bidding process. If the council decides not to proceed after bids are received, the city would owe Johnson Controls $50,000 for their work. Council members clarified that this work is connected to obligations regarding Phelps Health and that Johnson Controls may contract out work to other entities, acting in a capacity similar to a general contractor. The resolution was approved unanimously. The council also addressed the city's intent to preserve sovereign immunity defense when obtaining insurance policies. City Administrator Keith explained that due to a 2021 court case, the city must annually reaffirm its intent to retain sovereign immunity when securing general liability, property coverage, and workers' comp insurance. This is to ensure that obtaining insurance does not imply forfeiture of this defense. The council affirmed this intent and authorized the City Administrator to sign necessary endorsements, passing the resolution unanimously.

Parking Restrictions on Dwayne Avenue Proposed; Planning and Zoning Member Reappointed

The City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to restrict parking on the west side of Dwayne Avenue from Fifth Street to Joyce Avenue. This request originated from Phelps Health, which experiences difficulty with deliveries due to parking on both sides of the street. The ordinance aims to eliminate parking on the west side to improve navigation for delivery vehicles. The council also heard a motion to reappoint Mr. Russell Schmidz to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four-year term expiring in May 2030. The motion passed after a brief discussion about term limits. A second reappointment was postponed due to an error in the name. Other council comments included updates on the Rala Pride celebration, the Hot Rod Power Tour stop in Rala, the conservation department's three-year project installing islands in a local lake to reduce algae, and the upcoming hydrant testing by RMU which may cause temporary water discoloration. The council also announced operating adjustments for City Hall on June 5th due to Summerfest parking impacts. Finally, Chief Fagan was recognized for his 46 years of service and upcoming retirement, with a retirement ceremony scheduled for June 12th.

RMU Presents Q2 2026 Financials, Details Projects, and Addresses Rate Concerns

RMU General Manager Floyd Wolf presented the second quarter financial report for 2026. Revenues are slightly being outpaced by expenses, with power costs being a significant driver, accounting for 70% of the budget. Wolf indicated that the objective for the remainder of the year is to achieve flat or better than planned financial performance by managing expenses. The report also detailed completed electric and water projects, including LED lighting upgrades on e-highway, relocation of a 4KV feeder for Phelps County Hospital's new emergency department, and running an 8-inch water main to the Ottabon Ridge subdivision. Wolf also provided an update on the service center construction, which is on track for a May 2027 completion. Additionally, he discussed FEMA funds received for storm restoration, including a $51,050 payment for the service center roof repair and an expected $1.2 million for storm restoration. Councilman Shelby inquired about rate adjustments to keep pace with fuel costs, and Wolf confirmed that annual slight increases have been implemented, with a cost of service study completed to inform future rate recommendations. Councilman Andrew questioned the NPUA's policy on market monitoring for energy market volatility and the large load policy, which Wolf explained is designed to protect customers and the community from the infrastructure costs associated with data centers and other large loads, ensuring they are 'ring fenced' and held to specific terms to avoid stranded costs. Wolf also elaborated on the gas side's need for similar monitoring to prevent price gouging.