Mayor Angela Koepke called a workshop meeting Thursday, Jan. 25. The workshop was so successful, Koepke said she plans to hold one at least each quarter.

In last week’s meeting, Koepke set forth seven areas in which she would like to see the city progress. Aldermen volunteered to head each project and citizens’ committees will be formed to come forward with ideas and plans. These suggestions will then be brought to the full board for approval.

The first item was the proposed splash pad. Ward 2 Alderman Cary Parker suggested there might be cheaper alternative water feature. He was invited to form a committee to explore the city’s options.

Further improvements to Legion Park were later discussed and added to Parker’s list of projects. These included renovating or rebuilding the Veterans Memorial located there and adding parking. Upgrading the playground in that park will also be addressed.

The second on the list was a Main Street/Business district. This has been getting a lot of attention from the Planning and Zoning Commission. It also dovetails with plans to use a $10,000 grant awarded the city to connect the trail to the town. Ward 2 Alderman Corey Novotney will head the project.

A new helipad was seen as a priority by most of the aldermen. Ward 1 aldermen Kyle Guerrant and Rudy Via, both members of the local fire department, will head up the project. The two also agreed to update the city’s emergency management policies and check into utilizing more functions of the emergency sirens.

Koepke then asked for opinions on moving the municipal court back to Gerald, rather than holding court in Union. Police Chief Jim Helton reminded them of the cost such a move would make. After discussion, it was decided to leave the court as is.

Creating an Historical District in Gerald was next on the agenda. By creating such a district, money would become available for non-profit groups and individuals to preserve historical buildings in Gerald.

Discussion then turned to various ordinances, permits and licenses the city has required in the past. Temporary business licenses, pet registration, and off road vehicle permits were all debated.

Guerrant said he would like to see dedicated soccer fields at City Park and agreed to head up the project.

Via suggested having guardrails installed on the highway in front of city hall. Two accidents recently have resulted in two near misses with the front of the building. He agreed to work with Chief Helton and MoDOT to get things started.

None of these projects will be concluded quickly, but if steady work is done, they could all eventually be realized. In just under an hour, Koepke managed to get more things started than many mayors have done in their two-year terms.

Not all projects will be completed by the city alone. In many cases local organizations and citizens may offer assistance. Other agencies such as the fire protection and ambulance districts will partner on some projects. Many of the projects will be implemented in phases.

The informal workshop format allows for input from the public as well as the aldermen. Plan to attend the workshop to be held next quarter. Pitch in with your ideas and labor to help the city keep moving forward.