CAMDENTON, Mo. — Affordable and special-needs-accessible housing in a single-story apartment complex could soon be coming to Camdenton.
Camdenton’s Board of Alderman last week authorized a letter of support for Compass Health, Inc.’s application to build 24 housing units on South Business 5. In September, Compass Health will submit an application to Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) for funding, but in order to apply, Compass needed a resolution of support from the city.
The City granted its support contingent upon Compass going through Camdenton’s zoning process and clearing all potential hurdles, including assessing the housing complex’s impact on sewer lines and lift station. However, Compass has already had preliminary conversations with Camdenton’s Public Works’ director, Bill Jeffries. Based upon the information he was given, Jeffries reported the complex should not overly tax the city’s infrastructure.
The project will not be dedicated housing for clients of Compass, which does business locally as Pathways Community Health. The 24 units to be built are for the general public, with a percentage (currently 6 units) set aside for people with special needs. These include one-, two- and three-bedroom units to accommodate families. More than six of the units could be inhabited by people with special needs, depending on applications and availability, and they would rent at HUD’s fair market value.
The entire complex will be single-story, and all units will meet universal standards for accessibility. An architect for the project confirmed the units will be high efficiency and energy-star rated so residents will be able to afford the utilities charged per unit.
Jeff Hancock, City Administrator, noted the usefulness of the City’s comprehensive plan update in that the City was able to provide Compass with data showing the city’s need for affordable housing. Robin Meyer with Compass thanked the City for that information and said it had been used in their analysis and will be used for the application.
Compass Health, Inc. employs 42 people in the Camdenton community already, and the company will bring other job opportunities to Camdenton if the complex is approved, funded, and completed.
A Compass general contractor will select local contractors who meet the criteria for the work and once built, Compass will have need for maintenance, repair, and lawn service. Compass already employs and will supply housing operations staff that will work in cooperation with clinical employees as needed. Otherwise, Compass anticipates a partnership with a management group to serve as landlord for the complex.
Other Business
In other business, Camdenton’s Parks Department has contracted with Camdenton’s school swim team to use the City’s pool through the close of the season and one week beyond for practices. The school system will reimburse the City for chemicals and staff during the week when the pool would otherwise be closed.
Bill 2633-16 authorizing a pay increase for Aldermen and Mayor passed with one nay vote from Alderwoman Osborn. The Board also approved a one-time, non-recurring compensation policy for employees who complete pre-approved training that could prepare them for promotion and/or enhance their knowledge about their current positions. Alderwoman Osborn was the sole no-vote.
The City’s sidewalk project received no bidders, so aldermen authorized an extension to re-bid the project this winter with work set to begin in March 2017. Aldermen also authorized City staff to send letters to the Neighborhood Improvement (NID) District on Clint Avenue regarding their indebtedness to the city for the improvements to drainage and streets. Property owners will be advised they can pay the amount due all at once or over ten years as an assessment above their regular property tax debt.
Finally, City Clerk Reneé Kingston was happy to report the City’s sales tax revenues were up 27 percent in July, bringing the year-to-date increase to 5.57 percent. Furthermore, City employees will enjoy a 1.3 percent reduction in their comprehensive health and dental coverage in the next year.
