City Approves Land Swap

By MARK EVANS

STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD

Ste. Genevieve aldermen authorized roof repair at the firehouse and transferred some land to the Church of Ste. Genevieve during last Thursday night’s meeting.

The 59.60 acres of land along Progress Parkway technically goes to the Ste. Genevieve County Catholic Church Real Estate Corporation as part of a land swap. The city will receive some vacant land the church owns, where a new subdivision can be developed.

Bob Donovan asked how the church property will be transferred to the city.

City Administrator Happy Welch said the church’s real estate corporation will meet and pass a similar resolution.

The idea of developing a new subdivision in that part of town has been a topic of discussion the past few years. A lack of available housing – especially in the mid price range – has been cited as a serious obstacle to growth.

The firehouse roof project, had one bidder. Meinershagen Roofing and Sheet Metal, LLC of Farmington bid $11,400. Kenny Steiger, recommended the ordinance’s approval. The board voted 8-0 to approve it.

DISCUSSION ON STREET CLOSURE

When the consent agenda came up, Ward 1 Alderwoman Susie Johnson questioned one item on it – the Sept. 16-17 Oktoberfest festival.

First, she asked Kara Bert, festival organizer, whether an “SG Oktoberfest” organization had actually been formed. Bert said that at the moment it was just a committee, but that next year a non-profit group would be formed, using profits from this year’s event. 

Johnson asked about insurance and liquor licenses. Bert said they have been soliciting bids for coverage. She also added that they have been building a sponsorship base.