Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Business License Renewals

The city's Planning & Community Development Department is currently in the process of mailing out business license renewals. A business license is required to operate a rental unit with an annual fee of $1.50 per unit. This requirement is part of the city’s Residential Rental Certificate Program. The program was established by City Council following the result of community surveys and public comment to help improve the community’s appearance while also improving the health and safety of rental housing options for residents. New rental units can be registered online with the city of St. Joseph.
Whitehead Pump Station

The Whitehead pump station is the largest of several stations in the city’s wastewater collection system. It pumps an average of 13 million gallons of wastewater per day, which is about three-fourths of the total amount sent to the water protection plant during times of dry weather. Along with the wastewater, a wide variety of other items somehow make their way into the system. Items found at pump stations include lumber washed away from construction sites, chunks of concrete, shoes and articles of clothing as well as almost everything in between. 

Mechanical screening of wastewater provides a vital role in preventing foreign objects from entering and damaging the wastewater pumps and other equipment at the stations. Screening at the Whitehead facility consists of a bar screen and rake system which is over 20 years old and needs to be replaced. A new bar screen and rake system has been designed by Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company and is scheduled to be installed later this year. The project is included in the 2020 bond sale for capital project financing. 
Holiday Safety

With Independence Day right around the corner, many will be enjoying the holiday weekend outdoors. Having fun also means staying safe, using good judgment and taking simple precautions that will help keep you safe and most importantly, keep you alive. Here are some tips to follow this Independence Day: 

Food Safety: To avoid food poisoning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking fresh poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees. Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours and one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. To prevent cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods. 

Grill Safety: Emergency physicians see firsthand the dangers associated with an outdoor grill. Thoroughly clean a grill of any grease or dust. Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or food grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire. Replace any connectors which can lead to a gas leak and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport and porch or near any surface that can catch fire. Also, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill. 

Water Safety: To prevent drowning, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating and wear a life jacket whenever you are on a boat. Make sure children are supervised at all times when near the beach, on a boat, by a pool or hot tub. Make sure you don’t swim alone or in bad weather. Learn to swim and teach your children to swim. We also recommend you learn CPR in case of an emergency. 

Sun Safety: Protect against sunburn and heat stroke. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day. Wear a hat outdoors and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily. If you feel faint or nauseous, get into a cool place immediately. 

Travel Safety: Do not drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking and wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working condition before a long road trip. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings if you are in an unfamiliar place and know where the nearest emergency room is at all times in case of an emergency. 
New Businesses and Faces for Building Development

With the construction season in full swing, staff with the building development division under the Planning & Community Development Department is staying busy with several projects and changes throughout the city.

The division would like to take an opportunity to introduce Cinthia Franco, the new Commercial Development Review Coordinator. Cinthia joins the city with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the hotel industry design and construction. Cinthia is originally from the Dominican Republic and has a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Interior Architecture. She will use her years of education and experience of coordinating and communicating all aspects of the hotel design and construction process to our benefit by coordinating and communicating to our customers the plan review, permit and inspection process required for all new projects in St. Joseph. We welcome Cinthia to the city and wish her luck in her new position.  

In 2019, the state of Missouri passed a law allowing the use of medical marijuana for certain individuals. Recently, final inspections were performed at one growing facility and three dispensary locations awarding them Certificates of Occupancy and allowing these new businesses to open. The cannabis growing facility is the first phase of a 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art high tech growing and processing facility which is an example of the newest technology and processes used in this form of business. 

Field Pointe Americare, a 60-unit senior assisted and independent living facility located at Gene Field Road and Riverside, has passed the final inspection and received Certificates of Occupancy for all the buildings on site. They are now open for business and have plans to expand once they have reached capacity, if the demand is there.  

There are some new projects in town which are permitted and have started construction. Cereal Ingredients is building a new 90,000 square foot facility at the Eastowne Business park. The Reed Auto dealership is building a new sales, service and car lot near Menards. East of the North Shoppes, there have new developments proposed. Home 2 Suites by Hilton has submitted plans for permit review and the Calamar Senior Housing project is starting back up after a time delay due to the pandemic. 

Staff continues to perform walk through inspections for any new businesses wanting to open in the city. These inspections are conducted to ensure the existing buildings and spaces these new businesses wish to occupy meet the basic health and life safety requirements as specified in the construction codes. The spring and summer months always bring an influx of new business applicants which our inspectors are happy to inspect allowing these new businesses to open and are safe for public use.  
Fireworks Display

Head to the riverfront this July 4, for the city's annual firework display. The show will start 15 minutes after dark with viewing locations in the parking lots of the Remington Nature Center and Heritage Park Sports Complex. In the event of rain, the show will take place the next clear night.
(816) 271-5300