Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—Did you know that Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) offers environmental inspection services? Housing Inspector and Grant Administrator Chuck Cantrell informed the MRPC board about these services – inspection services, speed awareness monitoring and surveillance cameras for illegal dumping – that MRPC can offer to counties, cities and individuals at the board meeting on April 12.

Chuck Cantrell is a certified lead risk assessor, asbestos, mold and lead based paint inspector. Before demolitions, individuals and cities have to have an asbestos inspection. MRPC has been involved in inspection services with the Gasconade County Court House, Doolittle Community Center, and inspections at Fort Leonard Wood. Additionally, MRPC offers city inspection services including occupancy permits or construction inspections.

MRPC also offers flood plain administration for Phelps and Maries counties and the city of Meta. As floodplain administrator, MRPC must immediately visit flooded structures once the water levels recede. It is Cantrell’s job to inspect for structural integrity of buildings and provide damage assessments to property owners.

MRPC also offers the use of its Speed Awareness Monitor (SAM) trailer to cities and counties. It can be set-up on any road to monitor traffic coming through that area. Data is then provided to the local government to identify needed enforcement and safety measures.

The surveillance cameras are provided to counties and cities who have active illegal dump sites in the hopes of catching the individuals responsible. The cameras are placed by MRPC staff and then monitored and ultimately removed once a sufficient time has passed. Pictures are then shared with the local jurisdiction to identify persons responsible for illegal dumping.

These services are offered to cities, counties and private individuals for a fee. For more information on environmental inspection services offered, call Cantrell at 573-265-2993.

In other business, the MRPC board:

• Heard a report on the 2018 National Association of Developmental Organizations conference and trip to meet with the region’s Congressional delegation and staff in D.C.;
• Was informed of two new hires at MRPC – Bethany Ferrell, a bookkeeper, and Rebecca Stinson, a grant writer;
• Approved the 2018-2019 Transportation Planning Work Plan that will be submitted to MoDOT; and
• Heard a report on Meramec Regional Development Corporations’ small business loans program, which included a report that there is a total of $423,786 available for small businesses in the Meramec region. Those interested should contact Maria Bancroft at 573-265-2993, Ext. 114.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 23, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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Cutline: Chuck Cantrell, MRPC housing inspector and grant administrator, discusses with the MRPC board on environmental inspection services available for cities, counties and individuals in the Meramec Region.