by Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter

The Weston Board of Aldermen heard from Janet Waddell, Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) representative at a meeting Monday night about the installation of traffic signals to control the significant amount of traffic involved in the construction of the Iatan Power Plant.

Waddell said the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will be installing signals at the intersections of 45 and H Highways in Weston, as well as at 45 and 273 Highways, 273 and 92 Highways in Tracy, and 92 and 92 Spur in Tracy.

KCP&L is paying to have the signals installed at the four intersections. Waddell said there is a 30-day lead time to order the signals before they can be installed at the intersections.

She said she did not have a completion date for the project yet.

In other business, the board approved an amendment to the city's zoning codes to allow for a special use exemption for automotive repair shops.

The board held a special public hearing before the meeting to gather input about the proposed special use exemption to the city's Historical Zoning District. The exemption will allow “automobile motor repair, body repair and rebuilding and painting of automobiles.”

The exemption does not actually apply to any business, but allows prospective businesses to apply for an exemption.

During the public hearing, no members of the public spoke to the board.

The board approved allowing the special use exemptions with a vote of 3-0. Alderman Bob Moore was absent from the meeting.

The board also heard that the sewer rate for residents will not be increasing in 2009.

According to Kim Kirby, city clerk, the cost of operating the sewage treatment plant is not expected to increase in 2009 and so the rate charged to citizens will be the same as 2008.

The rate for citizens will be $6.70 as a base fee per resident and a charge of $2.15 per 1,000 gallons.

If a resident uses 5,000 gallons a month, the monthly charge would be $17.45.