Complaints about the lack of parking near the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City date back decades, and those complaints continue today. Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” to preview Missouri’s 2024 legislative session, which begins tomorrow at high noon in Jefferson City. Mayor Fitzwater tells listeners that parking remains a challenge and that he’s committed to looking at that. State employee pay remains one of Mayor Fitzwater’s top priorities. More than 14,000 state employees work in Cole County, making state government Jefferson City’s largest employer. Mayor Fitzwater praises Governor Mike Parson for proposing and signing last February’s bipartisan 8.7 percent pay raise for state employees:
(LISTEN): Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater discusses proposed downtown conference center, hotel on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater describes Tuesday as a great day, with the city releasing a request for qualifications for a proposed 36,000 square foot conference center in the heart of downtown, where the Madison street garage is now. Mayor Fitzwater joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”, telling listeners that the city is under contract to purchase the Jefferson City “News Tribune” building. Mayor Fitzwater envisions a conference center, a new hotel with 150-200 rooms and 750 parking spots in that area. He likes that site much better than the former Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) site, noting the close proximity of the Madison street garage to the Missouri Capitol as well as downtown restaurants and bars:
(LISTEN): State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) and Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater appear on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Powerful U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Tarkio), who chairs the U.S. House Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill, is trying to obtain federal funding to try to replace Jefferson City’s aging tri-level. He’s told 939 the Eagle that he’s had conversations with Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s office about the project. State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) and Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” Both remain hopeful that that it can happen. The state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says 86,000 vehicles a day come through the tri-level area, with three major highways converging in the same area. MoDOT says the tri-level bridges were built in 1964 and that the “flyover” bridges were built in 1991. They also previewed Missouri’s 2024 legislative session and Senator Bernskoetter corrected reports that he was involved in a recent crash. Senator Bernskoetter notes it was a different Mike Bernskoetter, and he’s critical of a Facebook group that he says is not affiliated with the Cole County Republican Club:
(LISTEN): Moberly’s outgoing city manager praises city’s staff and growth
Moberly’s outgoing city manager Brian Crane says the Magic City is doing well. Crane tells 939 Eagle that Moberly is a great place for businesses and residents.
“I mean obviously we’re in northern Missouri. If you look at our population growth, it’s been relatively flat but there’s been a lot of towns in northern Missouri that are seeing a decline. So at least we’re holding our own. Revenues are holding strong. Business continues to see us as a hub for commerce,” Crane says.
Mr. Crane, a Helias graduate, will be leaving Moberly to become city administrator in his hometown of Jefferson City. He’ll begin in late September. Crane says he’s pleased with revenues.
“Our community continues to see investment. We continue to have a strong city staff and council that supports growth and economic development and residential development. And we continue to strengthen our partnerships with this local community,” says Crane.
Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater says the city conducted a nationwide search for a permanent city administrator. 39 people applied for the position, and Mr. Crane was hired.
(LISTEN): Moberly’s city manager is both excited and sad to leave the Magic City
It’s a bittersweet time for outgoing Moberly city manager Brian Crane, who will be leaving the Magic City next month to become city administrator in his hometown of Jefferson City.
The Helias graduate choked-up, when speaking to 939 the Eagle on Friday afternoon at the Moberly fire station.
“Leaving Moberly that’s been so good to us and my family has just been really hard. And it’s something that we’re going to always remember. And, you know, Jeff City is my hometown but my little boys, Moberly, this is their hometown. And it’s going to be tough for them, but Jefferson City is a great community, Moberly is a great community. And we have just been really blessed to be in both,” Crane says.
Mr. Crane will begin his new job in late September. Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater says the city conducted a nationwide search for a permanent city administrator. 39 people applied for the position.
Moberly’s city manager also has high praise for northern Missouri U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Tarkio), who represents Randolph County on Capitol Hill. Mr. Crane briefed Congressman Graves and audience members, during a Friday meeting with city and county officials, first responders and residents.
“So open. His staff has been so open. And it’s just great to have the ability to tell them what our needs are, what we’re working on and what’s going to be best for our community in the future and have the collaboration of working with the representative. That’s so important not only to our (Missouri’s sixth congressional) district but to our nation,” says Crane.
Mr. Crane tells 939 the Eagle that he would like to see some federal dollars for Moberly’s aging General Omar Bradley airport, which was built in the 1940s. He says while the city has made a number of airport improvements, there are still millions of dollars in improvements that need to be done:
“Luckily we’ve had a lot of success getting grants and leveraging local funds to really try to do some great things out there. Extend the runway, upgrade the lighting, bring sewer to the building. Just some really good things for our community,” says Crane.
In 1940, Moberly resident Marion Hulen went before Mayor Tom Tydings and the council, requesting support for the airport. Congressman Graves tells 939 the Eagle he hopes to obtain some federal funding for the Moberly airport’s needs.