Meramec River Bridge Now Under Fenton's Jurisdiction

Progress on the Gravois Road bridge continues but when it is completed in 2012 it will belong solely to the City of Fenton.

The Fenton Board of Aldermen approved a boundary adjustment agreement with St. Louis County Oct. 28 that gives Fenton complete control over the replacement bridge once it is complete. Previous to the bridge's closing and removal, St. Louis County controlled all but the first 10 feet of the bridge's approach lanes on the Fenton side.

Since the Meramec River levels have dropped work on the bridge supports and approaches continues, but due to the impending winter weather it is expected that the bridge decks will be poured sometime in March, 2012.

According to the boundary adjustment, the city desires the change to “achieve more uniform, regular and recognizable boundaries between the City of Fenton and St. Louis County,” as well as for the “purpose of achieving more efficient and effective delivery of public service in the area affected.”

The boundary adjustment means St. Louis County will no longer be financially responsible for the bridge's maintenance. The measure passed unanimously, with no discussion, during the swift and efficient meeting.

The board also approved an ordinance approving a cooperation agreement with St. Louis County to participate in the Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program. The program, administered by the county, offers low-interest loans to residents who make energy efficient improvements to their properties.

In other business the board approved an ordinance that sets a Dec. 13 candidate filing date for the April 3, 2012 general election. Filing for the four, two-year aldermanic terms opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 and closes at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

The aldermanic seats up for election are currently occupied by Paul Seemayer (Ward 1), Mike Beiser (Ward 2), Dan Borgard (Ward 3) and Lisa Horn (Ward 4).