Jackson issues ice storm debris cleanup update

Jackson's public works department resumed ice storm debris cleanup Friday after spending two days on flash flood response work.

They barricaded low-lying streets, kept grates and inlets unobstructed, and removed truckloads of tree debris from bridge structures throughout the city.

Gravel roads washed out by the heavy flooding are being bladed and resurfaced today.

Starting Monday, street and sanitation crews will be working on Old Cape Road, between South Georgia Street and South Shawnee Boulevard; Kies Avenue, between East Adams Street and Old Cape Road; and East Independence Street, between North High Street and Greensferry Road.

"If we get good weather, this week, we expect to knock out all those streets," said Rodney Bollinger, Jackson's public works director.

Since Feb. 19, approximately 400 total loads of storm debris have been removed from the curbside of nearly 114 of an estimated 350 affected.

Property owners should put the storm debris at curbside for city crews to pick up. The work is being done from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays until further notice.

Residents who want to move the limbs sooner can opt for taking them to a free collection point near the Recycling Center, 508 Eastview Ct., 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

A second collection point, at North Industrial Park, on North High Street (Highway 61 North) is available for both residents and commercial contractors disposing larger quantities and chipped material. Residents can dispose for free; contractors and haulers pay $25 per load. Cash and local checks are accepted at the site. The North Industrial Park site is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Meanwhile, the city has advertised for help from outside contractor. Bids will be opened at 10 a.m. on April 3. Specifications and bidding documents are on file and available for examination at city hall, in the public works office, or online at www.jacksonmo.org. The contract covers remaining debris removal from street right-of-ways, city parks and city-owned properties.

Storm debris shall only include debris that FEMA determines eligible as provided by published FEMA guidelines.

Bollinger said 25 contractors have bid packets.

"The more people who bid, the lower the price gets," he said.

The contactor selected will be asked to complete the work by May 16.