Water and sewer issues, and the possibility of construction of a new hotel, highlighted a recent California Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Mayor Rich Green attended the April 14 Chamber meeting to discuss issues regarding the city's water and sewer and a new hotel chain looking to establish itself in the area.

He said the city has engaged with a serious problem with its wastewater treatment plant. Although it is functioning perfectly, the mayor explained, the plant is running at twice normal operating capacity. To fix this problem, the city enlisted the help of the Bartlett and West engineering firm to do a study on how to fix the water treatment plant, expand its capacity and prepare California for the future.

The firm developed a plan to take out two of the city's most troublesome pumping stations for work to be done. With the high school sewage system connected to these stations, water and waste will be run down a series of gulleys to the west of the high school and gravity-feed to the wastewater treatment plant.

At the same time, California has no electricity and water services on the south side of Highway 50. To remedy this, the city is proposing to run water and electricity down Gerhart Road, getting electricity and water on the other side of the highway.

The mayor said correcting this system would be a $30 million project. The city has been working with Bartlett and West to prepare for a feasibility study which would pursue funding from the state and federal governments.

Green told members he's trying to help expand the footprint of the city. He said if California continues to grow outward it will have more water and electric capabilities which in turn will bring more industry.

This ties directly into an offer the city received from Cobblestone Hotels. The mayor explained the business reached out to build a new hotel just outside the city limits. Owners have spoken to the city about creating a 42-unit hotel potentially built on the south side of new Highway 50.

Nearby communities benefit from guests coming into town for sporting events, funerals and other visits, which has unfortunately deferred business to Jefferson City or Sedalia and away from California. The mayor said it would be a great economic driver as the hotel would be able to keep these individuals close to the city.

There would be significant investment from the city to get electric and water to the area, however, local businesses would also be expected to invest in the hotel project as well. Cobblestone Hotels would be asking for around 30 percent of local equity ownership before it could move forward with building.

Although the project is some time away from even beginning, the mayor wanted to know if it would have the support of the chamber. Green said he will be looking for an expression of support as well as a set amount of funds decided by the chamber to be put toward a pre-development study for the hotel.

After Green's presentation, the chamber discussed the merit of the project and what it could offer as an organization. Members concluded it was too early to promise any funds they could put forth. The chamber did, however, agree to approve a motion to support the idea of a hotel and to discuss and vote on the issue at a later date.

Print Headline: Mayor visits Chamber of Commerce for support

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