Hopkins Seeks to Overhaul Water System

The City of Hopkins is in the process of considering overhauling its water system. The last time it had done so was over 30 years ago. The council authorized the city to pursue a Preliminary Engineering Report grant through the Missouri State Revolving fund, which offers Engineering Report grants, and through the USDA Rural Development program. 

The State Drinking Water Revolving Fund pays for reasonable engineering services, costs for additional items approved by the department, and deemed reasonable,  necessary, and produces an engineering report that makes reaonable and cost-effective recommendations. The program does not cover services completed before the grant is awarded or outside the approved project period, application preparation, costs outside the scope of the project, ourdinary operating expenses and salaries, administrative activities, fines, penalties, or use of the city's own labor force.

The program awards up to $30,000, with a local match of 20%. However, qualifiying disadvantaged communities can receive up to 100% of the grant, not to exceed $37,500. Disadvantaged communities include communities with less than 3,300 people, have a median household income of 75% or less of the state average, and have user rates at or above 2% of the median household income.

USDA preliminary engineering grants are available for rural areas and towns with a population of 10,000 or fewer, and which have a median household income of below the poverty line or less than 80% of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income.

Program funds can be used to help eligible communities obtain Preliminary Engineering Reports. Grants cannot be used to pay for work already completed. The amount of the grant will be subtracted from the total grant eligibility if a USDA grant is awarded for part of the water or wastewater project. These grants do not have to be paid back if the application for a subsequent USDA Direct Loan and/or grant is not successful. Grant awards are based on demonstrated need and availability of funds.  The maximum grant award is $60,000 or 75% of predevelopment costs. The program requires a 25% match.

Ed Drummond came to talk about a neighbor across the street that he says has overgrown weeds. The council authorized a letter of violation through the attorney with a deadline to clean the property up.

The city is in the process of locating the address for the owner of the tailer next to Rick's that it says is in violation of city ordinances and that it is seeking to condemn. Once it is located, the city will send a letter of condemnation.

Jody Thompson asked for permission to tear out the sidewalk in front of her house that is deteriorating. The council approved her request.

The city received a written complaint from a citizen alleging that their neighbor was keeping goats, chickens, and eight dogs within a fence made of pallets. The city will research its ordinances to determine possible violations.

The city recieved a letter of violation from the DNR. The DNR letter alleged that in May 2025, the city received a violation regarding e.coli. The second violation alleged that the city failed to notify the public within  one year after the date of the original violation.