City Administration
| Duties of the Mayor | Mission Statement | City Talk | City Connection
Welcome to Rolla, Missouri
On behalf of the Rolla City Council, City staff and residents, welcome to Rolla, Missouri! Whether you are just passing through, relocating from another area, or thinking about making Rolla your home, we're glad you’re here.
If you haven't already noticed, friendliness is something you'll find a lot of in our city, along with abundant recreational, cultural and educational opportunities. We have a saying in Rolla that the quality of life is high, but not the cost of living.
Whether you're looking for great authentic restaurants, affordable lodging, or a beautiful park, we have what you are looking for in Rolla! Couple all this with nationally ranked blue-ribbon schools, a leading technological university (Missouri University of Science and Technology), world-class theatre, year-round community festivals, a historic downtown and an outstanding parks and recreation system, and you'll quickly see why we have been recognized as one of The 100 Best Small Towns in America (Norman Crampton).
Rolla also boasts one of the most state-of-the-art recreation facilities in the MidWest. The Centre – a 63,000-square-foot health and recreation complex, offers everything from a cutting-edge 4,000-square-foot fitness center, to an amazing Aquatic Center, gymnasium, indoor walking track and recreational programs for the entire community to enjoy. During the hot summer months SplashZone, Rolla's waterpark, located in beautiful Ber Juan Park, offers a refreshing break for families.
While some refer to Rolla as the foothills to the Ozarks – in particular the Mark Twain National Forest – there is much more to Rolla than our scenic rolling hills, world-renown trout streams and highly sought after recreational opportunities on the Gasconade, Little Piney, Big Piney and Meramec Rivers.
Phelps County, of which Rolla is the county seat, includes such diverse industries as Brewer Science, Inc., Missouri Science (Mo-Sci), Missouri Department of Natural Resources, CANTEX Inc. and Royal Canin USA. Missouri University of Science and Technolgoy is actively positioning itself as one of the nation's top technological universities and research parks.
High quality medical facilities at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, the Bond Clinic and St. John's Clinic, together with an abundance of cultural opportunities at the Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center, Ozark Actors Theatre and ArtsRolla, are additional assets that make Rolla such a desirable place to live, work and visit.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Mayor is elected to serve a four-year term. The Mayor is required to be at least thirty (30) years of age, a U.S. Citizen, and a resident of the City for no less than two years preceding the election.
The Mayor acts as the chief executive office in Third Class Cities in Missouri. The Mayor is the president of the City Council but can vote only in the case of a tie. The Mayor does have veto authority over any ordinance passed by the City Council including "line-item" veto, provided a written veto or objection is submitted at the next regular meeting of the Council (subject to Council override).
The Mayor has the authority to appoint all officers or commissions prescribed by law with the consent of the City Council. The Mayor should actively enforce all laws of the City and has the authority to call on every inhabitant of the City, between eighteen and fifty years of age, to aid in enforcing the laws. The Mayor has the power to remit fines and forfeitures, to grant reprieves and pardons, and execute all deeds for the sale of real estate.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the City of Rolla is to promote the enhanced quality of life for citizens of all ages and abilities. We do so by pursuing strong public safety services, a quality infrastructure network based on properly planned growth, and a diverse and vibrant economy. Through effective leadership in cooperation with our citizens, businesses and community organizations we can ensure the desired balance between our urban development with the charm of our rural history through open and participative communication with our customers and citizens.
City Talk
City’s stormwater retention system holds during heavy rains
The heavy torrential rains we experienced this week put our City’s stormwater management system to the ultimate test. Fortunately, with all the new stormwater retention ponds, box culverts, and widened stream beds that were constructed over the last five years, the City’s stormwater levels were kept under control.
It was not that long ago that heavy rains, like the ones experienced this week, would have flooded many City streets, parks, yards and even some homes, apartments and businesses. Low lying areas along Forum Drive, 18th Street, Soest Road, and 10th Street used to flood on a regular basis.
The construction of six stormwater retention facilities three years ago by the City’s Public Works Department are helping the City address issues related to stormwater retention, flood control improvements and the growing need for storm sewer system upgrades. Since most of these stormwater detention facilities are located in hard-to-access areas, however, they are not easily seen or easily accessible to the public.
The six stormwater facilities include: Tory Park Detention Facility (located just east of the Forum Cinema off Tory Avenue); the Bray Sports Complex Detention Facility located adjacent to the Rolla High School (the ball field doubles as a dry detention facility – protecting downstream homes from possible flooding); the Taylor Anderson Detention Facility; Vichy Road Stormwater Detention Facility; White Columns Drive Detention Facility and the RCDC Stormwater Detention Facility (located just west of the Rolla Industrial Park).
Other projects associated with these flood control improvements identified in the City’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (implemented in June 2005) include the construction of 10 box culverts. The total cost of these improvements was funded by a bond issue of $3 million and an $180,000 Missouri Department of Transportation Grant. The paramount benefit of these stormwater detention improvements will remove nearly 200 homes and businesses from the 100-year flood plain. In addition to these flood control benefits, the City has added 120 acres of open space and conservation area to preserve and enhance Rolla’s sensitive eco-systems.
The City has also identified over 35 neighborhoods that have localized stormwater drainage problems. These projects, which are part of the Public Works’ annual street and storm sewer maintenance activities, are being prioritized in terms of severity, street maintenance schedule and availability of funds. The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue to address these very important improvements.
In closing I’d like to wish all the Dads in the community a happy Father’s Day this weekend. And remember on Sunday, June 21, there will be a Father’s Day Special at SplashZone -- Rolla’s outdoor water park (located at the corner of 14th and Holloway next to The Centre). Dads get in free with a child’s admission ($4.50). SpalshZone is open weekends from 12-noon to 6 p.m. and weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 12-noon to 7 p.m.
The July 4th weekend is just around the corner as well, which means the Lions Club Carnival will be coming to town Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4. Don’t forget that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Also remember that week that Friday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday and Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday.
Mayor Bill Jenks, III
City Connection
(A monthly update from the City of Rolla to the Business Community)
Rolla Downtown Farmers
Market open every Tuesday
For some of the freshest produce in Rolla, don’t forget to visit the Rolla Downtown Farmers Market every Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 12-noon in the City’s downtown festival lot next to City Hall at the corner of 9th and Oak Streets.
For additional information, please contact Kristy Rich in the Rolla Parks and Recreation Department at (573) 341-2386.
Cool off this summer
at SplashZone, Rolla’s
outdoor water park
One of the most popular destinations in Rolla during the summer months is SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park. SplashZone is centrally located at the corner of 14th and Holloway Streets, adjacent to The Centre. It will remain open through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7.
Hours of operation are weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 12-noon to 7 p.m. and weekends from 12-noon to 6 p.m. Admission is $4.50 per person (ages 4 and up). For children age 3 and under there is no charge.
For more information, please call (573) 364-8222 or (573) 341-2386.
The Centre featured
in national publication
for ActiveRewards program
The Centre, Rolla’s 63,000-square-foot health and recreation complex, was recently featured in an ActiveRewards Newsletter that is distributed nationally for The Centre’s participation in a Disney XD Basketball Knockout Game promotion with Centre members this past fall.
“Over the past two years The Centre participated in the ActiveRewards program that allows The Centre to distribute complimentary products such as Marathon Energy bars, flavored water, lotion, etc. to Centre members,” said Scott Caron, Recreation Director for the City of Rolla. “In return, The Centre provides ActiveRewards with pictures and feedback from the sampling.”
Being featured in the national level newsletter gave The Centre staff an opportunity to market and promote the many outstanding facilities and programs offered at The Centre to folks all over the country. ActiveRewards introduced the CENTRE’s Optimist Basketball league to the new Disney XD Television network by getting kids engaged in the Disney XD Knockout Basketball challenge. The CENTRE received neon wristbands, full-size banners, and Disney XD branded basketballs as grand prizes.
The ActiveRewards newsletter, which can be viewed online at www.active.com/images/newsletters/ActiveRewards/051109, also includes a photo of the Disney XD participants proudly wearing their complimentary neon Disney XD Television Network wrist bands. The Centre’s Recreation Manager Linda Roberts is also quoted in the newsletter saying that “The kids in our Optimist Basketball league enjoyed the great wristbands, the good natured competition, and the chance to win a Disney XD basketball!”
For more information about The Centre, please call (573) 341-2386 or visit www.rollacity.org/centre.
Back to School
Sales Tax Holiday
Aug. 7-9
The message to shop local was sent again to the Rolla community by members of the Rolla City Council when they recently approved the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for the first weekend in August.
As stated in the recently passed ordinance to ‘opt in’ to the state back to school sales tax holiday, the sales tax holiday (tax savings of 2.5%) is intended to provide tax relief to families with children attending school by exempting the sales tax on clothing, personal computers, certain computer software, and school supplies. The sale officially begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August (Aug. 7), and ends at midnight on the Sunday following (Aug. 9).
The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday was first established in 2004 by the Missouri State Legislature when the legislature passed Senate Bill 11. At that time Rolla and more than 135 other cities opted-out of the exemption over a concern for a loss in sales tax revenue. While it is possible that the Sales Tax Holiday could cost the City of Rolla anywhere between $10,000 and $18,000 in lost sales tax revenue, the tax savings of 2.5% on clothing, school supplies and personal computers should be a welcomed relief for families with school-aged children. As the message continues to spread that Rolla is participating in the Back to School Sales Tax, the City, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and restaurants will hopefully see an increase in local purchases all across the board.
2009 Environmental Services
“List of Important Dates”
July 4 – Independence Day: Friday’s trash will be picked up Thursday; Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Sept. 7 – Labor Day: Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
Oct. 3 – Citywide Fall Clean Up: Saturday – Citywide clean up day (residential only)
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day: No special pick-ups on Wednesday
Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day: Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day: Friday’s trash will be picked up on Thursday; Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday
For more information, please contact the City’s Environmental Services Department at (573) 364-6693.
Full-color 2008
Aerial photos of
Rolla available
at City Hall
The 2008 full-color aerial photo of the City of Rolla is available for purchase at the GIS/Mapping Office located in the Public Works Department at Rolla City Hall (901 North Elm Street) in downtown Rolla.
The aerial was flown in January 2008 and is available on 42- x 52-inch photo quality gloss paper. The price is $20 per print. A limited supply of the 2007 black and white aerial photos are also available for a cost of $5.
For more information, or to place your order for an aerial photo of Rolla, please call (573) 364-8659, ext. 033, or stop by City Hall anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact Information
Mayor:
William S. Jenks, III
City Administrator:
John D. Butz
Administrative Assistant:
Millie Street
Communications Coord.
Scott Grahl
City Clerk
Carol Daniels
Main Office:
901 North Elm Street,
3rd Floor, City Hall
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 979
Rolla, MO 65402
Telephone:
(573) 426-6948
Fax: (573) 426-6947
E-Mail:
admin@rollacity.org
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed 12 pm-1 pm
(For lunch)
(Closed Weekends & Holidays)