Sikeston City Council takes first step to annex new TRCC property

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The annexation of land into Sikeston's city limits for a new Three Rivers Community College campus has moved another step forward.

The Sikeston City Council accepted a petition of annexation during its special meeting Monday morning.

"What it means is we have a property owner that is requesting the inclusion of their property into city limits and to receive city services," said Linda Lowes, director of governmental services.

The land tract is in New Madrid County just outside of the city limits south of U.S. 60 and east of U.S. 61. The 38.28 acres were donated to Three Rivers Community College in May by Scott Matthews and Michael and Elizabeth Brunt.

The petition from Three Rivers Community College was informally received by the city earlier this fall, according to Lowes.

"This is the first presentation to council and council accepted it officially," she said.

The next step in the annexation process is a public hearing for resident input tentatively scheduled for Jan. 3.

Citizens will have until Jan. 18 to submit comments and concerns about the annexation.

"Then we will create the bill that officially annexes the property into the city," Lowes said.

The first reading of that bill is scheduled for the council's Jan. 31 briefing session, with the second reading and action slated for the regular meeting Feb. 7.

"If that is approved we will have to amend the ward boundaries," Lowes said. "We will just amend Ward 3 until we get the census figures back. When we get the 2010 Census results we will amend the wards if it is required. Redistricting would be based on population: All four wards must have a similar number of residents."

It has been several years since the last annexation into the city, according to Lowes, with the most recent being properties located on the east side of U.S. 61 on Sikeston's north end.