By James B. Bartle
In vote of four-to-three, the Sullivan City Council will submit three projects to the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council for consideration of projects ready for possible federal stimulus money being proposed by the federal government.
During their regular meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 3, Sullivan city engineer, Robert Schaffer, addressed the council stating the city was informed on Jan. 28 that projects that could be “shovel ready” within 75 to 150 days are being considered for federal stimulus funds that will be coordinated through East- West Gateway and MoDOT. Projects also shovel ready by 2010 would be considered and must be road projects that meet requirements. The funding could be at 100 percent.
Schaffer stated the city has three proposed projects that could meet these qualifications, including North Loop phase three and four and reconstruction of Vine St. from McKinley to Hughes Ford Rd.
North Loop phase three would bring a roadway and new bridge from Highway AF to North and South Rd. while phase four would go from North and South Rd. to Woodview.
Schaffer stated these projects, if presented for the grants, could be awarded by Feb. 25 depending upon federal legislation.
The cost for the projects to be presented for grant funding is expected to cost the city $15,000 of unbudgeted funds.
Alderman Danny Banning presented a motion to pursue the federal funds for the project through the grant applications.
This prompted several discussions by the council concerned over costs associated and what the city may incur while the city is experiencing a shortfall of funds at the present time due to the economy and previous capital improvement projects.
Alderman J.T. Hardy expressed concerns over the city staff thinking that if the council approved this grant application for 100 percent federal funding and, if the funding wasn’t obtained, the projects should still move forward.
Alderman Jarrett Dace cited that he had issues on voting on projects that the city doesn’t know what costs they might incur.
“You say it’s free, but my experience with the federal government is nothing is free. We need to be very cautious,” said Alderman Mike Ryan.
Some questions were raised by the council on whether water and sewer lines or right-of-way acquisitions would be covered in the 100 percent federal funding.
Schaffer stated that the grants would only pay for roadway improvements and not infrastructure, water/sewer lines as he understood it.
Mayor James Schatz, who is a strong supporter of the North Loop projects, stated that Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Ed Hillhouse felt the City of Sullivan stood a good chance of getting these funds.
“I think we should move forward with a positive attitude,” said Schatz.
Following some additional discussions, the council approved the grant application by a vote of four-to-three. Alderman Mike Ryan, Rich Abel and Danny Banning voted yes while Alderman Dace, Hardy and Tom Leasor voted no. Mayor Schatz broke the tie with a yes vote.
The combined projects being sought would bring over $5 million of roadway construction into the city, if approved, with projects beginning as early as July.