By James B. Bartle
An ordinance that would have the City of Sullivan paying $815,000 to have the North Outer Road rerouted and improved was tabled on Tuesday night during the regular meeting of the Sullivan City Council.
Ordinance 3328 would have approved a cost share program for the realignment of the North Outer Rd. near the Flying J exit. The estimated cost of the project is $5,791,000 with the city’s share to be $3,315,000. The city’s right-of-way acquisition was valued at $2,500,000; thereby, with the 50/50 cost share with MoDOT, the project would cost the city $815,000.
Originally, the city’s right-of-way for the project was supposed to cover their cost in the project, the land was being donated by the affected property owners; however, city administrator Mark Falloon reported that there is a shortfall in the project with the city needing to pay an additional $815,000.
Falloon added that MoDOT was looking for a resolution from the city on the project so that funds can either be committed to the project or sent to another project. The work is not scheduled until the 2011-12 construction year.
The project would take the east and west portions of the North Service Rd. and connect them to the new North Loop Rd.; thus, eliminating the four-way intersection at the east overpass.
Alderman Jarrett Dace stated that he felt this was a MoDOT problem, not a city problem, and questioned using the $815,000 of city funds for the project.
Falloon agreed that this was part of the I-44 traffic problem, but stated that this would expedite the project.
Alderman J.T. Hardy felt that the project has merit to open up property that presently isn’t being developed and could provide an economic impact to the city, but the $815,000 could be spent elsewhere in the city.
Alderman Dace questioned whether this could be a “shovel ready” project for federal stimulus money.
Falloon replied that it would not.
The council discussed the issue at length, prior to any vote, with several aldermen questioning whether Oak Grove Village would cost share in the project for the improvements on their side of the project. The council was informed it was a possibility.
Falloon commented that the state is looking to do the North Outer Road project at the same time as the east overpass widening and improvement project, and they would like to do them at the same time. If the funding from the city is not approved, it could delay the project.
Following additional discussions, the council tabled a vote on the ordinance seeking more input from MoDOT on the project.
The council unanimously approved the following ordinances:
Ordinance 3317 settled a lawsuit with the Village of Oak Grove over sales tax issues at the Sullivan Wal-Mart and other matters. The city agreed to share 25 percent of the capital improvement taxes with the village and place the 25 percent transportation tax into a joint fund for three years for joint transportation projects between the two municipalities.
The city agreed to refund Oak Grove $23,400 for past police services at Wal-Mart and not charge the village for future services;  to reimburse Oak Grove $750 for 100 months for sewer treatment; and provide the village with an emergency water connection service at three times the residential rate.
Ordinance 3318 granted a 30-foot right-of-way easement to Crawford Electric for the new substation of Sho-Me Power off Highway AF.
Ordinance 3319 approved the combining of three lots into two lots at Crawford Circle for land owned by David and Betty Clemens and Alice Schatz.
Ordinance 3320 approved a $95,000 grant for the purpose of clearing trees and grading at the Sullivan Regional Airport.
Ordinance 3321 approved a $193,073 grant for the purpose of completing the master plan at the Sullivan Regional Airport, with the city’s portion set at $10,162.
Ordinance 3322 approved an agreement with the engineering firm of Crawford, Murphy and Tilley for design, bidding and construction to replace the airport beacon and tower.
Ordinance 3323 approved a 25-year license agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in the amount of $2,500, which will allow the cty to install a new water line under the railroad near Well #10 to service the Tyree Industrial Park ground.
Ordinance 3324 approved a zoning change for Lots 19, 20, 21 and 22 in Heritage Subdivision from R-1 to R-2. The lots are owned by Tim Reinhold.
Ordinance 3325 approved an application for a grant for the Sullivan Police Department to apply for new computers for patrol cars. The grant is a 75/25 match with the total cost $36,385 and the city paying $9,096. The funds would be expended in the 2010 budget year.
Ordinance 3326 approved an electrical upgrade at the new wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $14,004.77, bringing the total contract to $4,618,103.67.
Ordinance 3327 approved increasing the contract with Jacobs Engineering by $90,500 for additional inspections, coordination, and monitoring on the new treatment plant.