By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan City Council met in open session on Tues., Apr. 7, approving several bids and two ordinances and issuing a warning of sorts to residents that have not connected to the city sewer system.
The council approved a liquor license request from Stephanie J. Bishop, of SJB & JTK Enterprises, LLC, for the Pioneer Lounge. The license was approved contingent upon approval from the State of Missouri and obtaining city licenses and inspections.
The council awarded a bid for light poles and fixtures to Harry Cooper Supply, Springfield, for West Main St. in the amount of $739.95 each, with a total of 15 requested.
The council awarded an asphalt bid for the coming year to N.B. West, Sullivan, in the amount of $53.89 per ton, with 1,908 tons needed for a cost of $102,822.12.
City engineer Robert Schaffer reported that the items needed for the new wastewater treatment plant lab have been bid and will total $93,916.64 with $500,000 budgeted; thus, the items came in way under the budget amount.
These items were approved by the council and included: Laboratory Microscope from Hitschfel Instruments in the amount of $8,833.40; lab equipment package, Hach, $26,264.52; fume hood, glass washer and sludge judge, LSS, $23,130.07; two portable compact samplers, Hach, $4,543.65; and five open channel flow meters, Hach, $31,145.
Schaffer spoke briefly on the new Elmont overpass and the intersection of Springfield Rd. and Elmont Rd. He stated that future development would dictate whether stop lights would be constructed at this area. The internal wiring is in place for the signals, but the cost is estimated at $125,000 to $175,000.
City attorney Matt Schroeder received approval to submit a draft ordinance to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for pre-treatment of wastewater from local factories and commercial establishments. Once the pre-treatment plan is approved by DNR, the city can adopt this procedure and program.
Schroeder also reported that the city was named in a bankruptcy case with Charter Communications. Charter pays the city a franchise fee to use its utility poles for cable service. The city is not expected to lose the $13,000 in fees collected from Charter in the bankruptcy case, as the fees are still going to be set aside for payment. Twenty-five percent of the fees are placed in the city’s Cultural Grant Fund.
The council approved two ordinances during their meeting on Tuesday night.
Ordinance 3336 repealed a contract and enacted a new contract with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission to complete and submit an application to the Missouri Department of Economic Development for an Enhanced Enterprise Zone Program to help solicit industry. The cost is $6,000.
Ordinance 3337 will allow the city to use funds from the Cultural Grant Fund to fund purchases of real estate or personal property for qualifying applicants. Prior to this ordinance, the funds could not be used in this way.
Alderman Jarrett Dace commented that several citizens have not paid their sewer connection fee of $3,750, in the area sewered through the city’s bond issue. He felt that these names should be published in the newspaper and action taken to see that all monies owed are collected, in order to see all citizens are treated fairly.
Alderman Danny Banning questioned whether all parties that have not paid their fees have been contacted or received certified letters. He felt that these individuals should be contacted first prior to being published.
Alderman Dace also commented that the city has an exterior maintenance ordinance and that the code enforcement officer will be enforcing these city laws.
Alderman Tom Leasor stated that MoDOT has completed a study on Highway 185 South from the railroad overpass to Vine St. and would be bringing a recommendation to the city.
The council adjourned within 22 minutes, and had no items for closed session.