By James B. Bartle
Following months of discussions, requesting bids and a special meeting, the Sullivan City Council decided on Tuesday night, Sept. 22, to continue to provide lawn and ground services with city employees through the Sullivan Parks Department.
The council held a special meeting on this matter, and a few other issues, on Tuesday night as they are not scheduled to hold another regular meeting until Oct. 20, due to a city conference.
The council, as reported in the Sept. 16, 2009 edition of the Sullivan Independent News, had received five bids for lawn care in the city on Sept. 2.
The low bid was from Boast Enterprises, Sullivan, at $183,452, with the largest bid from Freedom Lawn Care, Gerald, in the amount of $452,518.
Alderman Jarrett Dace reported to fellow council members on Tuesday night that he had met with parks commissioner Dave Cochran and city administrator Mark Falloon to discuss the city’s cost for providing the service. Dace stated that an audit of services indicated that the city was spending $134,500 to provide lawn care on all city properties.
Following some discussions on the scope of the services provided, alderman Dennis Watz made a motion to reject all the bids for lawn service, which was seconded by alderman Jarrett Dace and approved unanimously.
The council received, and approved, a request from Rob Lawrence, appearing on behalf of the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, to hold a 5K Fun Run on Nov. 7, which will use the city streets of Mattox Drive, Progress Drive, Bon Oaks and Lilac. The race is being held in conjunction with the Missouri Baptist Hospital Health Fair. The council approved the request unanimously as long as emergency services have been notified.
The council approved spending $3,150 in the Tree City USA Fund from the 2009 budget to plant some 60 trees in the city.
The council is also continuing to work with the Sullivan Saddle Club and the Missouri Rhineland Kennel Club, who will both host events at the Sullivan fairgrounds and Saddle Club arena in September 2010.