By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan City Council met in open session on Tues., July 6 covering a lot of ground on several issues, but tabling discussion on the much anticipated decision on whether the Howitzer cannon, “Cool Hand Luke,” will remain in downtown Sullivan or be allowed to be relocated at the Sullivan VFW Post.
The council tabled discussions on the possible move of the cannon as aldermen Jarrett Dace and Paul McCulloch were unable to attend the Tuesday meeting.
City administrator Mark Falloon did announce that the cannon could remain in the downtown area, even though the construction of East Vine St. phase two would have to have it relocated.
Mayor J.T. Hardy did state to the council that, if the city does keep it downtown, it needs to be restored and properly maintained.
Karen Largent, representing the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, requested that the Chamber be allowed to obtain a temporary liquor license for the Fine Arts Festival set for Sat., Oct. 2 in downtown Sullivan. The council approved the motion to allow the event unanimously.
Tom Thompson, representing the Sullivan Cultural Grant Committee, appeared before the council requesting that a grant be approved for $5,900 for the Harney Mansion Foundation for renovation purposes. The council approved the grant application unanimously.
The council approved two bids on the Springfield Rd. Improvement project and the East Vine St. phase two project. N.B. West, Sullivan, presented the low bid on both projects with a cost of $1,982,920.70 for Springfield Rd. and $722,246.31 for the East Vine St. project. The council approved both bids unanimously.
City engineer Robert Schaffer reported that both project bids are under review by the Missouri Department of Transportation and he expressed some concerns on the speedy return for approval on the projects. Schaffer indicated that the  projects could be delayed until Spring 2011 if there is much delay from MoDOT.
Schaffer continued his report receiving permission from the Sullivan City Council to pursue training through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for Energy audit training. Schaffer reported that Missouri Department of Natural Resources has received $7.5 million for the State Energy Program and the training will allow for energy audits of homes and provide funding for assistance in programs.
Schaffer presented a request from Public Water and Sewer District #1 to allow four commercial users to be accepted to connect to city sewer through their intermunicipal agreement in that they have met the requirements of the city sewer connection agreement for potable water. The council approved the request unanimously.
In his report to the council, Schaffer stated that the city is still waiting final MoDOT approval to begin the Safe Routes To School project and that the wastewater treatment plant project remains on schedule.
City attorney Matt Schroeder discussed updates to the existing city code for nuisance violations which prompted much discussion on language regarding inspection of homes and who may or may not be able to inspect them. The council determined that they would review these issues with the city attorney and provide additional recommendations.
Mayor J.T. Hardy expressed some concerns over changes in the recycling program with Swinger Sanitation, Cuba. Hardy felt that the company, when they were awarded the bid for the city, indicated that there would be no changes in the program and now the program has become more restrictive and calling for additional sorting of products. The council directed the city to speak with Swinger regarding complaints with the program.
The council approved one ordinance on Tuesday. Ordinance 3410, which approved a contract for sludge removal from the new wastewater treatment plant with Oros & Busch Application Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $0.082 per gallon on sludge removal through 2010. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
Alderman Tom Leasor stated that he received a complaint that the ditch between Orscheln’s and Dollar General needs to be brush hogged and cleaned out.
Alderman Dennis Watz reported that the Utility Ad Hoc Committee has wrapped up the issues before them and presented their recommendations to the council and will now be meeting on an as-needed basis.
Mayor Hardy commended the fireworks display held in the city on July 4 and asked the public if a community organization may want to consider doing this next year or if the city should continue to fund it. Hardy is looking for comments on this issue.
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