Council Approves Building Demo, Requests And Promotions Tuesday

The Sullivan City Council approved the demolition a a home at 678 Watson Rd., Tuesday night following a public hearing, approved two requests before them, a bid item and then promoted several people following closed session.

The council held a public hearing at 7 p.m. regarding the property at 678 Watson Rd., owned by Mark Koppelmann and lenders First Choice Mortgage and Seattle Mortgage Residential Lending, regarding the dangerous building findings by City Inspector Dave Dawson.

Dawson reported the complaint to the city and the actions taken per city code to rectify the problem.

Dawson indicated that a meeting was held with Ms. Koppelmann and himself on June 1, 2021, to which he was informed that there were no funds to fix the home.

Dawson stated to the council that the home met all the criteria for being a dangerous property.

The council concluded the public hearing and during their regular session approved a motion to raze the building should no action be taken within the 30 day notice provided by the city.

The council moved into the regular portion of their meeting where they approved the Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the normal street closures.

The council also approved the Downtown Business Partnership Flea Market events scheduled for Saturday, September 18, October 16, and November 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The council received three bids for the North Olive Water Main Project where they approved the bid from Core and Main, St. Louis in the amount of $19,282.77.

City Admnistrator J.T. Hardy reminded the council and residents that the Fall Citywide Cleanup is scheduled for the week of October 4-8.

Under Alderman Input, Alderman Mark Dalton reported that some city utility customers had confusion over the city’s deduct meter used by customers who water their lawns, gardens and fill swimming pools but these have been resolved.

Alderwoman KaKecia Philpot asked when sidewalks inside Sunny Jim Bottomley would be completed and new benches in the parks system?

Administrator J.T. Hardy reported that the sidewalks will likely be completed in-house by the Parks Department and the new benches are budgeted for 2022 pending construction material needed.

Alderman Tony Wessler asked what status of Northside Trail expansion was?

City Engineer Robert Shaffer reported that Spring 2022 is projected start date pending easements and surveys.

Alderman Paul McCulloch reported that he met with resident Steven Gamache regarding occupancy permits and felt the meeting went good.

Mayor Dennis Watz, under Mayor Input, reported that several citizens expressed concerns about lilies and lotus flowers overtaking the city lake and affecting the fish and wildlife. City staff has since removed the vegetation from the shoreline.

Watz also sought and received approval for Jarrett Dace to be appointed to the IDA through May 2027, replacing Charlie Betz.

The council met in closed session for four matters of personnel and one matter of litigation.

The four matters of personnel included: hiring of James Susnic to the position of semi-skilled laborer in the Water and Sewer Department; a pay grade increase was approved for Sullivan Police Chief Patrick Johnson, new Lt. Jefferey Rorher and new Sergeant Benjamin Hempelmann, following the retirement of Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts and their promotions.

The council also noted that Officer Trevor Young has been selected at the School Resource Office position vacated by Tiffany Redd.