Council Approves Street Closure Receives Requests

Sullivan City Council met on Tuesday, November 19, where they approved a request for a temporary street closure, received requests from concerned citizens regarding illegal activity, approved payment of the monthly bills in the amount of $1,566,513.77 and approved one ordinance.

Sullivan Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Parks requested temporary street closures for the Christmas Festival and parade in Sullivan on December 7, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Temporary street closures for the event are West Main at North Clark, Taylor and Hughes Ford Rd. The parade lineup will start on Elm and Park Streets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and conclude at Hughes Ford and Beeman Streets.

The council approved the request unanimously by motion.

Also under request and petitions residents Jeff Hubbard and David Windle, 812 Raymond St. both appeared before the council voicing concerns over illegal activity in their neighborhoods and seeking additional police enforcement in the area.

Hubbard made several allegations of drug activity at three different homes in the areas of Fair St. and Sappington Bridge. He also reported that vehicles are speeding in the neighborhood and not obeying stop signs.

Hubble alleged that he felt some of the officers were not working in the area like they should and voiced concerns that calls were not being answered or patrolled as swiftly as he felt they should.

Windle echoed some of the same concerns in his comments to the council.

City Administrator J.T. Hardy presented a stack of paperwork from calls in this neighborhood initiated by the two residents and what efforts officers made.

The council stated that they would forward the information on to the police department and see if they can get additional patrols in the area.

The council approved a bid from Donald Maggi INc., Rolla, for asphalt replacement at Campbell-Chapman Sports Complex in the existing walking areas and bleacher areas in the amount of $45,486. 

The council questioned why the bid was so much less that bid submitted by N.B. West, Sullivan, $121,695, which staff stated it was impacted by current work loads in this industry at this time.

The council approved payment of the monthly bills in the amount of $1,566,513.77.

Ordinance 3870 was approved unanimously and approved the vacating of a small parcel of property at the end of Elbert St. The property will retain utility easements for the city but was vacated and returned back to the property owner following a public hearing.

Under Alderman Input, Alderman Jason Alexander stated that he recently received praise for the city efforts to provide such great park facilities for the public but the resident encouraged the city to investigate a dog park. 

Alderman T.J. Carey suggested the city could look into a public/private partnership for this type of facility in the future.

The council had no matters for closed session following their regular meeting,