Council Approves Water Line Repair; Discusses 2020 Budget In Special Meeting
The Sullivan City Council met in special session on Tuesday, July 23, to discuss an emergency water line repair under Interstate 44 at Church Street along with review of the 2019 fiscal year budget and proposed 2020 budget.
City Engineer Robert Schaffer addressed the council regarding the emergency water line repair and the previous discussion during the July 16 meeting in which an 8-inch water line replacement quoutes were presented. The council asked for 10-inch line quotes as well.
Schaffer reported that Lamke Trenching and Excavating, Inc., Marthasville submitted a cost of $83,825.81 and Donald Maggi, Rolla, $85,800. Staff recommended the bid from Lamke Trenching be awarded with the project to begin August 5 and finished in two weeks.
The council approved the motion unanimously.
Reviews of the fiscal year 2019 and proposed 2020 budget were discussed.
The council was informed that city hall central air unit is not working and depending on the type of fix, estimates for repair/replacement could range anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000;
With the downtown trees being removed due to safety and maintenance concerns with sidewalks, city staff is budgeting planters for business owners that can decorate and help beautify downtown:
Discussions were held on 2020 fireworks in which the council agreed weather played a role in this year’s display, but the general plan was to hold the event again in 2020;
According to the last audit on September 30, 2018, the Elmont Overpass Project received $4,328,094 from the Special Reserve Fund and $2,750,000 from the Electric Fund. These internal loans will be repaid from a half-cent transportation sales tax authorized by the voters in 2024 with a sunset provision in 2024. Hardy reported that this fiscal year, a total of $4,328,094 was repaid to the Special Reserve Fund. He noted that there should be adequate time for repayment of the remaining inter-fund loan, which may include some accrued interest.
Hardy suggested to the council that following review of the electric cost operations that the city will once again waive a 3 percent increase on electric rates in 2020. The city has been able to avoid this increase for several years, which is built into an ordinance and reviewed each year.
Purchases of equipment for various departments was discussed along with a proposed three percent step increase for city employees that were not part of the Prop P funding being received by Police Department.