Council Will Again Suspend Electric Rate Increase
The Sullivan City Council met on Tuesday, November 17, where they approved one ordinance, approved the purchase of a new UTV and will once again suspend a three percent automatic electric rate increase for 2021, which has been done by the council since the joined MPUA.
City Administrator J.T. Hardy recommended to the council that they suspend the three percent electric automatic operations increase for 2021.
Hardy stated that the last couple years, he has felt that the current electric rates along with the city’s fiscal conservancy that there would be a sufficient amount to sustain the operation costs for Fiscal Year 2021 without the three percent increase.
The board of aldermen agreed and approved the suspension unanimously.
Hardy reported that the Park’s Department 2014 Bobcat 3200 UTV was stolen from the fairgrounds on or about November 1 at a value of $7,609 with the insurance company issuing a check in the amount of $6,609.
Hardy stated that tis particular model was not available any longer and the current model to replace it is available on a state bid in the amount of $13,880.49.
The council approved the purchase replacement through the state bid from Valley Park Bobcat.
Hardy informed the council that the city had received $2,881.57 and $1,936.99 to cover COVID-19 related costs incurred by the city. The expenditure involved the purchase of two water-bottle filling drinking fountains.
The funds were received from Franklin County as part of the $12.2 million the county had received from the Federal government CARES Act.
Alderman Paul McCulloch questioned whether the city would receive any of these funds from Crawford County, the Ward area he represents.
Hardy stated that Crawford County has not indicated their intentions to municipalities.
The Administrator Report continued with Hardy informing the council that the fiscal year-to-date sales tax is trending about four percent above fiscal year 20119-2020.
Alderman McCulloch reviewed the city monthly bills for November 2020 and recommended approval in the amount of $1,541,310.88. The was approved unanimously.
The council approved Ordinance 3903, unanimously which approved rezoning property located at 324 North Clark and owned by Steve and Doris Jessie. The property will go from R-2 single and multiple family district to C-3 office and residential.
Under Aldermen Input, Alderman Tony Wessler reported that the new sewer department Vactor sewer cleaner has been used frequently since the city approved the purchase; Wessler also expressed concerns on how internet sales are effecting city sales tax revenue and also reminded city residents that the city leaf cleanup will begin November 30, through December 11, on normal trash days for city residents. Leafs need to be curbside for pickup.
Alderman McCulloch stated that he felt new soccer nets were needed at the Soccer Complex and also felt the Main Street Sidewalk Project looked good and maybe some signage or lighting could be added to the area.
The council went into closed session withy one matter of personnel before them with the promotion approved for Water and Sewer Department employee Matthew Campbell to Foreman.
After returning from closed session Alderman Wessler noted that recently a situation came up on a conditional use permit where a motion was made to approve a permit but the motion did not receive a second. It was reported in the Planning and Zoning minutes that the motion did not move forward due to the lack of a second.
However unlike other motions, City code Section 400 requires planning and Zoning to take action on conditional permit use requests. Code also outlines a particular reason on what conditions must be met as to why the permit was approved or denied.