Two Patrolmen Hired, Bids Approved, Ordinance Passed Tuesday Night

The Sullivan City council met in open session on Tuesday night, February 5, where they approved the hiring of two new patrolman to replace two vacant positions, approved three bids and one ordinance.

The council approved in closed session the hiring of Zachary Hudson and Trevor J. Young to the positions of police patrolman at a pay rate of $18.32 an hour with starting dates effective February 20. The approval was made following a closed session meeting where the two matters of personal were discussed with no other matters discussed.

City Administrator J.T. Hardy had four items before the council during his report to the board with three of the items being bid matters.

Hardy reported to the council that one bid was received for the annual Independence Day Fireworks Display with J&M Displays submitting the bid of $10,000. The company has provided the fireworks display for the city since 2014, with the city paying $5,000 of the cost and First State Community Bank and other businesses donating to cover the remaining $5,000.

The council approved the bid unanimously.

Hardy reported that one bid was received for a LiDAR and Photogrammetry with Surdex Corporation, Chesterfield, submitting the only bid of $18,500. The city had budgeted $20,000 for the items at which time the council approved the purchase unanimously.

Under the Street Department, Hardy reported that the department would like to accept a state contract bid for the purchase of a Kubota M5-091 tractor and a Landpride RCP2660-06 boom mower at a combined cost of $67,397.93 from Wayde’s Equipment, Cuba. The council has budgeted $69,500 for the equipment and unanimously approved the purchase.

Hardy reported that Water and Sewer Commissioner John Garner recommended replacing 267 linear feet of sewer line at the north end of East Street. This $28,000 project is not budgeted this fiscal year, however Garner felt that the line needs to be replaced sooner than later since it has collapse potential.

The council approved advertising for the project as requested unanimously.

Hardy noted to the council that a code enforcement officer has been budgeted for fiscal year 2019 and with Building Inspector Dan King planning to retire in a few years, it has been recommended that the city hire a building inspector that can do code enforcement and building inspections.

The council approved the advertisement to hire for the position.

Only one ordinance was before the council for approval Tuesday night that was Ord. 3831, which approved a $198,551.10 contract with Alexander Construction to construct a pre-engineered metal building for the Water and Sewer Department to be constructed on the existing site of the department grounds. The ordinance received unanimous approval.

Under Alderman Input, Alderman Paul McCulloch stated that he spoke with some residents on North and South Road who felt there was a need for sidewalks along these roadways.

The council adjourned their meeting at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday night, covering these matters in 40 minutes.

The council will next meet on Tuesday, February 19.