The Sedalia City Council was given a positive economic outlook for the area on Tuesday night.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County (EDSPC) Executive Director Jessica Craig handed out packets to Council members, similar to what she gives prospective industries. The packet reviewed the year from Nov. 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2017.

The packet detailed numerous economic activities in the Pettis County area, which Craig said are the most she has seen in the past 15 years.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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“What we have here is extremely special,” Craig told the Council, “Thanks for giving me this great honor,” adding that she is grateful for the support she and her board have received from the City.

That support includes $132,000 for EDSPC for their annual (and daily) economic development efforts to bring new industry to the Sedalia area and retain existing companies.

Craig noted that there were 36 business retention and expansions in 2017, as well as 27 new projects. “We focus on retention,” she said. “Take care of what you have first.” She later added that “we have an environment where success breeds success.”

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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Craig was accompanied by EDSPC Board president Rusty Kahrs, who said that Craig has proven herself over and over, working hard behind the scenes to help bring such major players as Nucor to town, as well as help Capstone Precision Group expand into the former Alcolac building just east of Sedalia. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Capstone in a couple of months.

The time frame from inquiry to major announcement for Nucor was from April to late November, Craig noted. The project turned out to be very rewarding for everyone in the Pettis County area, she said.

A presentation to the Council by Sedalia Public Library Director Pam Hunter was postponed once again, this time due to a leg injury, according to City Administrator Kelvin Shaw.

During the regular meeting, Council approved a resolution allowing for completion of the Katy Trail Connection project.

City staff have been working with local Katy Trail organizations, the Missouri DNR and Missouri State Parks on a project to “fill the gap” in the Katy Trail.

Grant application will be completed for the portion that travels through Sedalia. The City will provide an in-kind match to assist with the project, it was noted.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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Cynthia Kretzer, a landscape supervisor with Sedalia Parks & Rec for over 18 years, was honored for her service with a retirement reception and a gift from Sedalia Mayor Stephen J. Galliher. She also received a hug from Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple.

Three liquor licenses were renewed Tuesday night, including Payton Burton dba Bandanas's BBQ, 2909 W. Broadway, beer and wine, $75; Scott Hewitt dba Colton's Steak House & grill, 4101 W. Broadway, liquor by the drink and Sunday sales, $750; and Jenna House dba Tiger Eagle Stop, 3415 E. Broadway, packaged liquor and Sunday sales, $450.

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