On Monday night under Finance and Administration, Sedalia City Council heard three presentations, including details on the second annual Ukrainian Festival, a self-funding health insurance program option and a financial update from Jessica Pyle.

A proposal to transition to a self-funding medical plan for City employees would be "way more flexible" and good for recruiting and retaining employees, according to City Administrator Kelvin Shaw.

A three-year commitment from the City was requested from the presenters, who said a compliance team would be offered to assist with implementing the new system.

The presenters said that claims from City employees have been so low, that way more money is paid into Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City than is received in benefits.

Under Public Works, Council adopted a policy for part-time employees concerning paid time off (PTO).

Council then accepted a quote from Capital Materials for BP-2 Recycle for roadway asphalt at $80 per ton and BP-2 Recycle at $92 per ton asphalt enriched with fiber.

Council then approved the purchase of a steel wheel roller for $184,500 ($195,100 was budgeted) and a skid steer hammer (Model B6S) for $10,800 for the Street Department from Caterpillar.

Council also approved the purchase of a mini-excavator for the Water Department at a cost of $95,550, also from Caterpillar. $97,459 was budgeted for the purchase.

Under Public Safety, Council agreed to cover the cost of putting a recruit through the Firefighter I and II Academies, as well as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, much like what the City currently offers police recruits for open SPD positions. The recruits must agree to work for the City for two years in return for the City paying for their certification.

This is in response to the tight labor market for qualified employees.

Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin told Council that it costs around $2200 for a recruit to go through Firefighter I and II training, and around $1800 for EMT training. New personnel are asked to sign an agreement to work for the City for 24 months, or reimburse the City for the cost of training. This comes after a six-month probationary period when full certification is achieved, Chief Irwin said.

During its Feb. 22 meeting, Council approved a matching funds grant to purchase specialized equipment to remove toxins from SFD's turnout gear when they return from fighting fires.

The equipment was ordered, but the shipment did not arrive prior to the end of the fiscal year (April 1). Therefore a budget amendment was needed to re-authorize and carry the funds over the current year's budget to be in alignment with City policy.

Under Community Development, Council agreed to a new City code drafted by City Prosecuting Attorney Todd Smith to address the ongoing issue of excessive trash and rubbish on private property. Repeat offenders will be billed for the cost when the City disposes of the trash after Judge Beard signs off an abatement. The new code will protect the property owner's rights, it was noted.

Council considered a draft ordinance concerning transitional services. A special work session was held March 15, and more discussion was held at the previous Council meeting April 3. At issue is whether school zone buffer corridors, where children walk to and from their school, should be part of the equation.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Foster said she was really concerned with the corridors. Second Ward Councilwoman Boggess preferred the 1500-foot restrictions as opposed to 1,000 feet. A vote was taken with a 7-1 result, with Fourth Ward Councilman Bloess casting the lone no vote.

Under liquor licenses, a new license was issued to Kristina Moore dba Casey's $4277, 1101 North Limit, for packaged liquor and Sunday Sales, $450.

A renewal was issued to Henry Hatfield dba East Street Bar, 1201 East 3rd, for liquor by eth drink and Sunday Sales, $750.

After Adjourn Sine Die, newly-elected officials were sworn in, including Oldham, Marshall, Bloess, Cross and Hiller. City Clerk Jason Meyer led the group and had each one sign a certificate.

Voting for a new Mayor Pro Tem was then held. Both candidates were from the Fourth Ward.

Councilwoman Rhiannon Foster was nominated by Bob Cross and seconded by Bob Hiller.

Councilman Steve Bloess was nominated by former Mayor Pro Tem and Second Ward Councilwoman Tina Boggess, and seconded by Second Ward Councilman Chris Marshall.

The vote in both cases was 4-4.

Mayor Andrew Dawson broke the tie by declaring Foster the new Mayor Pro Tem.

Council members were then assigned to new committees.

Under New Business, Council signed off on a new fraud policy and a “Council Code of Conduct.” Each member signed a copy.

Under good and welfare, former Mayor John Kehde applauded the City working with MoDOT last week to resurface a portion of East Broadway at the Katy Trail underpass. The joint project was long overdue and was clearly the worst section of Highway 50 in Sedalia.

Councilman Hiller commended Sedalia Police Chief Matt Wirt and his officers for handling a couple of recent potentially dangerous situations in a professional manner, with no shots fired and no one hurt.

Monday night's Sedalia City Council meeting led off with a badge pinning for Sedalia Firefighter Farley Burke. She is a 2019 graduate of the SFD's Firefighter I and II Academies. The brief ceremony was attended by several SFD firefighters and family members.

Council then adjourned to a closed-door meeting.

Sedalia City Council

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