Signalized Crosswalks Formally Established by Sedalia Council

Two existing signalized crosswalks in the City of Sedalia were formally established by ordinance on Monday night by the Council.

One pedestrian crosswalk is at Main and Kentucky, while the other is on West Saline at Robinson and Buckner Court.

In the agenda under Public Works, it was explained that the new ordinances will ensure that the crosswalks are properly documented and are consistent with the manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards and City traffic control procedures.

Also under Public Works, Council accepted a DHSS grant to replace the fluoridation system at the City’s water filtration plant.  The agenda explained that the old system has deteriorated and requires operators to manually handle Hydrofluorosilicic acid, which creates serious safety concerns.

Hydrofluorosilicic acid is a highly corrosive, inorganic liquid that acts as the primary chemical used in municipal water fluoridation. It is most frequently encountered as a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production and is supplied as a 20 to 30 percent water-based solution.

The new system will bring updated equipment, double-wall containment, enclosed transfer systems, digital measuring and automated metering pumps to help with safety, accuracy and efficiency at the plant.

The State will reimburse the City up to $16,634 for the preplacement project, it was noted. The City must maintain proper fluoridation levels for five years and provide staff training on the new system.

Hawkins Water Treatment Branch of Columbia was the low bidder at $16,634.

Grants were also the topic of discussion during the Public Safety portion on Monday’s 34-minute meeting.

A resolution authorized the SFD to apply for a Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which is a 90/10 matching grant and will allow the fire department to pursue funding for hazardous materials response equipment.

That equipment includes such items as protective suits, air monitoring devices, testing kits, and similar response gear.

The SPD requested approval to accept four Missouri Department of Highway Safety and Traffic Division grants concerning roadway safety and traffic enforcement initiatives.

The grants include $20,500 for impaired driving enforcement overtime pay, $6,000 for DWI training conferences, $45,000 for hazardous moving violation enforcement campaigns, $4800 for traffic unit conferences, $5760 for distracted driver enforcement campaigns and finally, $138,496 for a distracted driver unit position within the department, which includes a salary, benefits, a patrol vehicle and related equipment.

Generally, the grant money will cover overtime for enforcement activities, officer training conferences, traffic safety campaigns, and necessary equipment associated with roadway safety initiatives, it was noted.

Under Community Development, Council approved a quit claim deed at 320 North Quincy, which conveys the property to Williams Parks.

Council also approved a special warranty deed to Nicole Sims for property at 421 North Missouri. The property will be sold to Sims for $2,000.

The vote on those two items was 7 yes, with one absent (Councilman Lee Scribner).

Council “re-adopted” Section 2-833 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

Three City employees for recognized for their service Monday night.

Cemetery Director Roger Waters was recognized by City Administrator Matt Wirt for 40 years of service to the City of Sedalia.

Assistant Director of Recreation for Sedalia Parks & Rec Courtney Fry was recognized by Sedalia Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple for five years of service to the City of Sedalia.

Waters joined the city as a firefighter on May 21, 1986 and became known as an exceptional driver, Wirt said.

“He was also legendary around the firehouse for his cooking skills,” Wirt said, adding “many claiming that he still makes the best enchiladas ever served.”

On Aug. 23, 2009, Waters became the cemetery director, with his office located at Crown Hill Cemetery.

“Over the past four decades, Roger has served our community with dedication, professionalism and pride. Whether responding to an emergency, preparing a meal for fellow firefighters or caring for one of the city’s most important and meaningful public places, he has made a lasting impact on Sedalia, and the people who call it home,” Wirt said.

Assistant Director of Recreation for Sedalia Parks & Rec Courtney Fry was recognized by Sedalia Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple for five years of service to the City of Sedalia.

“Courtney is truly the one behind the scenes, ensuring that everyone runs smoothly for both our team and the community we serve,” Epple said.

Epple noted Fry’s exceptional organizational skills, which come in quite handy when developing policy and procedures, managing program registration software, coordinating schedules, and solving unexpected challenges. She also helped pick out the furniture for the Memory Lanes bowling alley currently under construction.

“Thank you Courtney for five incredible years of commitment to our community. Your hard work and passion makes Sedalia Parks & Recreation a better place, and we look forward to many more years together,” Epple concluded.

Devin Mayfield was recognized for five years of service to the City of Sedalia by Public Works Director of Operations Justin Bray. Devin works in the Sanitation Department as a laborer and mower.

“Not only has he helped to insist that all of our operations, such as trash collection, mowing, filling in on the asphalt crew, helping out with alley trimming, and repaving the alleyways, but also making sure that our vital functions keep moving,” Bray said of Devin.

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Mayor Williams made four recommendations for appointments to various boards and commissions Monday night, including:

Don Huber was appointed to the Citizens Traffic Advisory Commission, replacing Sherry Broyles, whose term expires June 29.

Linda Jo Huber was appointed to the Public Library Board, completing Dr. Kathryn Stanley-Dietzman’s term ending June 30 of 2028.

Michelle Swords was appointed to the Sedalia Main Streets Board of Directors, replacing a three-year-term that expires June, 2029.

Carey Howerton was appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, for a five-year-term ending June 31. Howerton replaces Mike Privitt.

One liquor license was renewed;

*Joseph Corel dba St. Vincent DePaul Church, 421 W, 3rd, for a St. Vincent Multicultural Festival scheduled for Saturday, Jun 13 from 10 to 3, for a special event license, $15.

Four renewals were granted:

*Cathy Geotz dba Break Time #3167 at 101 Rebar Road for packaged sales and Sunday sales, $450

*Scott Hewitt dba Colton’s Steak House & Grill, 4104 West Broadway, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales, $750

* Christina Cook dba Fitter’s 5th Street Pub, 500 South Ohio, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales, $750

*Stacey White dba P’s Place, 1201 East 3rd, for liquor by the drink, $450

Council meets again June 15.