The Sedalia City Council met Monday night and gave the owner of "Klein's Outdoor Power Equipment" 30 days to address the issues relating to the appearance of his property.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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John Klein had requested rezoning his property at 1602 South Harrison from C-1 to C-3, but instead the Council gave him 30 days to clean up his property and erect a 6-foot tall privacy fence so that passersby cannot see all the equipment and trash from the west side, which adjoins Casey's General Store. Klein claims he did not agree to a six-foot fence. He added that the placement of utilities in the right-of-way was preventing him from erecting a fence in the requested spot.

It's a mess,” commented Council Jeff Leeman, adding that all of the calls he's received pertain to the eyesore situation from area residents. Recent photos of the property were circulated around the room to Council members and the media during the pre-council meeting held upstairs at the Municipal Building.

According to Community Development Director John Simmons, the issue was first addressed in July and Klein has received “continuing notices of violations” in the meantime. “Things need to be cleaned up,” Simmons said, adding that not much progress has been made since the first notification by the City.

Klein maintained that he was told by former Mayor Larry Foster that he would be grandfathered in, but Council, with seven votes (First Ward Councilwoman Jo Lynn Turley was absent) determined that Klein, who said he's been in business for 47 years, now has 30 days to comply with the order and erect a six-foot fence. (The business is also known as Klein's Saw Shop and Small Engines).

The decision ended the contentious debate and Klein promptly got up and left the meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Commission first brought up the issue with the Sedalia Council last summer.

Also during the pre-council meeting, Veterinarian Dr. Clark K. Fobian, DVM gave his input on the proposed amendment of an ordinance relating to the Animal Shelter. Section 8-26 was approved, while Section 8-27 was tabled until a later date. The department is now under the City Administrator's supervision.

The City's new animal shelter manager was introduced during pre-council as well. Randi Battson began her employment with the City on March 27.

The Council began its regular Monday night session by recognizing the Sedalia Police Department's Officer of the Year, Derick DeSalme. He was officially announced as the recipient of the coveted award on March 21 at the Celebration Center with top brass in attendance. But Monday night, it was Mayor Stephen J. Galliher who introduced him to the audience, followed by a plaque presentation by SPD Chief John DeGonia.

"He is the epitome of community policing," DeGonia quipped.

Also recognized, but not in attendance, was Sedalia Street Department Crew Supervisor Brent Stevenson, who has served 20 years with the City.

The Council approved the purchase of three new police cruisers for the department, including two 2017 Dodge Durango "Special Service" SUVs at a cost of $28,000 each ($55,998), and a 2017 Dodge Charger V6 at a cost of $78,997. Bryant Motors, 2901 S. Limit, submitted the winning bid at $106,996.

Also approved was the purchase of a 2018 International 7300 SBA 4x2 truck with a pothole repair unit for $144,284.65 for the Street Department through a cooperative purchasing program.

The Public Works Committee, chaired by Jeff Leeman and Bob Cross, submitted five items for review, one of which was a change order from Poort Excavating for $3,719.84 for a storm drainage improvement project. This brings the total amount of the project to $141,067.04.

Two liquor licenses were approved near the conclusion of Monday night's meeting. Mandeep Kaur, dba Sedalia 66, located at 120 E. 16th, was renewed for Packaged Liquor and Sunday Sales for $450. Brett Sorrell, dba VFW Post 2591, located at 121 S. Ohio, was renewed for Liquor by the Drink for $450.

 

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