Sedalia City Council Approves Wastewater Cooperative Agreement

The Sedalia City Council approved a cooperative agreement with the City of Green Ridge for use of Sedalia wastewater equipment, supplies, and personnel assistance at Monday night's council meeting.

According to information provided in the council packet, the City of Green Ridge has a smaller sewer system and funding some of the equipment is difficult in relation to the number of ratepayers.

Green Ridge inquired with the City of Sedalia about a mutual aid agreement. Sedalia City Administrator Kelvin Shaw indicated the agreement will help Green Ridge avoid more costly and time consuming methods when wastewater problems arise, while at the same time allowing Sedalia to recover any extra out-of-pocket costs along with wear and tear on the equipment.

Shaw said smaller communities cannot always respond as well to potential problems, noting that the Vac-truck and camera equipment Sedalia uses can locate wastewater problems much more efficiently and accurately, adding "its a good way to help our neighbors."

Included in the agreement is information stating that Sedalia wastewater concerns would take priority if a problem arises in Green Ridge at the same time.

Later in the meeting, Sedalia Parks and Rec Director Amy Epple and Jorge Guevara with the GUESA Foundation, also updated the council on planned activities for July 4th.

The Little Miss 4th of July Pageant, which takes place a week before on June 27, is open to girls ages 3 - 13.  The pageant will be held at Convention Hall at 6:00 p.m., June 27.

Then on Independence Day, a parade will take place in Downtown Sedalia beginning at 10:00 that morning. Epple said a picnic will follow at Centennial Park from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hot dogs and chips will be provided.

It was noted that Centennial Pool will also offer half-price admission from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on July 4.

Guevara provided a brief description of activities planned at the Missouri State Fairgrounds for the Show Me Freedom Festival taking place July 4. The festival is presented by the GUESA Foundation and includes kids activities, a BBQ competition, food trucks, and local musicians performing throughout the day.

Later that evening, Dirt Road Addiction will perform, with the main event to follow as country singer John Micheal Montgomery will take the stage from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Guevara noted a fireworks display would begin after the concert, at approximately 9:30 or 10:00.

Guevara thanked Tyson, Coca-Cola, and County Distributing for partnering to make the Show Me Freedom Festival possible.

Council then thanked Epple and Guevara for their hard work and dedication on the July 4th festivities.

In other action, Mayor John Kehde presented Sedalia Police Department detective Jill Green with an award for 20 years of service to the department. During her time with SPD, detective Green has served as DARE classroom instructor and was honored as Officer of the Year in 2012. She also serves as part of a cyber-crimes unit based in Platte County, MO.

Council concluded the meeting by approving the renewal of two liquor licences for Craft Beer Cellar and Jiffy Stop Food Mart #591.