Sedalia Council Approves Fraud Prevention Policies

Sedalia City Council conducted business in 90 minutes during their public session Monday night at 2nd and Osage.

Under Finance and Administration, Council approved an ordinance adopting a set of policies and procedures dealing with fraud prevention, detection and investigation involving the City.

Mayor Andrew Dawson worked with staff to come up with the policies and procedures, it was noted.

Council resolved a conflict in City Code concerning a specific penalty for delinquent business licenses reference the fee structure. The conflict was brought to light by Finance Director Jessica Pyle and concerned the fee schedule.

A grant opportunity had been identified by IT Manager Monte Richardson. The grants are up to $200,000 and require a 10 percent match from the City. Grant applications are due by Dec. 16.

Under Public Works, developers working on Lamm Drive and West 10th Street have offered the City a quit claim deed to transfer ownership of the roadway to the City of Sedalia. Council agreed.

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Council also agreed to an easement agreement with the property owner at Main and Washington on the southwest corner (101 South Washington). The deal will eventually allow for more turning space for big trucks eastbound on Main to turn right onto Washington.

A power pole will need to be moved, noted Public Works Director Brenda Ardrey, which will allow for 10 more feet of space for turning.

In exchange for the easement, the City will complete the drive approach for the landowner, Ardrey explained. She also pointed out that Washington Street Bridge is weight limited and signs are posted to that effect.

Council approved the purchase of two engines, including installation, for two City-owned trucks that need their engines replaced.

Two vendors were approved after no formal bids were received that met specs, specifically bids that stated firm fixed prices.

Scheppers International Truck Center was approved for $32,409.49 for one of the trucks, and Rick Ball Ford was approved for $16,090.23 for the other truck, for a total amount of $48,499.72 spent.

Council approved a submission for a federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), for the Sedalia Regional Airport.

Airport Manager Derrick Dodson learned of the grant opportunity that is designed to offset costs and lost revenues sustained by airports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Public Safety, Council approved a budget amendment to cover the costs of repairing two fire trucks.

The cost exceeded the anticipated amount for the line item previously approved in the City's budget.

The lift cylinders and lights on Ladder Truck 1, and the leaf springs and a radiator need to be replaced on Engine 2, it was noted.

Those two necessary repairs total over $15,000.

Council approved two ordinances concerning the legalization of recreational marijuana after Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 on Nov. 8. The new law goes into effect Dec. 8.

The first ordinance allows for up to 3%tax collected on marijuana sales.

The second ordinance approves placing a measure on the ballot for the April 4 election.

Council accepted the resignation of Arwilda Poole, effective immediately from the Bothwell Regional Health Center Board of Trustees. Stafford Swearingen also resigned from the board, effective Dec. 31.

And in an item that was not listed on Monday night's agenda, Planning and Zoning Board President Kevin Wade resigned from his post effective immediately. His position was quickly filled by appointing former Council member Tollie Rowe.

Under Miscellaneous Items, City Administrator Kelvin Shaw thanked the 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces for their help during the Dec. 3 Christmas parade held in downtown Sedalia.

Under Good and Welfare, Sedalia Attorney Laurie Ward offered her help to the City reference the Mercy Rest Stop project being proposed to be located within the city limits.

Council then adjourned to closed-door session.

Council meets again Dec. 19. The public is invited to attend.