Sedalia Council Hears Final Department Presentations

Monday night's 105-minute Sedalia City Council meeting was highlighted by four presentations by department heads inside the newly-remodeled Chamber while ongoing snow flurries dominated the outside world.

Sedalia Fire Chief Greg Harrell, SFCC President Dr. Joanna Anderson, Sedalia Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple and EDSPC Executive Director Jessica Craig presented details about their departments, along with mission goals and future plans.

One public comment period concerning five industrial wastewater producers drew zero comments. The five industries included Central Missouri Landfill, Inter-State Studio, Maxion Wheels, Stanley Black & Decker and Sierra Bullets/ Starline Inc. The comment period was required prior to the issuance of permits.

The other public comment period (not required), also generated zero comments and involved the City's strategic plan and budget for fiscal year 2020-2021.

City Administrator Kelvin Shaw also gave a brief update on the latest financial figures., which shows that sales tax for December was above the same time period one year ago. Use tax (construction) was 34 percent over 2018 during the same time period.

Under the Finance and Administration Committee, Dr. Anderson thanked City leaders for an agreement between SFCC and the Sedalia concerning a $500,000 community development block grant that will allow for the construction of a new technical facility at the college.

The college president thanked them for their partnership and services provided. Council officially approved an ordinance Monday night for the grant.

Council approved Change Order #3 concerning the ongoing Municipal Building renovations for Septagon Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $4,501.92 for design changes unforseen by Septagon in the original plans.

Council approved a waiver of the City's open container law for a New Year's Evening event in downtown Sedalia.

The Boolegger's Ball, as it's called will feature a crane that will drop a ball in front of The Venue in the 200 block of South Ohio. Attendees will be required to wear a special wristband supplied by the promoters.

The part of the 21-and-over event requiring a waiver will last from 11:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. and benefit the Open Door Food Pantry.

The ordinance was passed with six yes votes and two absent. Council members Charles Lowe and Bonita Nash were not present Monday night.

Council approved an “adoption partner agreement” with PetSmart Charities, Inc., to help facilitate adoptions of cats, as well as dogs and other pets.

Blue Tree Technology, LLC, was approved by Council for a one-year renewal of firewall licensing and support for City of Sedalia servers and desktop PCs at a cost of $14,994.45.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City was selected as an underwriter with a comprehensive network that will accept insurance due to a recent change in the network of providers for employee insurance.

Council approved an agreement with the owners of the old Lamy's Building in downtown Sedalia to move power lines underground and other infrastructure improvements at a cost of $425,000. Developer John Swearingen was present for Monday night's meeting and was in favor of a “sales tax reimbursement agreement."

Swearingen plans to renovate the Lamy's Building on Pacific Street with retail and office space, as well as apartments. The City agreed to pay Swearingen's investment back over a 10-year period with an amortization schedule.

Under Public Works, HDR Engineering, Inc., was chosen as an engineering firm to design the specifics of a Central Regional Lift Station. The process involves locating multiple companies qualified to perform the services.

Gravity sewer will be extended from the Menard's Lift Station to the proposed Central Regional Lift Station in the northwest portion of Sedalia.

The price of HDR's service will not exceed $287,310, it was noted.

A terms sheet was approved by Council, Sedalia School District 200 and Sedalia Parks and Recreation pertaining to the new Heckart Community Center for the addition of a competitive swimming pool at the high school level.

Council also approved a standard lease agreement for hangar space at Sedalia Regional Airport.

Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) is a vendor of a system that tracks and manages the location of the City's water delivery assets. A one-year extension of their software support will cost $1,719.

Wilson and Company was approved for survey work to complete a 4th Street upgrade in the water delivery system there at a cost of $4,500.

Council approved a standard records destruction request from Community Development.

Councilman Jeff Leeman was appointed to the Economic Development Board for a one-year term expiring December, 2020.

And finally, Sedalia WalMart Store Manager Adam McMillin was approved for a liquor license renewal for packaged liquor and Sunday sales. Permit cost was $450.

The Council then adjourned to closed-door session.