Sedalia Firefighter, Retiring Police Sergeant honored for service

A firefighter was recognized for a decade of service and a police sergeant was recognized for over 38 years of service Monday night.

Joseph Parnell, firefighter, driver and engineer, was presented with a certificate by Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin. During his speech, Chief Irwin noted that Parnell was the first to graduate from the City’s brand-new Fire Academy I and II.

“There is not a thing that goes on within the fire department that he does not have a hand in,” Irwin told the Sedalia City Council, adding that he is very proud of what Firefighter Parnell has become. “I truly hope that in 10 years, I can stand here and give him his 20-year pin.”

Sedalia Police Chief David Woolery lauded the accomplishments of retiring Sergeant Bradley Beard, who has served the City of Sedalia for 38 years, 4 ½ months.

Beard began his service Jan. 11 1988 and retired on June 1, 2026.

Woolery noted that Beard put together a history of the department’s officers, with the earliest entry being from 1958. “It is a full history of our department, that would not have been captured anywhere else,” Woolery said, adding that Beard has served in 52 roles at the SPD during his time at the department.

A few of his job duties includes a field training officer, a special response team member, a DARE mentor, a Citizens Police Academy instructor, a Community Policing officer and coordinator, Domestic Violence Task Force member, creator of the Women’s Assault Avoidance and Self Protection program, a TASER instructor, a CPR instructor, Major Case Squad member, Honor Guard coordinator, SPD officer of the year, and a Purple Heart recipient.

“I had the opportunity to work for Brad, work with Brad and ultimately the honor to supervise and lead Brad,” commented Chief Woolery.

A public hearing concerning an three-acre annexation petition from E.W. Thompson, Inc., represented by Dianne Simon, produced no comments. Plans call for an office building in the Westwood subdivision.

Bryan Shoemaker gave a presentation to Council concerning a lawn service proposal for city-owned lots.

Council approved the Big BAM organization to camp overnight at Liberty Park on Oct. 12. Big BAM organizes an annual cross-state bicycle tour that utilizes the Katy Trail and includes Sedalia.

Council also approved the final plat for Branch View Estates, located near 12th and Marshall. Planning & Zoning unanimously approved the final plat at its most recent meeting on July 1.

Council then approved an ordinance establishing an “Affordable Housing Building Permit Fee Reimbursement Program” in which up to 50 percent of eligible Community Development permit fees would be reimbursed for single-family residential projects constructed with the City’s Chapter 3563 Redevelopment Area, and sold for $175,000 or less. The amount reimbursed would not exceed $3,000, it was noted.

The vote was seven yes, one absent (Redford).

Also, during the 65-minute meeting, Council then approved a quit claim deed for three city-owned lots at 400, 402 and 406 West Clay Street to Booze & Byrd Properties/Land LLC, for a grand total of $8,000.

The properties are sold as-is and makes no warranties regarding the condition of the properties or title. The buyer accepts responsibility for all inspections and due diligence.

Booze & Byrd plan to construct a single-family residence on the properties, the agenda noted.

The vote was six yes, one abstain (Boggess) and one absent (Redford).

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The Council accepted the resignation of Dimitrious Maduros from the Plumbing Board of Examiners.

Mayor Traves Williams appointed several individuals to various boards on Monday night, including:

* Duane Christopherson to Board of Appeals (alternate) replacing Michael Bell, who term expires June 2031

*Peggy Van Dyke to BRHC Board of Trustees, replacing Dr. Mike Murders’ four-year term, expiring June 2030

*Marie Dennis to the Sedalia Park Board, completing Adam Porter’s term expiring June 2028

*Aaron Himes to the Sedalia Park Board, replacing Sydney Herrick, whose term expires June 2029

*Billy Helvey to Planning & Zoning, finishing Tolbert Rowe’s term ending June 2027

*Melvin Burnett to the Plumbing Board of Examiners, replacing Dimitrious Maduros, term expiring June 2027

*Jo Lynn Turley reappointed to the BRHC Board of Trustees, term expiring June 2030’

At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Tina Boggess, the appointment of Shawn Foster to the BRHC Board of Trustees, completing Cassie Brown’s term which expires June 2029, was halted until more information can be obtained.

The Council also heard a presentation from HDR representative Jon Karst from Kansas City regarding an update on the Washington Avenue Bridge, which is expected to open by Aug. 3. Council then accepted a change order #7 from Double Arch Construction for $68,060.

An ordinance formally establishing procedures for placing and removing items from the Council agenda was pushed back to the next meeting on July 20.

Under Good & Welfare, Kevin Lujin complained about ordinance 122-55. He said it was disorganized, disjointed. “Trying to figure out its intent half the time is practically impossible,” he told the Council. He urged repeal of the ordinance.

He also complained that an annual update and audit of Bothwell Regional Heath Center is “insufficient.”

He also wants an accounting of the total financial impact of the change orders regarding the Washington Avenue Bridge rehab project.

In her three minutes at the podium, Debbie Covington complained about the public participation ordinance as well, regarding the two-business days requirement when speaking on agenda items at the Council meeting.

Council later amended the ordinance in her favor.

She also complained about the Washington Avenue Bridge rehab project, saying “Taxpayers deserve answers.”

In her time at the podium, Sedalia Senior Center (SSC) rep Rene Vance noted two upcoming fund-raisers, including one on July 16 at which hot dog meals will be served for $8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and one on July 28 at Sedalia’s Chipolte restaurant, in which 25 percent of sales will go to the SSC.

The fundraisers coincide with the Senior Center’s kickoff for the new fiscal year, Vance explained.