Council Approves Employee Pay Increase, Event Requests, Airport Grants

The Sullivan City Council met on Tuesday, March 18, approving multiple requests, a pay increase for city employees in response to the state minimum wage hike, and two ordinances related to the Sullivan Regional Airport.

Event Approvals

The council approved a request from Laurie Price of the Downtown Sullivan Business Partnership to hold the Annual Third Saturday Flea Markets on April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, September 20 and October 18. The events will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. without requiring street closures.

Also approved was the Madison Bartle Scholarship Fun Run (Art & Soul) 5K, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 8 a.m. at the Sullivan Fairgrounds. The event will require temporary street closures until 9:30 a.m. Kylie Feese formally requested approval, noting that part of the proceeds will benefit 9-year-old Joslyn Minicky, who was diagnosed with Low-Stage Burkitt Lymphoma.

Planning & Zoning

The council was informed that the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on March 25 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Room to consider a conditional use permit for the proposed Modern Place subdivision at the west end of Modern Avenue.

City Purchases & Financial Updates

City Administrator J.T. Hardy received approval to purchase a Karcher industrial hot water pressure washer trailer from United Rentals for $14,874 through a Sourcewell contract. The city had budgeted $15,000 for this purchase.

Hardy also secured approval to renew a 120 Water Subscription program to continue work on the federally mandated Lead Service Line Inventory, which requires the identification and replacement of affected lines within ten years.

The council approved monthly bills totaling $2,147,339.11.

Employee Pay Increase

Hardy informed the council that a $1.45 per hour minimum wage increase, effective January 1, 2025, has necessitated an equivalent raise for city employees to remain competitive in hiring and retention. The pay increase will cost the city $169,000 annually.

Storm Damage & FEMA Coordination

Hardy reported ongoing collaboration with Franklin County and FEMA to assess damages caused by the recent severe weather, which impacted the city’s electrical infrastructure. He also noted the successful use of the new www.hometowngrid.com/sullivan outage system during the March 14 storm.

Sullivan Regional Airport Grants

The council approved two ordinances related to improvements at Sullivan Regional Airport:

• Ordinance 4053: Approved a State Block Grant Agreement for $121,500, covering a T-Hangar taxi lane overlay and rehabilitation at an approximate 90/10 cost share.
• Ordinance 4054: Approved a State Block Grant for engineering services totaling $15,613, also at a 90/10 cost share, for the rehabilitation of lighting on Runway 6-24.

Personnel Updates

During a closed session, the council approved the rehiring of two former city employees:

• Euel Herbert Orick as an Electric Department semi-skilled laborer at $19.35 per hour.
• Alexx Wall as a Water and Sewer Department Foreman at $24.14 per hour.

Both previously worked for the City of Sullivan.