Sullivan Council Approves Purchase, Weighs Golf Course Bids, Pool Renovations

The Sullivan City Council held an open session on Tuesday, October 1, with a relatively light agenda. However, several key items emerged prior to the meeting’s agenda release on September 30.

No public requests or petitions were submitted, allowing City Administrator J.T. Hardy to proceed with his report to the council.

New Equipment Purchase

Hardy sought and received council approval for the purchase of a new Bobcat skid steer through the federal Sourcewell bid program. The equipment, procured from Bobcat in Fenton, will cost $68,832.70. The city had budgeted $80,000 for the purchase, including attachments.

Golf Course Improvement Bids

Hardy also reviewed bids for the removal and replacement of cart paths and the installation of a new bridge at the Sullivan Golf Course. The bids presented were:

• Montee Construction (Sullivan): $1,699,310, with an alternate bid of $1,909,197
• N.B. West (Sullivan): $2,958,350, with an alternate bid of $3,617,850
• Maggi Construction (Rolla): $2,109,922.81, with an alternate bid of $2,327,060.81

City staff reported they are verifying the details of each bid and plan to provide recommendations at the next council meeting on October 15.

Pool Complex Renovation Options

Park Director Dave Wall joined Hardy to discuss potential improvements to the city’s swimming pool. Renovating the existing pool complex is estimated to cost $3.2 million, while constructing a new facility could cost between $8 million and $9 million.

Mayor’s Input

During the meeting, Mayor Dennis Watz addressed concerns regarding ATVs operating on city streets. Unlike Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), ATVs are prohibited on city roads. The mayor and the Board of Aldermen encouraged law enforcement to increase patrols to address the issue.

Personnel Decision

In a closed session, the council approved the hiring of Euel H. "Herb" Orick as a semi-skilled laborer in the Electric Department.