Council Approves Golf Course Bid, Other Items

The Sullivan City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 15, approving multiple proposals and purchases that impact city infrastructure, local services, and upcoming community events.

Among the highlights, the council awarded a contract for a substantial upgrade to the Sullivan Golf Course, approving a near $1.7 million bid from Montee Construction to replace aging cart paths and bridges. This improvement, set to enhance the course’s accessibility and appeal, was unanimously approved under Ordinance 4037.

In other approvals, the council authorized a request from Temple Baptist Church to host its Annual Fall Festival on October 31. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Beeman Street closed to traffic between Orchard and South Main Streets for festival activities.

Planning and Development Updates

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approving a request from First Community National Bank to divide a lot into two parcels at #2 Community Plaza. The council passed Ordinance 4035 to finalize this change.

The council also scheduled a public hearing for October 22 at 6 p.m. at City Hall to consider RMJ Properties’ request for a conditional use permit to build a major subdivision along North and South Roads. This area is currently zoned for residential use, and city officials invite the public to provide input on the project.

Essential Purchases and Contracts Approved

The council approved several significant purchases aimed at enhancing city services:

• Kubota Compact Track Loader with attachments from Wayde’s Equipment for $84,314, designated for public works operations.
• Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System from Valsoft Corp. for $5,450 to improve community alerts and emergency communications.
• Axon Training System for the Sullivan Police Department at $5,610 annually over five years, enhancing police training resources.
• Envirosite HD-Rover Sewer Inspection System for $124,289, aimed at supporting Sullivan Sewer Department operations.
• SCADA Water Tower Monitoring System upgrade for $13,900 to enhance water quality management.
• 22 KVA transformers for the Sullivan Electric Department, awarded to Fletcher-Reinhardt for $77,674, as part of infrastructure improvements.

The council also approved the surplus sale of a 2017 Cues K-2 Iggy sewer inspection system, noting it would soon be replaced by newer equipment.

Ordinances and Community Acknowledgments

Three additional ordinances passed:

• Ordinance 4034 increases the City Collector’s annual compensation from $40,000 to $45,000, effective after April 8, 2025.
• Ordinance 4036 approves a contract with Cochran Engineering for $5,976 to survey sidewalks on North and South Roads, a step required for an upcoming grant project.

In community notes, Alderman Chris Bunk raised concerns from residents about incomplete road striping along North Service Road, a MODOT-managed project. The council will coordinate with MODOT to address these concerns.

Mayor Dennis Watz commended resident Ken Reeves for his consistent efforts in maintaining the appearance of downtown Sullivan, emphasizing the value of community pride in city upkeep.

In a closed session, the council approved Chad Funkhouser for a Semi-Skilled Laborer position with the Water and Sewer Department at a pay rate of $19.35 per hour.

The next council meeting will be on October 22, with a public hearing on the proposed North and South Road subdivision.