Service Awards Lead Off Council Meeting

Four service awards were presented at the start of Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Those attending and who received awards for longevity included Sedalia Fire Captain Greg Smith for 30 years of service, Police Commander Michael Elwood for 15 years of service, Vicky Skrzypczak for five years of service in the Finance Department as an account technician and for utility billing, and Joseph Dirck for five years of service in Building Maintenance.

Captain Smith was hired in October of 1995 as a Sedalia firefighter.

“From commendation letters to life saving awards, Greg has accomplished a great deal. He is the person who everybody goes to for help, answers and direction. He has mentored so many, and trained so many of his, this department would not be what is is today without his support, understanding and guidance,” stated Fire Chief Matt Irwin.

“The job hasn’t always been easy …. But Greg showed an incredible amount of grace, even when he didn’t agree with the decision, he offered his support and professionalism. He is not just a firefighter, he is one of the finest men that I’ve had the privilege to know and work beside,” Chief Irwin added.

The fire chief noted that “Greg has always been passionate about his family, his friends, local sports and this department … I am proud not only to work with you, but to call you my friend.”

Sedalia Police Chief David Woolery said that Elwood began his career with the police department Oct. 3, 2010 as a night shift patrol officer. He worked there for four-and-a-half years until transferring to the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s Drug Enforcement Unit in 2014. He then joined the warrant service team a year later. After working as a narcotics investigator for a few years, he went back to patrol, obtaining the rank of sergeant in 2018.

“As a sergeant, Mike could be counted on to provide the public with great police service, both on the street, and behind the scenes,” Woolery said.

In February of 2024, Sgt. Elwood was promoted to Commander, serving at the CIB commander, running the Latent Investigations unit, CRU, the DARE unit and the SPD’s drone unit.

“Mike has been instrumental in bringing fresh initiatives and perspectives to the Command Staff, helping to improve our public services functions, and improve officers’ opportunities inside this agency for an even better work/life balance,” Chief Woolery said.

Finance Director Jessica Pyle said that she continues to be impressed with Skrzypczak’s desire to learn the full function of the Water Department, adding that “not only does she have an apptitude for billing, she has a big heart for the community.”

City Administrator Matt Wirt said that “a lot of folks probably recognize Joe. He’s a soft-spoken man, he usually pretty quiet and you may see him anywhere around the City.”

Wirt noted that “we appreciate all his hard work and dedication.”

Under Finance and Administration, Council approved a call for a general election be held April 7 in which four Council members (one from each ward) will be elected, as well as one unexpired term in the First Ward, due to the early departure of former Councilman Tom Oldham. A mayor will also be elected on that day.

Under Public Safety, Council heard a presentation from Sedalia-Pettis County Joint Communications Director Danelle Lauder.

Council then approved the application by the SPD for a Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest grant. The 50-50 grant will require a $6,590.85 match from the City for a total cost of $13,181.73.

Under Public Works, Council approved a permanent sanitary sewer easement from the State of Missouri for extension of a sewer line for the new Mike Parson Arena on the Missouri State Fairgrounds, which is currently under construction.

Council then approved an agreement with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., (Elgin Illinois) for chemical root control in the City’s sewer mains at a cost of $39,806.19.

The contract will cover 19,116 feet of sewer lines, it was noted.

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Mayor Dawson then appointed City Administrator Wirt to the Sedalia Area Tourism Commission. Wirt will fill Kelvin Shaw’s term that ends Dec. 31, 2026. The Commission has five members, and oversees the collection and disbursement of a Pettis County Lodgings Tax, which was established in 1992 at a rate of $2 per occupied room per day.

“House Bill 161, approved by the voters in April 2012, changed the rate to a five percent rate. All proceeds from the tax are to be used for the benefit of promoting tourism and include destination marketing campaigns, tourism product development, and administration of the Convention & Visitors Bureau,” according to the SATC’s website.

Three new liquor licenses were approved by Council during the 45-minute meeting:

*Kristy Long dba Wildlife Ridge Winery. 34751 Miller Road, for a special event (Cole Camp School Staff Christmas party, scheduled for Dec. 12 at The Foundry 324 in Sedalia), $15

*Kristy Long dba Wildlife Ridge Winery. 34751 Miller Road, for a special event (Central Bank of Sedalia Christmas party. scheduled for Dec. 13 at The Foundry 324 in Sedalia), $15

*Hunter Baker dba State Fair Spirits, 1419 South Limit, for liquor by the drink  and Sunday sales, $750

Under Miscellaneous, Second Ward Councilwoman Tina Boggess asked if there were any updates on the Washington Street Bridge repair.

City Administrator Wirt responded that “we’re waiting on the contractor to give us band the signed documents and their bonds … “we’re also waiting on an engineering firm to do inspections to make sure the work is done properly ... and to also do the inspections for weight rating required by MoDOT.”

Wirt added that he hopes to bring all that documentation to Council at their next meeting (Nov. 17).

Councilwoman Boggess also clarified how much Council members earn in their positions, which is $146.34 every two weeks, or $292.68 a month.

“When you break that down, we receive $9.76 a day for the job that we do,” she said.

Councilman Hiller noted that when he first started serving on the Council,  he kept track of every phone call, time spent talking to his constituents, etc., and discovered that he was working for 35 cents an hour.

Hiller also thanked Community Engagement Director Jessica Hoffman for her efforts in making the City’s Halloween event a success last Friday.

“I don’t believe in Halloween, but she did a great job, putting this all together as well as all the volunteers. There were a lot of kids who were smiling when they went out the door.

Under Good & Welfare, Leroy Lefler complained about a lack of sidewalks on West Main Street for those who are disabled. “They are part of our community, too,” Lefler said.

Debbie Covington complained about the Decorum amendment passed on April 21 and named each member of the Council, as well as Administrator Wirt and Lauber Law Firm, telling them to quit breaking the law and repeal the amendment.