Sedalia Firefighter Kowalski Marks Five Years of Service

Monday night's 50-minute City Council meeting led off with a service award for Sedalia Firefighter Matt Kowalski for five years of service.

Just as Firefighter Kowalski stepped up to the podium to receive his certificate from Fire Chief Matt Irwin, a call for service came in with a loud tone. Chief Irwin made his presentation brief, and Firefighter Kowalski, who is a second-generation firefighter, was on his way to the call.

Kowalski is one of the first graduates of the City's Firefighter I and II program, Chief Irwin noted. "Congratulations on five years of service to the City of Sedalia. I hope I get 25 more out of you, like your dad," the fire chief said.

Under Public Works, a no-parking request was considered that was tabled from a previous meeting. The request was made through the Citizens Traffic Advisory Committee, which recommended the sign.

A request for a no parking sign in front of 710 W. 6th Street was set for 7 a.m., to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday only was initially approved prior to the start of the meeting. Residents there include foster children with special needs, it was noted.

However, the bill failed after a vote was taken, with four yes votes, three no votes and one absent (Councilman Chris Marshall).

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Rhiannon Foster expressed her concerns that approving the request would set a precedent and encourage others to request no parking in front of their house as a matter of preference. In fact, she said she received several such requests from constituents since the last meeting. "There's not a whole lot of parking to begin with," she said. First Ward Councilman Tom Oldham concurred with Foster.

Council members Oldham, Hiller and Foster voted no on the matter.

"With the one absent, the bill fails, I'm not able to break the tie," Mayor Dawson said.

Cemetery Director Roger Water then gave Council his strategic planning presentation for the upcoming year.

Waters noted that as of September, there have been 83 burials, and a total of 40 grave lots and 11 niches sold so far at Crown Hill for 2024.

There are about 1980 grave lots remaining to sell in the new addition at Crown Hill. Some of those are not the best lots because of water drainage issues, he said.

“During the spring, summer and fall, we are mowing approximately 70 acres each week and bagging grass and leaves when needed. In the winter, we are straightening headstones, weather permitting, and trimming trees, working on mowing equipment, and clearing roadways of snow when needed,” Waters told the Council, adding that he generally doesn't approach Public Works for that type of work, as their plate is already full with many other duties.

Waters said he would like to see property that was purchased by the City in 2021 turned into a Cremation-only area, as the area west of Veterans Memorial Drive is more suited for that than casket burials. Plans also include a walking trail that will be for public use. It is hoped that cleaning up that area will reduce “the drug dealing and mischief that goes on in this area,” Waters said, adding that “we are trying to make this area safer and look more like a cemetery and park area.”

In addition, long range plans call for a committal service shelter in that space. It would be a covered pavilion set on concrete that would shelter mourners from rain, snow and wind during graveside burial services, which are becoming more common. The shelter is expected to seat 40 to 50 people.

The project is expected to cost around $65,000, Waters said.

Finally, Waters told the Council that Crown Hill's fee structure needs to be updated to reflect rising costs of providing services.

He provided Council with a sheet showing price comparisons between Crown Hill and other cemeteries in Sedalia, as well as several surrounding communities.

One adult grave lot at Crown Hill costs $550. That same size lot at Memorial Park and Highland Sacred Gardens costs the family $1,099.

In Warrensburg, that figure is $750, at Clinton it's $700, at Marshall it's $500, at Windsor it's $300, at Tipton it's $400, at Stover it's $300, at Rolla it's $1,200 and at Jeff City it's $1,800.

Council then authorized four permanent utility easements (for sewer and water purposes) at 2615 South Limit, 3701 South Limit, 3805 South Limit and 3815 South Limit. All are located near the new Bobcat dealership, it was noted. The vote was seven yes, one absent.

Council then approved a budget amendment increase and quote acceptance for repair of a Water Pollution Control Vacuum truck by Red Equipment, LLC, for $43,089.74 for Public Works.

A deal was reached with the dealer for a trade-in allowance of a 2008 truck which will apply to the repair of a 2013 truck. The cost to repair the newer truck is $83,300.98.

Council then approved a budget amendment and three-year agreement with ESRI, LLC, for the purchase of ArcGIS Online. Cost is $11,300 for the first year, $20,300 for the second year and $29,300 for the third year, for a total of $60,900. The software will be moved to a cloud version.

Under Finance and Administration, Council approved a motion and a second regarding health insurance updates for City employees.

Five recommendations were made by the broker and staff, including:

*Medical employees contributions will be shared proportionately
*A medical plan funding level will be set, using the actuarially-estimated claims
*Changing the HSA plan deductible to coincide with the minimum allowed by the IRS to qualify, from $3200 to $3300
*Increase the stop loss level from $85,000 to $100,000
*Leave the base dental plan as it is, with no change in premium, and increase the benefit maximum for the buy-up plan, with an 8% premium increase on that plan only
Under Public Safety, Council approved the purchase of rams and bullet-resistant shields and a rugged laptop for $12,187 for the Sedalia Police Department. Two grants will be used to accomplish this mission.

The Mayor then appointed Tessa Childers to the Sedalia Public Library Board, replacing Reva Woodward for a three-year term ending June 30, 2027.

Council then approved the renewal of four liquor licenses:

*Jennifer Edwards dba End Zone Sports Bar & Grill, 3129 W. Broadway, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales – $750

*Kelly Wertz dba State Fair Spirits, 1419 South Limit, for packages liquor, taste testing and Sunday sales – $487.50

*Kevin Long dba Loyal Order of the Moose #1494, 119 Winchester, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales – $750

*Minerva Perez-Marin dba El Tapatio, 3000 South Limit, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales – $750

Next on the agenda was miscellaneous items from the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator.

Fourth Ward Councilman Steve Bloess promised to be available to constituents every Wednesday at noon to listen to any concerns they may have with the City.

"I truly believe, one thing we have to do is communicate -- good, bad, right or wrong," Bloess said.

Councilman Hiller noted that Flatline Auto on South Limit is accepting goods to be shipped to areas affected by Hurricane Helene on the east coast,

Council then heard from citizens concerning Good & Welfare.

A resident at 1201 South Montgomery complained to Council about his yard being dug up and water service disrupted by the City's ongoing stormwater project. "Kyle " said that his neighbors are scared to speak up for fear of retaliation. "People should not fear their City," he said.

Council then adjourned to closed door session.

Council meets again Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.