Sedalia Regional Airport to Receive Runway, Fuel System Upgrades

Sedalia City Council passed an ordinance to allow an easement for Nucor Steel Inc., to expand their portion of a rail spur Tuesday night.

Part of the expansion is occurring on City property adjacent to the rail spur that was built with grant funds. The ordinance was necessary to remain compliant with a Chapter 100 development agreement with Nucor, as well as the grant requirements, it was noted.

Council also passed two resolutions and an ordinance to make way for an upgrade in the fuel system used at Sedalia Regional Airport.

A FuelMaster system purchased from Neumayer Equipment Company, Inc., (St. Louis) at a cost of $13,376.83 was approved by Council. The old fuel system was damaged by lightning and has been difficult to maintain, it was reported.

The new FuelMaster system will utilize a cell phone connection rather than a dedicated phone line that requires a trench dug for the phone lines. Customers at the airport have been without that self-serve option for a year, according to agenda notes. The estimate for boring alone was around $20,000, according to Dodson.

There is also a $1,500 annual service fee involved.

Council approved a budget amendment for a 90/10 federal grant to allow for improvements to the northern 500 feet of runway and the north taxiway at the airport. Airport Manager Derrick Dodson applied for and received the grant.

The grant is for $580,000, with the City paying a tenth of that, or $58,000. Council approved the budget amendment.

Council approved a request from Gardner Denver to expand their two entryways on State Fair Boulevard, which are too narrow for their big trucks to safely enter and exit the property. State Fair Boulevard is a narrow two-lane road in that area north of the railroad tracks.

The current entrances are 28 feet wide. The request was for them to be expanded to 50 feet. Council voted seven yes and one absent (Tom Oldham). The current variance only allowed for a 35-foot approach, it was noted.

The request was made by Tyler Utz, facilities manager at Gardner Denver, 305 North State Fair Blvd.

Under Public Safety, Sedalia Police Chief David Woolery requested permission to apply for a $7,500 grant through the Missouri Department of Public Safety for equipment used for counter terrorism efforts (mobile data terminals). The grant from the State Homeland Security Counter Terrorism program will fully fund the purchase of two Panasonic FZ-G2 “Tough Tablets” and does not requite matching funds. Council approved by resolution.

Get our free mobile app

Chief Woolery also requested permission to apply for a $25,000 grant through the Missouri Department of Public Safety Missouri Department of Public Safety Local Violent Crime Prevention Grant.

The grant will pay for $25,000 of a $26,738.52 purchase for four portable police radios. That makes the cost of each Motorola APX-8000 dual-band radio around $6,684.63.

The grant purchase will not take place until FY 2026.

Under Finance and Administration, the City of Sedalia received a request from the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council for the use and rental of a 12-seat, 2023 E-450 propane-powered Champion shuttle bus.

The City will provide the necessary insurance as well as the fuel, and the Sedalia Convention and Visitor's Bureau will provide the licensed driver, it was noted.

The City of Sedalia will pay one dollar per the contract to use the shuttle bus and mobile dispensing unit. The bus may be used within a 100-mile radius of the Municipal Building, 200 South Osage.

According to the demonstration contract, the bus may be used Sept. 18 – 23 and Oct. 2 – 14.

Also, leading off the meeting, Sedalia Fire Inspector Jamie Volk was recognized by Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin for 20 years of service.

A much needed sound system was in use Tuesday night. Many people have complained about not being able to hear the individual speakers, whether they be Council members, City staff, department heads, presenters or audience members expressing their views during Good & Welfare. Many who approach the podium don't bother to adjust or speak directly into the mic provided, and that is part of the problem, as well as poor acoustics in the Council chambers.