City council issues proclamation to retiring Fulton fire captain

Photo courtesy of the City of Fulton: 
Fulton Mayor Steve Myers (middle) reads a proclamation of recognition and appreciation to retiring fire captain Steven Sessler (right). Fire chief Kevin Coffelt (left) also presented Sessler with a plaque and a certificate from Tim Bean, Missouri State fire marshal.
Photo courtesy of the City of Fulton: Fulton Mayor Steve Myers (middle) reads a proclamation of recognition and appreciation to retiring fire captain Steven Sessler (right). Fire chief Kevin Coffelt (left) also presented Sessler with a plaque and a certificate from Tim Bean, Missouri State fire marshal.

At Monday's Fulton City Council meeting, the council presented a proclamation to the Fulton Fire Department and discussed several resolutions.

The proclamation of recognition and appreciation was presented to Steven Sessler, captain of the Fulton Fire Department, for his retirement.

He began his career as a volunteer with the FFD in 1999. In 2008, Sessler became a full-time firefighter and was promoted to fire engineer in 2011.

Sessler's father, Leon, also served as a fire engineer with FFD.

In 2020, Sessler became fire captain.

"...As a firefighter, has engaged in one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, and, at any time, during any emergency, he could be called upon to sacrifice his life in the performance of his duties," Fulton Mayor Steve Myers said.

Kevin Coffelt, FFD fire chief, presented Sessler with a plaque to honor his career.

"I just want to thank you for your brave and selfless sacrifices that you have made for our community," Coffelt said. "I would also like to thank your family for allowing you to do that."

Coffelt also presented Sessler with a certificate of appreciation from Tim Bean, Missouri State fire marshal.

"The loyalty and commitment you have demonstrated throughout your career exemplified the best of Missouri's fire service. Your dedication is appreciated and respected by all," Bean's certificate states.

In other business:

the council discussed officially excusing council member Mary Rehklau (ward two). She would be excused from all meetings until Aug. 1. Jeffrey Stone (ward two) said her recovery is progressing and she is doing well. Stone amended the approval of the excusal to include compensation for Rehklau. The council passed this unanimously.

Myers gave an update on the AC situation at city hall. He said the contractor to replace the unit is on schedule, and it should be completed by Friday unless more problems arise. The new unit was supposed to be delivered in Feb., but was delayed.

the council discussed a resolution to issue an amendment to an agreement between the city and the Interstate Municipal Gas Agency. This agreement is for the purchase of natural gas. The amendment would allow for the purchase of natural gas at a rate of six cents per dekatherm. Utilities superintendent Darrell Dunlap said the main reason for the price increase is pay raises. The previous agreement was for the purchase of natural gas a rate of four-and-a-half cents per dekatherm. The council passed this resolution unanimously.

the council discussed a resolution for the city to apply for lead service line replacement funding grant under the Missouri Clean Water Law. This is under the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, State Revolving Fund Program. The council passed the resolution unanimously.

the council discussed a resolution for the city to purchase a new firetruck. The agreement will be with Banner Fire Equipment to build an E-One Rescue Pumper. Coffelt said the average age of the FFD fleet is 15 years, and they are trying to update that. He said the amount of calls the department responds to has greatly increased, with around 2,000 calls a year. $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been allocated for this. Capital improvements allocations for 2024 and 2025 were also requested in this resolution. Renee Tyler, director of administration, said the city is expecting to receive the truck in mid or late 2025. The resolution passed unanimously.

the council discussed a first reading of an ordinance for the city to enter a contract with the Callaway County Collector and the Callaway County Commission for the collection of taxes. This contract would last through June, 2027. The council passed the first reading unanimously, and it will be read again at the next meeting.

the council discussed a first reading of an ordinance to rename East 13th Street to Ovid Bell Street. This request comes from the Bell family, with Mary Bell speaking to the council at the meeting. She said her brother has been talking about this change since 2012. Bell said there are no homes or businesses that front East 13th Street, so no addresses would have to be changed. The renaming is to honor the legacy of the Bell family's print businesses. The council passed the first reading unanimously, and it will be read again at the next meeting.

the council discussed a second reading of an ordinance to amend part of the Fulton City Code. The amendment would affect the acceptance of donations, gifts and sponsorships. This is primarily so the city can receive donations for the upcoming trip to compete in the All-America City Award at Denver, Myers said. The council will pass the ordinance at the next meeting.

The next Fulton City Council meeting is May 23 at 6:30 p.m.