Sullivan council approves multiple annexations and rezoning measures

The Sullivan City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 14 to annex multiple parcels into the city and to rezone several of those properties to allow planned development and utility connections. Actions included annexations and agreements for property owned by Robert V. Elder, Ben Booker and developer Darin Burdick, plus an annexation of a parcel on 1200N; accompanying rezoning measures to R‑3 (high‑density residence) and B‑1 (low‑density business) were also approved.

Mayor Mike Mossman opened a public hearing on the annexation agreements and the council moved through the ordinances by roll call. Ordinance 24‑27 (Elder annexation), Ordinance 24‑28 (Elder annexation agreement), Ordinance 24‑29 (rezoning to R‑3), Ordinance 24‑30 (annexing 1200N), Ordinance 24‑31 (Booker annexation agreement), Ordinance 24‑32 (rezoning to B‑1), Ordinance 24‑33 (Burdick annexation), Ordinance 24‑34 (Burdick annexation agreement), and Ordinance 24‑35 (rezoning Burdick property) were each approved by unanimous votes.

Council discussion flagged a related infrastructure concern: Commissioner Doug Shook said drainage near Darin Burdick’s new apartment buildings required attention and that Mr. Burdick had retained an engineer to design retention ponds. Mayor Mossman and staff identified Milano & Grunloh Engineers as the city’s engineer to coordinate the drainage solution. The annexations transfer maintenance responsibilities for certain roadway segments to the city — a point highlighted during the hearing when resident Rich Rutledge noted the city will assume maintenance on the far side of Eden Street up to the property line near the railroad tracks.

Next steps identified at the meeting include coordination with engineers on drainage designs, executing annexation agreements, and implementing the rezoning approvals to permit the planned development and utility work.