Administrator reviews 2020 for city of Sparta

The city of Sparta employees should be complimented for the manner in which they have maintained their daily responsibilities as well as an aggressive project schedule during this past year.”

Brad Hennessee, city administrator

 City of Sparta Administrator Brad Hennessee says the city is doing well and has a lot to be proud of as this year 2020 came to a close.

“I am writing you today with a tremendous sense of pride. From my perspective, the city of Sparta is doing well,” Hennessee told the city’s mayor and aldermen in a formal letter he presented to them at the year’s final board meeting held on Dec. 17, 2020.

Hennessee commended the board, along with the city staff, for their years of focus on the fundamentals of the city’s financial strength.  “

Hennessee said the city continues to provide essential services to the city of Sparta, while remaining committed to low taxes, low debt, and strong financial management. He noted that over the past months there had been some quarantines of city employees causing some shifting of personnel and priorities, but there had been no employees having to work from home or disruptions of any of the city services available to residents and businesses.

“The city of Sparta employees should be complimented for the manner in which they have maintained their daily responsibilities as well as an aggressive project schedule during this past year,” Hennessee said and then went on to list some of 2020’s major accomplishments and completed projects across the city’s departments.

Electric Department

• Reconducted 6000’ of new aluminum wire on Old Smithville Highway
• Completed Installation of AMI Metering
• Replacement of several critical wood poles with metal poles
• Installed an Electric Vehicle Charging Station near the Farmers Market

Fire Department

• Trained in Codes and Fire Investigations
• Live-Burn Training
• Replacement of turnout gear

Police Department

• Body Cameras and In-Car Cameras for entire department
• Purchase of Non-lethal tactical gear for all officers
• Major Update of Departmental Policies and Procedures
• Upgrades to Facilities

Sewer Dept

• In-house pipe bursting (sewer line replacement without digging) of three streets (Churchill Drive, Highland Drive, and Hillcrest Drive)
• Installation of new Ultraviolet Disinfectant System @ Sewer Plant
• Completion of $425,000 CDBG City-wide Sewer Rehab project

Street Department

• Paving of 6.58 miles of city streets, which equates to an eight-year paving cycle
• Construction of a Kayak Launch Dock, pavilion, and restrooms @ South Carter Street Park
• Improvements to facilities

Water Department

• Maintain Water Meter Replacement of 350 units
• Installed new water lines on three streets
• Installed new electrical panels at the dam
• Installed new automatic cleaning system for raw water intake

“Sparta’s fiscal stability has proven critically important as we have dealt with the economic challenges and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus,” Hennessee stated, reiterating how proud he is of all the managers, employees, and board members who are committed to the success of the city. “Sparta is well positioned for the future.”