During its meeting this week, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved some bids.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, Public Works Superintendent Nate Lea requested the board approve a bid from Legacy Iron in Grain Valley for a skid steer bucket. Lea said of the two options- a 68-inch HD smooth bucket for $1,600 and 74-inch HD smooth bucket for $1,650- the 68-inch bucket is not in stock, and it would take possibly eight to 10 weeks to get it. So, Lea recommended aldermen approve the bid for the 74-inch bucket because he thinks the wider bucket will help with ditches. Aldermen approved the bid for the purchase of the 74-inch bucket unanimously.

Aldermen also were told the city received one bid for 2022 street improvements from Vance Brothers for $121,279.68. Lea informed aldermen that with this bid, all of the streets in town will be repaired/touched for the first time. Aldermen approved the bid unanimously.

Lea also informed the board that the city is applying for American Rescue PLan Act (ARPA) Funds through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Lea said there is a potential to get around $10 million, and that the city needs to adopt the resolutions for the water, wastewater and lead-line grants. These resolutions name Shannon Hall as the designated authorized official to fill out the grant applications and answer any questions regarding the information in the grants. Alderman approved the resolution unanimously.

In other news, Lea informed the board that Juneteenth is a Federal holiday, and he would like to see the city honor the holiday. He said he called the city of Blue Springs and the State of Missouri, and they are both honoring the holiday. City Clerk Michelle Fuehring said she reached out to cities in the area, and the only one honoring the holiday is Warrensburg. The request died due to a lack of a motion.

Juneteenth falls on Sunday, June 19. It will be honored by some cities and the state on Monday, June 20.