SULLIVAN –The Sullivan City Council at its meeting Tuesday evening voted 4-2 against an ordinance that proposed making over-the-counter pseudoephedrine-based cold and allergy medicines available by prescription only. Alderman Jarrett Dace (Ward III) and Alderman Dennis Watz (Ward III) voted for the ordinance. Alderman Michael Ryan (Ward I), Alderman Paul McCulloch (Ward II), Alderman Micheal Lohden (Ward II) and Alderman Tom Leasor (Ward I) voted against the ordinance.

The City Council spent about an hour discussing the bill, which would have required prescriptions for pseudoephedrine-based products to be written by a Missouri-licensed physician and filled by a Missouri-licensed pharmacist. Aldermen made their opinions known, as did two others who were present at the meeting. Sgt. Jason Grellner, a Franklin County narcotics officer who’s been pushing for the bill in several Missouri cities, spoke at the meeting, as did a Sullivan Wal-Mart pharmacist in favor of the bill.

Despite their pleas, Council members voted against the ordinance. Dace, who sponsored the bill, was disappointed with the outcome. “It’s not what I wanted, but I’m glad we have addressed this issue,” he said.

Aldermen Lohden and Leasor told the council their “No” votes were largely based on the views of their constituents who did not favor the ordinance. “I’ve gotten more feedback on this than any other issue – even the water and sewer rates,” Leasor said. “Most feel the ordinance would impose on them. The majority of people that I spoke with are adamantly opposed to it. They don’t want it. I only talked to one person who was in favor of it.”

Alderman Lohden echoed those sentiments. “It’s about what the people want,” he said. “Most of the people I talked to are against it. I’m voting against it because that’s the feeling of most of my constituents.”

Alderman McCulloch said even if Sullivan passed the ordinance, people would just go down the road to a place where a prescription isn’t required for pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines.

Alderman Dace said if Sullivan did adopt the ordinance, maybe other municipalities down the road would pass such a bill. Two cities in Franklin County - Washington and Union - recently passed ordinances requiring a prescription for pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines.

Aldermen against the ordinance also spoke about the infringement on individual rights, to which Dace replied: “I’m not trying to limit your rights – I’m trying to eliminate a problem.”

Watz, who also voted for the ordinance, said he feels the Council has a responsibility to fight crime and stop the production of methamphetamine. However, the Council ultimately voted against the ordinance.

Jaime Baranyai can be reached at 860-NEWS or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it