Southwest City's Board of Aldermen outlined a billing policy for water leaks during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
It was previously decided that, because a water bill is reflective of how much water was sent through the pipes and a sewer bill is reflective of how much water is actually going down the drain and being sent to the plant for treatment, the city should be averaging the last three months of sewer bills to more accurately represent usage when there is a leak.
Previously, the city averaged the last three months of water bills but, if the leak was ongoing or unnoticed for a few billing cycles, this was inaccurate.
The council decided on an ordinance requiring the account-holder to bring any excessive water usage to the city's attention within 30 days of receiving a bill or only the charge for sewer services will be adjusted.
Karen Wallgren spoke with the council regarding the ditch in front of her property, at the intersection of Cherokee and Broadway.
Wallgren said the ditch is eroding at an alarming rate and something needs to be done soon lest her shed fall into the rut.
"Ten years ago, when it was built, the shed was far enough from the ditch to meet code," Wallgren said. "But now, it's only about a foot away."
Mayor Joe Carpenter agreed, noting the ditch is beginning to undercut the road. He said the city will look into repairing the road as soon as possible.
Wallgren thanked the council for its efforts, saying "This is the first time I ever felt like someone really cared about it."
Bradley Gordon appeared before the council to ask permission to be married in Blankenship Park, below the dam.
Council members granted his request and asked that he update them on the date so they can ensure the area is prepped.
Departmental Reports
Alderman Ron Jackson mentioned that he was recently in the city's rescue vehicle and noticed a need for more trauma oxygen bags. He said there's only one, currently, but he would like to have multiples and one for law enforcement to carry.
Noting that it could pose a public safety hazard not to take action, the council voted to purchase new trauma oxygen bags at a cost up to $800.
Brian Cane reported the Street Department has repaired the door on the furnace closet at the Senior Center and replaced the faucets. Workers resecured the fence around the ball park, installed five trash receptacles at Blankenship Park and sprayed hard-to-reach areas for weeds.
Employees also repaired the headwalls on Creek and Broadway Streets.
He reported the Water Department replaced a leaking hydrant on SE Meadow Drive and repaired another leak at the intersection of Birkes and Cross Street.
Cane noted the second clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant is cleaned and prepped and the department is in the process of switching over.
The council discussed the possibility of repairing the defunct mezzanine stairs at the fire department but tabled a decision. In the meantime, Alderman David Blake will research material costs.
Police Chief Bud Gow reported filing one ordinance violation with regard to the O'Brien property, next to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He said that the home is unlivable.
Gow requested additional speed signs on Liberty Road, as well as a sign warning drivers about the sharp turn on the road.
The council approved the purchase of additional signage.
City clerk Missy Zinn reported receiving more than $2,000 in bad debt after disconnecting water service to over-due properties.
In other business:
• The council scheduled the annual spring clean-up for Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22.
• Mayor Carpenter presented the council with a "very rought draft" of an updated building code ordinance.
• Shannon Gravette with Southwest Sanitation addressed the council concerning the businesses' contract with the city. She said the contract is not up until 2019 and that the city is unable to switch providers until then. Mayor Carpenter noted the city has received multiple complaints about service and said he will have city attorney Bill Weber review the contract.
General News on 03/23/2017