Anderson's city council again discussed the pros and cons of leasing a mini-excavator during the regular meeting on May 15. The Water Department frequently uses a mini-excavator when repairing lines or installing new lines.
Alderman Don Hines suggested leasing the equipment for $600 per month rather than renting it for $1,800 per month. Alderman Gene Cantrell stated the city has too many expenses to commit to another.
Alderman Hines moved to purchase a mini-excavator but the item failed for lack of majority vote. Mayor John Sellers said the council will readdress the issue during the next quarter.
Departmental Reports
Seth Daniels, chief of police, spoke about issues with the patrol vehicles. Alderman Gene Cantrell suggested trading in the department's most used vehicles for a new vehicle.
Daniels said he would research resale values.
Mayor John Sellers asked Fire Chief Shelby Turner about the progress of a new air conditioning unit at the station. Turner said he will deal with it as quickly as he can.
Public works director Ben Shoemaker reported a busy month. He said crews painted the pavilion and repaired the fence at the Second Street Park. A hydraulic pump on a dump truck broke and has been sent off for repair. The city's new dump truck was hit, and an insurance claim is being filed. Shoemaker said he and another wastewater employee recently took their wastewater Class C license test and hope to receive certification soon.
In other business, the council:
• Voted to donate $1,300 to the Anderson Betterment Club to be used toward the Berries, Bluegrass and BBQ Festival on June 2;
• Voted to pay $2,500 from the Street Fund toward the city's Arvest line-of-credit; and
• Voted to make an internal loan of $15,000 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the General Fund.
General News on 05/24/2018