After months of continued talk, Southwest City's city council voted to accept a bid for the repair of the fire station roof and heard the first two readings of a new sewer rate ordinance during its Tuesday night meeting.
The fire station roof has been leaking for the better part of a year, with no definite diagnosis.
"Since the land and the building were donated to the city, I feel obligated to take care of it," said Mayor David Blake.
The council voted to accept a bid from DRC Contracting in the amount of $11,940 for the installation of a new roof.
Council members also heard the first two readings of Ordinance 602, which establishes new sewer rates in town.
The first 1,000 gallons will cost $16.38, and every 1,000 gallons thereafter will cost $4.50.
This will raise the average sewer bill of $30 to $34.38.
The rate change will first be reflected in the July 1 sewer bill.
Increasing sewer rates will help pay for additional sludge hauling at the wastewater plant, as well as the necessary replacement of machinery over time.
Departmental Reports
Mayor Blake reported studying inspection fees in surrounding areas. He said he hopes to present a proposed building permit template at the next meeting.
Public works director Shane Clark reported having a pressure transducer at the Broadway Tower repaired and flushing the water system on the north side of town. Clark said 96,000 gallons of sludge has been hauled from the wastewater plant this year. He said the street department has been busy mowing daily and hopes to patch roads in the coming weeks.
Chief Bud Gow, of the police department, inquired about moving the city's Blessing Box due to continuous vandalism. The box is for donated items to be taken as needed, but there have been instances of the box being needlessly emptied. It is currently located in an isolated area behind the library. Gow suggested moving the box to a location with cameras.
"If it's gotta be located somewhere there are cameras, maybe we don't need it," said Mayor Blake. "It's supposed to be discreet."
Gow also asked about the police department's impending bathroom remodel and was told it would have to be addressed at a later date.
City clerk Missy Zinn again addressed the council regarding the need for a safety divider in City Hall, between the clerks and customers.
Zinn also informed council members that the deed for the Charles Mason property has been received and it can now be put out for bid.
In other business, the council:
• Voted to reimburse Mayor Blake for the cost of boat fuel used while he volunteered to clean the lake at Blankenship Park;
• Voted to sponsor the purchase of sand for the upcoming kayak races and sand-building contest;
• Voted to purchase internet service for the Senior Citizen's Center, on the basis of reimbursement, until it can be budgeted in next year;
• Spoke to Jorge Rodriguez regarding possible placement of a trailer in town; and
• Received an insurance refund check in the amount of $18,815.
Community on 05/31/2018