After the position has remained vacant for the past several months, multiple applications were recently submitted for Hamilton City Superintendent.
Members of the city council were notified during their regular meeting last Tuesday, March 12 that multiple applications had been submitted for the vacancy and another was anticipated for submission shortly. After reviewing applications, city officials discussed contacting two applicants to request interviews during a special meeting Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m.
Issues with dogs running at-large in the city were brought to floor last week. It was shared that a recent incident had occurred during which an individual was walking their dog on a leash and experienced an encounter with an aggressive dog that was running loose. This resulted in the aggressive dog being euthanized by its owner. Though the individual walking their dog was reported as being unharmed, members of the council voiced concerns for the safety of animals and their owners. Dog owners are asked to be mindful of adults and children walking as warmer temperatures arrive. Councilman Larry Walford noted during discussion that it is sad people are afraid to walk on a nice day and take their kids out because of safety concerns due to dogs at-large. Discussion was then had in regards to repealing Ordinance 351, which applies to dogs at-large, and making additions/edits to an earlier version of the ordinance numbered 310. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck suggested that the following be considered: 1st offense, verbal warning; 2nd offense, ticket and fine and third, double the fine amount. It was noted in discussion that enforcement would be more targeted towards eliminating issues with dogs that are frequently loose. Mayor Dave Harris was to discuss the matter with the City Attorney and look towards drafting a new ordinance in the future. The subject will be revisited.
Greenwood County Fire Chief Glen Collinge was present to participate in discussion regarding the Hamilton Fire Station in relation to needed indoor storage/work space for the city superintendent position. As building options were discussed, which included potential acquisition of another structure to house either the fire station or city equipment, Collinge noted future hopes of adding a truck to the fleet down the road. When asked if building acquisition would be within the Fire budget, Collinge shared that this will depend on the coming months. Both parties expressed no opposition to considering this further and measurements of the building under consideration are to be collected.
Jeanna Beeman was on the meeting agenda, but not present, for discussion in regards to her meter and water drainage issues. She and her husband are wanting to cut a notch in a portion of the sidewalk in front of the structure, put in drainage and cement over it. No opposition was voiced to them doing so. As they discussed improvements being made to the structure, it was noted that replacement of the meter can was likely needed.
Issues with skunks in town were brought to the floor last Tuesday evening. Harris explained that, after becoming aware of the issue, he had visited with an individual who has been feeding cats and asked that they avoid putting food out at night. It was noted that the city could inquire about hiring a professional trapper or keep addressing the issue themselves. Clerk Daphne Rayburn noted that she had been contacted by a local resident who had skunks under her house/ porch. The city is looking resolve the issue. In council concerns, Councilman Walford noted recent issues with moisture/condensation on the interior walls of the City Office and the start of mold. The city will be looking further into the issue and plans for reaching out to a carpenter were noted.
Mayor Harris reported on a complaint he received from a citizen in regards to pieces of a mobile home that is coming apart. The City of Hamilton will be sending the property owner a letter in regards to the issue.
City officials discussed looking to inventory unused equipment to sell. This was to be added to the agenda for their next meeting and will be revisited.
Members of the council voted to make a $100 donation towards the Hamilton Days event, which serves as a benefit for the Hamilton Fire Department.
Rayburn provided an update on the city’s printer which has been experiencing issues. Maintenance is included within an agreement, and is covered within the $30 monthly fee. Rayburn shared that the maintenance provider had the printer for approximately one week for repair. As the estimated age of the machine was again questioned, Rayburn noted that the city had entered into the maintenance agreement in 2018. The company was unaware if the unit was refurbished or new. The maintenance shop believed the printer should be in working order, and issues previously being experienced were believed to be resolved. Work completed was included within the maintenance fee and no additional charge was assessed. Officials will wait to see how it functions and revisit the subject during their next meeting.
In old business, the new Evergy Franchise Agreement, Ordinance 365 replacing 305, was signed and approved.
Schlotterbeck shared that the rib benefit would be held over the coming weekend and asked if packaging could be held in front of West Creek Repair, LLC on Main Street. No opposition was voiced to this.
W Road was reviewed on a map, in conjunction with the subject of looking to resurface the road in the future.
Installation of no-parking signs was postponed.
Councilman Joe Beeman was absent from the meeting. Bills and minutes were approved with date corrections and a name spelling correction.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
