The Fall River City Council meets routinely on the second Monday of each month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes of the Aug. 12 meeting, which were approved during the council’s September monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 9.
Council President Jim Cude opened the meeting at 7 p.m.
Community member Ron Fogle asked what was being done regarding the property at Elm and Merchant Streets after it previously was found in violation of ordinances. City Attorney Alleen Van-Bebber replied the City Council has taken it under advisement.
Treasurer Cathy Ivey reported on behalf of Joe Simon, with Streets, regarding gravel. He has started on the alley behind the Billings’s residence now that gravel is available again.
Water Manager John Schouten explained he planned to attend a required Waste Water seminar to obtain his Class I classification. The cost will be $450 for the seminar and $25 for the exam fee.
Schouten, serving as Fire Chief, shared there was nothing new to report.
The July 8 meeting minutes were approved.
During the treasurer’s report, Treasurer Ivey shared she had reconciled all checking accounts. The report shows a $200 difference due to a check being rejected at the bank. That will be accounted for since another check was received. The General Fund is back up slightly. The report was approved. Treasurer Ivey reminded everyone past due bills were being sent to the county to be added to taxes on Aug. 20.
With the addition of a bill for web page support, (Wix) for $214.95, the council approved the bills list.
The council was slated to hold their budget hearing and budget approval meetings on Aug. 23. The mill levy is still the same and the expenses are approximately $305,000 for the year.
Treasurer Ivey reported there was no new activity in refuse.
Council member Sue York reported the library bathroom has been painted and everyone is welcome at the library.
In old business, council member Lori McCaffree explained that her grant research has shown Fall River doesn’t have enough money to pay for 25% of the costs for repairs/replacements needed for the sidewalks or railings. Attorney VanBebber mentioned Fall River applied for a grant earlier this year, but was denied. That grant is available again so the city can re-apply. Federal money has been given to the state for funding it and it’s flagged for small cities. City Clerk Christy Walta will look for the previous documentation and Council member McCaffree will meet with Mayor Brendan Coulter to look further at the sidewalks.
Council President Cude had a problem area of the sidewalk brought to his attention. It’s near Traders Avenue and Elm Street. A child recently fell there, so it was suggested the city get the tree removed or find a way to level the sidewalk. An orange cone was placed there to warn pedestrians until repairs can be made. Clerk Walta planned to research who had previously done tree work and contract them to gather quotes.
In correspondence, the League of Municipalities sent a letter reminding city officials they can participate in the Annual Business Meeting and Convention on Oct. 12. President Cude will discuss it with Mayor Coulter and decide if action is needed.
The council held a 14-minute executive session to discuss legal issues. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The council’s next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., at the community building.
