The Fall River City Council meets monthly on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Please note, this will change to the second Wednesday beginning in January. The following report was generated from the approved minutes of the Nov. 18 meeting minutes, which were approved at a recent meeting.
Mayor Brendan Coulter opened the Nov. 18 meeting at 7 p.m.
Resident Bobby Giesy asked the council about his water meter request. It was noted that there will be a $150 connection fee and the city will need to purchase items for the meter before installation. It was also relayed that Water Manager John Schouten would need to measure the distance to the tap to ensure it would work, with Billy Ecton being responsible for gathering an installation cost quote.
It was shared that potholes on Traders Avenue and near Oak and Park Streets needed to be fixed.
Discussion was held regarding winterizing the hot water heater in the church building. Schouten was going to verify the meter was shut off.
Regarding streets, Jarrod Everly asked about the newly installed culverts. It was mentioned they are holding water since the ditches haven’t been dug out. Mayor Coulter asked Everly to speak with Ecton about a quote to dig out the ditches and possibly put another culvert in.
Water Manager Schouten reported a pump at the lift station had issues but is back working now. With it being difficult to find parts, due to age of pump, Schouten presented a quote for a new pump, including installation, totaling $8,039.58. The city plans to review funds available before moving forward.
Public Enforcement Officer Crystal Thomas reported no activity.
Clerk Cathy Ivey shared all accounts had been reconciled and two bond payments were made from the bond fund then the remainder was split between the water and general funds. The report was approved as presented. The council also approved the Sept. 9 meeting and bills list as presented.
Treasurer Ivey reported Green Environmental had recently taken pictures of a dumpster that was filled with additional items tied on top with a rope. It was noted that this takes longer for the driver to collect and they requested anyone with regular extra trash should have a second dumpster. Residents are reminded that occasional extra trash is acceptable, but regularly leaving items on top or to the side requires a second bin.
CouncilmemberSueYork reported a new project at the library that would buy a book for every child before Christmas. Children needed to come to the library to collect their books along with a treat. The Scholastic Group will help with suggestions for age groups and ideal purchasing.
In discussing the community building, Council member Lori McCaffree mentioned the Methodist Church Thanksgiving dinner was held on Sunday, Nov. 24 and the kid’s Christmas party was Dec. 15. It was shared that the toilet was recently fixed and discussion was held regarding changing locks. Mayor Coulter suggested getting some repair quotes and determining what other repairs are needed. During old business, the council accepted the revised versions of the water bill and to hire Colleen Brown to clean the city buildings for $75 per month. It was also noted that Myers Mowing will mow again next year and their rates will stay the same.
In new business, City Attorney Alleen VanBebber indicated she is wrapping up all remaining loose ends and plans to make the December meeting her last before retiring.
After the May water inspection, the city now has an official letter stating they had completed all the necessary requirements.
A 13-minute executive session was held for personnel matters/privileged legal matters with City Attorney VanBebber. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Council member Jim Cude and Road Superintendent Joe Simon were absent.
Fall River City Council also met on Dec. 9.
The council’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in the community building at 7 p.m.
