Treasurer Cindy Hardin was present at the Hamilton City Council meeting last Tuesday for consultation as City Council members discussed the water tower and needed maintenance. Mayor David Harris shared drone footage showing rust/deterioration needing to be addressed. It was noted during discussion that the inspection completed did not reference this. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck commented that holding inspection of the standpipe would be something to consider as it is not included in the tower assessment due to this being insulated. A bid was received from Cunningham to complete needed repairs outlined in the inspection report for the amount of $69,465. This does not include the work needed to the standpipe. As available funds and needed work were considered, Schlotterbeck noted that he felt this would withstand the winter, to hopefully be addressed in the spring/summer to afford additional time for savings and scheduling. It was noted that the city could look at completing work to the tank interior and the standpipe and leave the tank exterior to budget for down the road. Exploration of options to finance the project was also discussed so that the entire project could be completed at once. The city will seek estimates for needed repairs and insulation and revisit discussion.
Ordinance 361 pertaining to water rates was brought to the floor for discussion. Clerk Daphne Rayburn discussed an unintentional oversight made last year when council members passed the ordinance. Figures were supposed to increase to $25, with $5 of this designated as a maintenance fee. When the then clerk entered this into the JUS electronic system, it was entered at $25 plus another $5. Clerk Rayburn told council members that the city owed customers this back. Customer water accounts were to be credited back for the months which the extra charge was applied (approximately $45 per user account). Members of the council approved refunding users in the month of November due to the error. Due to needed water tower maintenance, members of the council elected to change rates to the $30, $25 minimum and $5 maintenance charge, overall fee to aid with needed maintenance. This passed 4-1. Note: Ordinance 363, replacing Ordinance 361, is included elsewhere in this week’s edition.
No parking signs and posts have been ordered. These were previously approved to address access issues and will be installed on Main Street west of Highway 99 to the scales and 7th Street to the intersection of 260th Street.
The potential construction of a Veteran’s memorial was revisited. Once plans have been considered for location and design, bids will be sought and the city will look at options for funding the memorial. This will include grant options as well as collecting donations over time.
No report was received from the library; however, a few maintenance items were brought to the floor. Councilman Joe Beeman shared that the gutter on the back side of the library was loose.
Officials discussed the section of sidewalk removed by the library following the facility’s water leak. The city will look to pour a new slab in the spring. As interest was expressed in completing this sooner, Schlotterbeck noted that the ground would need time to settle. The city will look and see if they can facilitate completing this sooner by tamping the ground.
Councilman Rodney Dimick noted that he had looked at the rotted posts on the library exterior. He recommended that the city replace these with pipe. Dimick offered to donate pipe and labor towards this and Harris offered to paint the pipe. Officials will be looking to complete this project.
Workman’s compensation was again discussed. Clerk Rayburn was asked to reach out to current policy provider KMIT for policy information. Once this is completed, a bid from an additional company will be completed.
The position of Hamilton City Superintendent is still vacant. Council members discussed advertising methods being utilized.
Bids from West Creek Repair for skid steer tires were presented. Following discussion, council members approved the allotment of $1,000 for the purchase.
Application for a storm siren grant was revisited. Rayburn reported that she has been working on this with the County Emergency Management Director. During her discussion of the process, Rayburn noted that a letter of need was needed from the mayor. She also shared that the site/sites where sirens would be placed, needed to be mapped out as well.
Needed work to the Fire Station was revisited. For work replacing boards at the side of the door, an estimate of approximately $1,000 was received. Members of the council discussed looking to complete this in house.
Rayburn reported that some negative feedback had been received over the loss of recycling, following the recent decision by County Commissioners.
Issues with the city office printer were discussed. Rayburn noted that the printer had started working again, however, should issues again be faced, a quote of $1,795 was received. The unit currently being utilized is from 2006. Rayburn was to check and see how long it takes to get a printer ordered and delivered.
The water usage report was reviewed. Schlotterbeck shared that the city was now down to an average loss of 18%.
The subject of a previously discussed dog issue was revisited. Harris reported that the dog owner was served the violation notice, then proceeded to hire an attorney who requested a copy of all city codes. They then provided a response to the city, denying each offense was committed. They also shared that anti bark collars had been obtained and a pen was being built. The city will be working to send the codes to the individual’s lawyer. Council members discussed having a letter of acknowledgment drafted in response.
Schlotterbeck revisited the subject of lead and copper surveys. He noted that these are mandatory for submission to the state.
New state reporting requirements that are soon to be required for submission by the city were discussed.
Council members discussed their annual donation of glow sticks and candy for the Trunk-or-Treat event. Hamilton Trunk-or-Treat will be held October 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. on Main Street.
Bills and minutes were reviewed and approved as presented.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at 7 p.m.
