Staff writer
Peabody City Administrator Mac Manning told Peabody City Council on Monday that the city’s practice of flushing water lines has generated more complaints recently.
Manning said flushing is necessary for two reasons: to keep the correct amount of chlorine in the water lines and to try to alleviate complaints about smelly and discolored water.
Flushing the water system draws fresh water into the system.
Manning said he discussed the possibility of capturing and utilizing some of the water with Public Works Director Darren Pickens.
“I know we have some trees at the park that are in desperate need of watering,” he said. “We would also consider allowing farmers and ranchers to capture some for watering livestock.”
He said part of the problem would be the method of capture because in order for the flushing to be successful, the water must be released from the hydrants at full force.
After discussion with the council, members Steve Rose and Tim Peterson who are both on the Fourth Fire District said they would bring up the issue at the next fire meeting and see if there was a way to help capture and distribute some of the water.
“If we could at least make an attempt to use it rather than let it run down the street gutters, I think our residents would appreciate it,” Manning said.
In other business:
- The council discussed the responsibility of city employees who participate in social media pages on the Internet. Manning presented a proposed official policy for the use of social media pages for review by the council. After discussion, council members approved adoption of the proposal and made it part of the city’s personnel code. The council also instructed Shane Marler to create a Facebook page for the city.
- The council approved a cereal malt beverage license for Peabody Lanes pending approval by the state.
- A letter of resignation was received from municipal court clerk Jan O’Neil who is resigning to take another job. Council members accepted her resignation. Manning said the city is seeking candidates for the job.
- Manning told the council he had received word from Jim Ralston of APAC that completion of the street work on South Locust Street will not begin until early September.
- Peabody Main Street and Economic Development Director Shane Marler told the council the request for bids on the roofing project has been approved and is published this week in the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin, Marion County Record, and Hillsboro Star-Journal.
- Marler presented Resolution R04-2012 for support of public housing development of Baker Lofts, LLC for the development of five housing units. The council approved the resolution.
- Marler presented a recommendation from Peabody Economic Development Council to offer a one-time utility incentive to Samantha Weerts of Sammie Jo’s Shake-N-Bistro, for the excessive water use caused by faulty equipment during her first month of operation. The PEDC asked the council to forgive the late fees and sewer charges and sell the consumed water at cost, payable in four installments. Council members approved the agreement. The total amount Weerts will pay is $337.
The next Peabody City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 27 in the city building.