Actions of a few people spoil privilege for others
Florence City Council reluctantly agreed Aug. 1 that changes are needed to the "honor system" practice of supplying water to businesses and individuals.
It has been the custom of city officials to allow businesses such as construction companies working on the highway to fill water trucks from a tank at the city shop. The companies report the amount of water they take to the city office staff and are billed accordingly. Individuals with a need for large amounts of water have done the same.
City councilmen Bryan Harper and Dan Ludwig reported that large amounts of water have been taken in recent weeks, but the city has received no accounting or compensation for those amounts.
Ludwig noted he saw someone filling a 2,000 gallon tank. "There is no record of that person paying," he said.
"This is not from the people who have made arrangements with us to get water," said Harper. "We need to find a way that they can keep on getting it, but keep out the ones who aren't paying."
The tank also is used by the fire department and it was noted whatever system is created needs to allow firefighters access to the tank.
After discussion, council members agreed to look into putting a padlock on the tank and distribute keys as needed. Anyone else wanting a large quantity of water will need to get it during city office hours and pay for it.
Council members also voted to purchase several new traffic signs.
Stop signs will be placed at Sixth and Marion streets and Eighth and Marion streets. School zone signs will be appropriately placed at Oasis School, and a yield sign will be installed at First and Circle streets. Caution signs noting "Children at Play" will be installed at Unity Park.
In other business the council:
— approved warrant 2005-15 in the amount of $55,401.26.
— approved notice of budget hearing and 2005 amended budget hearing to be held Aug. 15.
— heard from Harper the city had received a proposal by Cunningham to finance cleaning and work on the water tower. Harper still is awaiting a bid from Water Tower Paint and Repair in Clear Lake, Iowa.
— heard that lights will be put in place at the ball field in time for a tournament.
— heard from Americans with Disabilities Act officer Del Leeds that council will have additional information on goals and expenditures by the next meeting. He also told council he is working with city employees to create a template for painting parking areas in the city.
— heard from city employee Mark Bishop that a good deal of city playground equipment is not in compliance with safety regulations and areas beneath equipment need to be cushioned. Bishop was instructed to return with estimates on cushion materials.
— heard city employees and Jeff Inlow will begin repair of the storm drain system at Fifth and Main streets as soon as the new culverts arrive.
— heard Mayor Sue Klassen has not yet heard from Kansas Department of Health and Environment about the necessity of turbidity meters at the water plant.
— agreed to pick up trash for customers on 30th Street near Burns if they will agree to bring their trash to one location. A mileage charge will be added to the service.
