Budget restraints are evident to city council
The Peabody city council tackled a variety of small issues Monday night. Budgetary restraints caused by lack of state funding was evident in several decisions.
Problems with deteriorating playground equipment and the need for extensive tree trimming at the city park were discussed. Councilman Tom Schmidt told the council the park budget is nearly depleted for this year and he would rather hold off on park projects until 2004.
It was decided city crews would do what trimming and tree removal they could with their own equipment and the city would look at more extensive work in the spring.
Repairs to playground equipment would be limited to the repair of the wooden barrel for now as replacement parts needed were fairly inexpensive.
In a related issue, city clerk Jeff Benbrook informed the council the city's insurance agent would be in town next week to review all city property with him. The park equipment will be included in the review and Benbrook felt some of the older equipment may be a liability problem and might need to be removed rather than repaired.
The council agreed to wait until after the review to make a determination about repairs.
It was noted there is still money in the Gladys Heart fund which was earmarked for playground equipment years ago. Those funds are earmarked for the purchase of playground equipment only. Repair costs will have to come from the park budget.
Discussion was held concerning a bill from Peabody Veterinary Clinic for pickup and boarding fees of stray cats and dogs. Several on the council thought the amount was higher than usual.
After review it was determined the bill was not out of line, but that funds set aside for that purpose were being rapidly depleted and might not last until the end of the calendar year.
The council also entered two executive sessions for the purpose of discussing personnel. The first session involved the police department and the second general employee issues.
No action was taken by the council following either executive session.
It was brought to the council's attention that signs placed at the Peabody Street and Ninth Street intersection are illegal and need to be removed.
Previously the council was under the impression the land had been deeded to the city by the state when the bypass was built. It has recently come to the council's attention that the land was never properly transferred and the owner of record is Marion County.
Signs for Peabody's 1880s Main Street, Shirley B Restaurant, and the Farmers Market are in violation of county regulations.
The city will contact the owners of the signs and have the signs removed until such time as the land is actually deeded to the city.
In other business, the council:
— heard that all but two of the property owners along the route of the new sewer system have completed the easement transfers.
— heard that city clerk Jeff Benbrook will submit a report for review of workman's compensation. Benbrook anticipates a lower premium next year.
— discussed details about the community revitalization plan to clarify expectations of tax advantages by applicants.
— instructed the city clerk to create a work order to get the pump house at Seventh and Sycamore finished as soon as possible.
— agreed that city crews picking up appliances for cleanup days will deliver those with freon only to Stutzman's drop off site.
— instructed the city clerk to contact Westar Energy about a streetlight that is out over the American Legion building.
