City audit went 'extremely well'
Peabody City Council members heard from Dale Clark of Knudson and Monroe that the city's audit "went extremely well." Clark told the council their work this past year to review revenue and expenses had helped keep a lid on expenditures.
"Would I like to see you with an additional $200,000 or $300,000 in the budget?" he asked. "Sure I would, but realistically it's not going to happen."
Clark reviewed the audit report with council members and told them the city is in reasonably good financial shape.
Greg Jones addressed the council about progress on the tennis courts. Resurfacing and painting is completed, Jones reported and Peabody-Burns Recreation Commission has reimbursed the city for its part of the repairs.
Jones requested some additional work be done on crank mechanisms that tighten the nets. The council approved his request.
City superintendent Jeff Benbrook asked if Jones would have a word with coaches and visiting teams who use the baseball diamond at city park. Litter has been a bigger than usual problem this summer and park cleanup is taking city work crews away from their regular tasks. Jones said he would speak to recreation director Russ Busenitz.
Council members reviewed an itemized list of city-owned buildings damaged by hail and made a decision on which claims to pursue and repairs to make. Claims were filed and work will be done to repair the pool house roof, city hall roof, light sensor control on the water tower, and damage to the pump house on Locust Street.
The city will wait on a decision to repair the roundhouse at the park and city shop. Benbrook also was instructed to contact the city's insurance carrier about the new concession stand/press box at the park.
Health and safety officer Deb Buser presented council members with a list of properties in violation of city mowing ordinances and a list of nuisance properties.
After discussion Buser was instructed to pursue violators in accordance with city ordinances.
Council members Tom Schmidt and Alan Yock furnished a list of playground equipment to be removed from city park. The council will evaluate what is being removed and determine what pieces will be repaired or replaced.
There was discussion of community fund-raising to help offset the cost of purchasing new equipment, but no plan was approved to launch such a project.
In other business, the council:
— authorized a $500 contribution to Peabody Economic Development to help pay for new community brochures.
— heard from Benbrook that the water supply contract with the City of Hillsboro is being reviewed. The original agreement with Hillsboro allowed for periodic review and fee adjustments.
— approved a plan for the city to act as a contractor for mosquito spraying in other communities. A fee schedule will be determined at a future meeting.
— heard from Benbrook that the city's quarterly tax report is finished, Bob Kyle will be worked into the "on call" schedule for city employees, and he is working with the City of Hillsboro on an inter-city agreement that would allow Hillsboro to request "locates" on Peabody water lines.
— approved adding Brian McDowell to city staff for July 4 to allow McDowell to be in charge of the fireworks show at the park on that day.
— was reminded the next budget meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 6.
— agreed to tap into the downtown water main to assist Dave Stucky with watering plants and flowers downtown.
— heard that the street resurfacing project for this year will begin within 30 days.
— agreed to re-write the existing ordinance on contractors performing services in Peabody. Currently the ordinance only includes plumbing and electrical contractors.
