City council hears about grant approval, water agreement
Peabody city council members heard Monday night that the CDBG grant for the new sewer project officially had been awarded to the city. The next step of the project will start Feb. 5 when city administrator Jeff Benbrook accepts the award and the process of administering the funds begins.
The council is looking at a completion date in the fall.
Morgan Marler was present from the City of Hillsboro to explain the inter-city agreement between Peabody and Hillsboro with regard to the next round of KDHE regulations to upgrade water systems around the state.
The proposed agreement between the two communities will allow the staff at the Hillsboro water plant to take over daily maintenance of Peabody's pump house at Hillsboro. The contract is a short-term agreement to help Peabody meet the requirements of the state's new "disinfectants and disinfection byproducts rule."
The Hillsboro staff will be responsible for re-chlorinating the water at the pump house until such time as Peabody builds its own booster pump in the city limits.
The council voted to proceed with the inter-city agreement.
City attorney Audie Strotkamp submitted a letter of resignation to the mayor and council. Following a brief executive session, the resignation was accepted. The council then unanimously approved hiring Mark Wilkerson as city attorney and Mayor Randy Dallke made the appointment.
Dallke reviewed the city's ordinance regarding a water meter for each business and residence in the city. The ordinance was last changed Dec. 26, 2000. The council at that time "grandfathered" any existing water users who were doubled-up on one meter.
Any new construction or new water hook-ups since that date have been ordered to use a single meter for each business or dwelling.
The council agreed to review local water users with city water superintendent Darren Pickens and come up with a master list of the "grandfathered" properties. The council will consider removing the "grandfathered" clause when an included property changes owners.
The council also heard from Joanna Brazil that the preliminary application for a Heritage Trust Grant to repair the city building and city shop had been submitted and returned with suggestions. Brazil will have to submit 35mm slides and photos. She also needs the city's confirmation of matching funds and estimates from an engineering firm for the cost of repairs. She will return to a future meeting with the necessary information for the council's approval.
In other business, the city council:
— heard that the planning and zoning commission requested putting a plan to re-survey the town on the city's "wish list" as the council looks at priorities. The commission also requested a legal opinion on the need for an ordinance regarding portable buildings and modular homes.
— approved the installation of time clocks at the city building and at the city shop.
— agreed to review the city's cereal malt beverage ordinance with the city attorney to make certain the ordinance affects equally all businesses with a CMB license.
— approved a 15-foot variance for Roberta Boston to add a garage to her property at 210 N. Olive.
— approved Jeff Benbrook's attendance at several administrative training sessions during the next several months.
— heard that Rick Burcky was in Peabody Friday to visit with city staff and businesses about the city web site.
— agreed to renew the city's building inspection agreement with the City of Newton. The council approved leaving the building permit fee the same, but will add an inspection service fee in an attempt to offset the expense of the annual contract with Newton.
