City projects approved
The Peabody City Council moved forward Monday night on several projects that will have a lasting impact on the city.
The council formally voted to enter into a contract with the state of Kansas to build a new sewer plant.
Rosemary Saunders of Reiss and Goodness Engineers in Wichita was present to review the final steps before starting the sewer upgrades. Saunders told the council that the bid-letting process could begin in 60 to 75 days.
Hillsboro City Administrator Steve Garrett reviewed the new inter-city agreement between Hillsboro and Peabody regarding water treatment. The agreement is renewable on a year-to-year basis and divides the maintenance responsibilities for the water system.
The council was receptive to the agreement pending review by the city attorney.
After an update by Joanna Brazil on the estimated cost of renovating the city shop, the council approved making application for funds from the Heritage Trust Foundation to make the repairs. The grant application is due March 1.
One of the initial steps is the preparation of letters of support from various businesses and entities in the city. Brazil noted she had requests for the letters ready to go as soon as she received council approval.
The council should know in 60 to 90 days whether or not the grant has been approved.
In other business, the city council:
— discussed a rate hike by Stutzman Refuse on the monthly use of the trash poly-carts by residents. The trash ordinance will be updated to accommodate the 25 cent-a-month increase on each cart.
— heard requests from three individuals sited for having inoperable vehicles for time extensions to get the vehicles moved. All three requests were approved.
— approved sharing with the Fourth Fire District a cost increase from the Emergency Services Academy in Harvey County. Membership in the program allows Peabody emergency personnel to receive training and certification classes at a greatly reduced cost.
— held an executive session with Mary Avery, Peabody Main Street president, and Kip Pohlman, economic development chairman, for the purpose of a job performance review for Joanna Brazil, Main Street director. No action was taken on returning to open session.
— approved a cost split with Peabody Main Street to purchase a new computer/printer for the use of the director.
— agreed to future agenda topics including the upcoming swimming pool season, preliminary budget meeting, decision on whether or not to hold a citywide garage sale, and approval of the city web site.
— approved a request by Ronnie Harms to attend training classes for a variety of safety issues.
— conducted an executive session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition of property. No action was taken upon the council's return to open meeting.
— heard that the new time clock policy will go into effect March 1 for all hourly non-police employees.
