Federal funds approved for sewer project
Peabody City Council members heard Monday evening that confirmation had been received from the United States Department of Agriculture that $465,000 in loan funds had been reserved for Peabody's sewer project.
Rose Mary Saunders of Reiss and Goodness Engineers met with the council to review the forms and permits that had been filed for the sewer upgrades. She reported that the project is on schedule.
The council went into executive session with Saunders and city attorney Audie Strotkamp to discuss the acquisition of property. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
Mayor Randy Dallke and councilman Tom Schmidt reported to the rest of the council that more cuts will be needed in the trash department because expenditures and revenue are "running neck and neck" and will have to be reviewed. Dallke and Schmidt were contacted by Dale Clark, the city's auditor, that more work would be necessary to get revenues up in this area. The council will look at the problem in a future meeting.
David Oursler of Middle Creek Mining addressed the council with a request for an additional street light on Ninth Street in front of the new building his company is putting up.
After discussion about whether or not this would set a precedent, councilman Gene Schmill expressed the opinion that in the interest of economic development, he thought the council should approve the request. He noted that he wanted to encourage any business spending the amount of money Middle Creek is spending on improvements.
On a motion by Schmill, seconded by Steve Rose, the council voted four to one to approve the installation of a street light. Jon Gard voted against the proposal.
The council agreed to some changes to the current fireworks ordinance that would allow expanded selling and shooting time, raise the bond required for sellers, and provide a place for people from out of town shoot fireworks.
Pending the approval of the city's insurance carrier and research by the city attorney, the council will review the ordinance changes at a future meeting.
In other business, the council:
— heard from health and safety officer Deb Buser about residential properties she has identified as being nuisance properties. Buser said notices will be going out to property owners.
— agreed to contact applicants for the city clerk's position and set up interviews beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the city building.
— approved the installation of an answering machine to cover incoming calls from noon to 1 p.m. since the city building is now closed at that time.
— approved removing the diving board sign at the pool damaged by vandals. Repairs to the sign will take place during the winter so it is ready for next year's swimming season.
— heard that an application for a KLINK grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation to make street repairs was denied. However, Greg Wyatt of KDOT encouraged the city to re-submit the application with more emphasis on economic development.
— read a Memorandum of Understanding from USD 398 regarding the district's willingness to share water from a well it recently purchased from the city in the event of any future water crisis.
— heard that the police department had begun a campaign to target inoperable vehicles in the city. Peabody Street to Plum Street have been covered and letters will go out this week to vehicle owners.
