Florence City Council changes utility billing at Carriage Manor
By SUSAN MARSHALL
Staff writer
Florence City Council reviewed Monday night the utility service and billing to apartments at Carriage Manor. There are six water meters at the facility, each serving six units. The cost of water, sewer, and trash pickup is divided between the residents on each meter. The maintenance man at Carriage manor takes care of putting each resident's trash into a single Dumpster.
After discussion it was decided to charge Carriage Manor a commercial rate for each meter instead of billing each resident for his or her one-sixth of the meter charge. Council voted two-two on the motion by councilman Ludwig and the tie was broke by an aye vote from Mayor Sue Klassen.
Council members included a caveat allowing them to re-visit the ruling if there are changes in serves at Carriage Manor.
Councilman Bryan Harper publicly commended city employee Mark Bishop for completion of his wastewater class and subsequent certification by the state. Bishop announced he hopes to attend water operator classes in the fall to become certified in that area also.
In other business the council:
— heard from councilman Ed Robinson that contractors on the roundabout outside Florence feel the project might be finished within the next 30 days. Unseasonably fair weather for the last several months has allowed the work to move ahead faster than expected.
— approved the purchase of additional concrete culverts from the City of McPherson up to a total of 45.
— heard that Labor Day T-shirts are in and have gone on sale at the city building and several businesses in Florence and Marion.
— informed Venetia Miller that her attorney and the city's attorney are in discussions about what needs to be done at the edge of her property where, years ago, the city appropriated a corner for a short cut which is now regarded as a street and is paved. Miller was seeking resolution to the issue. Council members were unable to address her concerns based on legal advice from their attorney.
— agreed to lease, at one dollar a year, the sign on U.S.-50 near the water plant to Doyle Creek Mercantile. Judy Mills, owner of the mercantile, researched the sign and found out it had been given to the city many years ago but has not been well-maintained. She said the gift store will pay to have a new sign made that will advertise, not only her store, but Florence's downtown district.
— heard that some city employees and Florence citizens are part of a relay team in the Relay for Life. Their goal is to raise $1,000.
— heard the street sign at Fifth and Circle Drive is missing.
— agreed to contribute $200 to Communities in Schools.
— had a discussion about the city's lack of participation in the Marion-Florence Recreation Commission. The councilmen decided to contribute $200 and investigate renewing the city's participation with the commission. School superintendent Lee Leiker will be invited to a council meeting or work session to discuss the program and how Florence can participate more effectively.
— heard a request from fire chief Tim Parmley to purchase two radio batteries, paint the tops of the city fire hydrants according to a color code that will tell firefighters which size hose the hydrant will accommodate, and to use the department's special fund to pay for $2,800 for a waste pump and nozzles, one-half of which will be reimbursed by a grant from the state.
— agreed to have the city attorney review the Americans with Disabilities Act addition to the employee handbook for wording.