Housing grant application misses first-round acceptance
Sara Cope, head of Florence Economic Development, reported that the city did not receive the grant it hoped to get for the housing project.
However, the Florence application was selected as an alternate recipient and she noted that that designation was actually good news.
If one of the accepted projects does not go through, Florence would be selected to take its place. Cope also said she would re-submit the application in October if necessary.
The council approved a request from the ambulance crew to purchase 25 jump suits at a cost of $1,500 to $2,000. The money is available in the ambulance department budget.
The purchase of a new flag pole for the new city building was discussed. No decision was made pending additional price quotes. City Superintendent Stuart Funk also was asked to explore the possibility of moving the pole in front of the current city building to the new building as a cost-saving measure.
Police Chief Howard Kahler noted that the Florence police car would take part in the July Fourth parade at Peabody.
The council approved a trip to Topeka by Funk to look over state surplus equipment in hope of finding a used tractor for the city. Repair bids for the city tractor came in very close to the cost of a used machine with fewer hours of use.
Funk noted that the installation of the new playground equipment was nearly complete. He will look into the cost and effectiveness of various cushioning material to put under the equipment.
Funk reported that water readings for the city have been in compliance with state requirements since the first of June. He said that the KDHE had not advised lifting the "water boil advisory" yet, but that the water readings were satisfactory.
He added that the state reports on the water plant upgrades indicate things are moving forward on schedule. He said they are still aiming for the November deadline.
The council voted to allow Florence citizens to shoot fireworks in the city limits between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. from July 1 to 3, and from 8 a.m. to midnight July 4. Bottle rockets, cherry bombs, and M-80s will be prohibited in accordance with state regulations.
The council agreed to spend $120 to purchase decorative stone for a base for the "Welcome to Florence" rock the Chamber of Commerce has ordered.
A 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel was requested by councilman Barb O'Dell. Upon returning to regular session the council voted that the reserve patrol car used by part time officers will be left at the city building when it is not in use by the police department.
On a 4-0 vote members agreed that the city would not reimburse motel bills for any employee attending a meeting or conference unless it was more than 120 miles from Florence.
