New technology, infrastructure signage considered by Peabody City Council
Peabody City Council heard of several impending projects for the new year when members met Jan. 9.
City administrator Jeff Benbrook informed council members he is looking into a system for credit card payments for fines and utility fees. Information from StatePayments.com indicates the plan is compatible with city technology.
The potential exists to offer a payment system to Peabody customers to cover not only local utilities and fines, but also could include Atmos, Westar, and Southwestern Bell payments.
Benbrook will have a more complete report for council at a future meeting.
Peabody Main Street also is close to implementing a plan to create a sign incorporating the concrete letters spelling "Peabody" that were salvaged from the former high school building before it was demolished.
The plan has been on the back burner for both Main Street and the city since the school was demolished nearly a decade ago.
In a report by Main Street coordinator Joanna Brazil, council was informed of an agreement between the city and school district to place the sign on school property at the southeast corner of the intersection at Ninth and Walnut streets.
Brazil said work on the sign should begin this month.
An ambitious plan to repair and/or add concrete curb and guttering to city streets was discussed. Benbrook told council that "request for information" letters had been sent to five concrete contractors.
Drainage problems on streets without curb and guttering have worsened in the past several years and council members are looking to make changes if a suitable solution can be found.
In other business, the council:
— heard Kansas Department of Health and Environment has approved an additional six months for completion of the sewer project. The new completion date is July 15.
— approved an initial $3,000 expense to KDHE to begin the process of cleanup at the former sewer plant. The city has qualified for a state program, Voluntary Cleanup and Property Redevelopment Program, to rid the property of mercury contamination.
— heard that Mayor Tom Schmidt has been in touch with the Berns family regarding a real estate purchase agreement on the sewer plant land. The purchase agreement will be addressed soon, pending review by the family's legal council.
— agreed to consider an offer by Dennis Pickens to purchase the property at 607 North Locust Street, owned by the city. Pickens will return to the next meeting to discuss cost and plans with council members.
— approved deadline extensions at the request of David Blythe and Archie Riggs to abate the nuisance on their properties at 411 North Maple and 803 North Olive streets respectively.
Blythe will submit a progress report March 27. Riggs was given until June 1 to move personal property from the residence on Olive Street and demolish the structure.
— approved an expenditure of $110 for 2006 dues to Kansas State Fire Fighters Association. Half of that amount will be reimbursed to the city by Marion County Fire District #4.
— heard that Peabody police officer Jim Philpott has resigned effective Friday. Police chief Jeff Pohlman will offer his part-time officers a chance to change their status to full-time in hopes of replacing Philpott from the ranks of current staff.
— agreed to enter contract negotiations with two engineering firms to assist in a plan to relieve the drainage issue between Vine and Olive streets.
— discussed road resurfacing work on South Maple and Eighth streets. Council instructed Benbrook to contact the county regarding its plans to resume work on Maple Street.
— went into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
