Peabody council finds insurance rate increase easy to swallow
Peabody City Council received a dose of good news Monday night from its health insurance carrier.
Diana Capps, representative for Hilger Insurance, was present to offer city employees a health care package for 2005 with the same coverage at a cost increase of only 5 percent.
Council members heard that short-term disability insurance also would be available at an extra charge. City employees will be offered short-term disability insurance with their benefit plan. The premium portion paid by the city will be decided at the Jan. 10 council meeting after council members have had time to examine proposals offered by Capps.
The council also approved an updated version of its cereal malt beverage ordinance, which had been changed by City Attorney Mark Wilkerson. Wilkerson eliminated some antiquated terminology and updated the ordinance to conform to new regulations regarding alcohol sale and consumption.
A final draft of city employees' "Policy and Procedures Handbook" also was received from Wilkerson and was discussed by the council. It was unanimously approved.
In other business Peabody City Council:
— heard from City Administrator Jeff Benbrook that Dale Yeager of Kansas Rural Development is awaiting word that Peabody is eligible for additional funding for the sewer project. Benbrook said Yeager should contact the city after Jan. 10.
— approved cereal malt beverage licenses for Phillips 66, Peabody Lanes, and Peabody Market, and occupational tax licenses for American Legion Post 95 and Coneburg Inn.
— heard there have been 14 applicants for a vacancy on city staff. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
— heard from Peabody State Bank President Shreves Avery regarding the bank's interest as mortgage holder of a nuisance property at 309 N. Sycamore. Avery told council members PSB made temporary repairs to the house. A large hole in the roof has been covered, fill-dirt has been added around the foundation, and the house is being made secure so that it cannot be entered. The council postponed a decision on the property until Feb. 14.
— heard termite inspection of city properties will take place next week.
— was reminded the mayoral position and two council seats will be up for re-election in April. Deadline for filing is noon Jan. 25 at Marion County Court House.
— heard Health and Safety Officer Deb Buser has had complaints about trailers blocking the flow of traffic on city streets. Buser wondered whether the trailers should be considered nuisance property or inoperable vehicles. It was decided the problem should be researched and turned over to Peabody police officers.
