Peabody ends limits on water
With the recent water crisis behind it, the Peabody City Council passed a resolution Monday night to rescind the emergency water conservation ordinance in effect for the last several weeks.
Mayor Randy Dallke thanked city employees for their help and their willingness to be flexible with their work schedules during the emergency.
He also expressed his appreciation to all the businesses and individuals who voluntarily restricted their water usage.
Councilman Tom Schmidt said he thought the water crisis was a wake-up call and that the city needed to look into reclaiming the water wells it capped at the direction of Kansas Department of Health and Environment after Peabody began getting its water from Hillsboro.
At that time the city requested permission to retain the Brooks well and a well on the high school property. The well on the school property was sold to the district for irrigation purposes, and the Brooks well was allowed to remain open to serve the city in an emergency.
Schmidt said he would like to see the city get permission from KDHE to reopen the others as well. The city will contact KDHE and look into the possibility of such a project.
In a related matter the council saw a presentation by Micro-Com Co. for a water tower warning system. The system would signal city employees if there is a problem with the water tower or the water plant in Hillsboro. Once a new sewer is installed, the warning procedure can be integrated to monitor that system as well.
The council tabled a decision on the matter to study the information and include the warning device in the budget discussions coming up next month.
A unanimous vote was cast to approve the documents package from Rural Development for funding the sewer upgrades.
The council unanimously accepted the resignation of Cindy Harms as city clerk and the appointment of Stephanie Ax as interim clerk.
In other business, the council:
— Entered into two executive sessions for the purpose of discussing personnel. Upon return to open session they tabled a decision on a job description for the city clerk position until more information is available.
— Approved the re-appointment until June, 2007, of Irvin McPheeters to the board of directors for Indian Guide Terrace.
— Approved a well permit for Pauline McPheeters at 206 N. Maple.
— Approved the purchase and installation of a new drinking fountain at the city park.
— Agreed to meet at 6 p.m. July, 7 in the city building to discuss and review the budget.
— Tabled a decision on installing a street light on 9th Street in front of the Middle Creek Mining property. Council members will get more information on cost and precedents.
— Heard a progress report from Health and Safety Officer Deb Buser about nuisance properties.
