Tampa City Council: Tampa City Council seeks sewer grant
Contributing writer
At the Tampa City Council meeting Feb. 6, Donna Backhus, city clerk, read the minutes from a special meeting for the purpose of discussing improvements to the sewer system. If a grant could be obtained, it would pay for half of the $205,000 project. The council decided to set the process in motion for obtaining the grant and seeking public approval.
Mayor Jim Clemmer reported a conversation with Bill Hendrichs, the city's insurance agent. A different company has begun offering coverage to municipalities, and Hendrichs thought their premiums may be lower.
"He didn't have any figures," said Clemmer, "but he is going to find out what their rates are and see if we can save by switching. The fire department saved a bunch. We'll need a special meeting to settle this before March 1."
The mayor also informed the council that an inspector had examined the lift station and found no problems.
"She did say we should have warning signs at all corners of the lift station saying, 'Warning. Waste Treatment Facility: Keep Out!'" Clemmer added. "They had never told us that before."
The inspector had recommended 24x36-inch signs, which would cost $144.44, but indicated 18x24-inch ones costing $97.90 would be acceptable. "I think the little ones would be good enough," said Paul Backhus. The other council members agreed.
The council discussed options for training to recertify Don Beisel as sewer supervisor. A one-day free session for five credits is available at Andover, but he needs 10 credits to renew his certificate. A two-day session at Manhattan at a cost of $62 would give him the required 10 credits. Tim Svoboda moved to send him to Manhattan for training. On a second from Tom Moldenhauer, the motion carried.
The mayor mentioned he needs to give the fire district the last American flag on hand and asked to purchase some for future use. He received the council's tacit approval.
The meeting ended with an executive session during which the council decided to give a year-end bonus to Frank Stika in appreciation for his excellent work during 2005.
Bills approved for payment included $716 for furnace repair, $218.46 for Christmas lights, $120.50 to fill fire extinguishers, $535.31 to Enviro Line for sewer parts, and $60 for labor to install insulation and shelves in the storage room at the city office.
