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Advance aldermen deal with water and park issues
Taken from secretarial notes
The Advance Board of Aldermen met on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 with all aldermen present--Carol Blanton, Tom Schmidt, Wayne Page, and Randy Schrader. Also present were maintenance director Brock Cato, patrolman Jerry Hampton and citizen Colleen Hager. The meeting was led by Mayor Carl "Pete" Ritter.
Mayor Ritter reported on an issue with a horn that keeps washing out on vine Street by Morgan Funeral Home. Brock Cato agreed to fix the hole.
Cato asked permission to add the city's old brush truck to the annual Advance Knights of Columbus machinery auction in February. Aldermen approved the decision unanimously.
Mayor Ritter brought up the fact that the sand in the water plant filters hasn't been changed in 27 years, and this may account for some of the city's rusty water. Aldermen had discussed this issue at previous meetings but had taken no action on the matter. At the Monday meeting, aldermen approved the decision to change the sand in the filters.
In the monthly police report, Chief Bohnsack requested that the city trade in the oldest squad car and purchase a new SUV. The board approved the purchase.
Brock Cato reported that he had gotten a bid of $4350.00 from Kenny Carlton for the seal coating and fixing of the cracks in the walking trail at Westfield Park. A motion was made and approved to have the work done.
Cato also reported that some cottonwood and gum trees need to be cut down in Umfleet Park. The gum balls make a mess and shoot out everywhere, when the park is mowed, causing a danger to anyone who is in the park. The city workers can cut the cottonwood trees, but they will have to hire someone to cut the gum trees. Aldermen gave their approval for the work to be done.
In the Senior Community Center report, Mayor Ritter shared the fact that the center has had to close for two reasons--cold weather and lack of help. Tom Schmidt, who is on the senior board, said that the center will reopen on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015. The menu for Friday, Jan. 30 is homemade Salisbury steak. Mayor Ritter said he would leave it to the senior board of trustees to determine when to close the center.
Alderman Blanton reported a complaint about "all the junk" sitting around Advance Ag. Mayor Ritter asked Chief Bohnsack about the issue, and the chief said that nothing could be done about the cars and trucks, but he would talk to the owner about the junk.
Motion was then made to adjourn the meeting and was approved.
The next regular board of alderman meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 at 6 p.m. in city hall on Gabriel Street.
The deadline to file for the April 7, 2015 election was Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. Candidates are as follows: Mayor--Carl "Pete" Ritter (I) and Colleen Hager. Alderman, Ward 1--Wayne Page (I). Alderman, Ward 2--Tom Schmidt (I).