The Board of Public Works and Safety met on Sept. 3. Mayor Mike Pavey, Gary Cameron, Brad Berkemeier, Phil King, Maria Bridges and city attorney Julie Newhouse were present.

Citizens concerns/comments

Marilyn Yager inquired about the fate of the current library building once it is relocated to the community center. She expressed the idea of transforming it into a Wendell Willkie library. She mentioned she had discussed this idea with the Willkie family, who showed interest. She also suggested creating an interactive display to enhance its appeal, incorporating Mary Sleeth, the first librarian who was involved in Willkie’s campaign. Additionally, she proposed using the space as an office for the Rush County Genealogical Society. Mayor Pavey asked Yager if she had consulted the library board, to which she replied that she had not. Pavey said the board has a plan but hasn’t shared it with the public yet, but said he would follow up. 

Fire Rescue – 

Construction Status Update

•Ready to move forward with the quote for painting the truck bay.

•Josh M. from SD Barnes has arranged for someone to apply the glaze on the garage door windows.

•Kyle Gardner is currently working on the exterior lettering and signage. 

Police/Fire/Utility

•The Public Safety Committee (Advisory Committee for the Public Safety Career Pathway Program) has reported Joe Jarman will teach the police, Bill Hufford will teach the E.M.S. and Richard Tracy will teach the fire department.

•Regarding the Police and Fire Regional Training Center, the main goal is to ensure water is provided to the facility. A meeting will be scheduled with the architect to discuss this matter.

In other news, Intat is asking for a speed reduction between 200 N and 300 N due to the heavy traffic flow between Diamond Pet Foods and Intat.  A resolution will be considered at the next meeting to submit to the State. 

Superintendent Shook stated there are two sludge digesters (a type of tank used to break down organic matter in sewage sludge) in the facility. One of them has not undergone cleaning for more than 20 years, while the other was cleaned eight years ago. Ideally, these digesters should be cleaned every 10 years. The project will involve moving approximately 120,000 gallons at a cost of $61,400. Wealing estimated it would take them three days to complete the cleaning. Following the discussion, Cameron motioned to hire Wealing for the cleaning job, which was seconded by King and subsequently approved. 

The Lochmueller Group was chosen for the Highway 3 study.  

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police 

Chief Tucker reported the department is currently reviewing communication officer applications. Next, the police officer applications will be reviewed. Applications will be accepted for two more weeks.

Fire 

Caden O’Neil has accepted the firefighter job. He is scheduled to have his physical on Oct. 2.

Utilities

Shook reported the department is in the process of updating its five-year plan with assistance from Wessler. 

Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement 

There will be a dumpster at 602 N Harrison for an extended period of time. It has been ordered for a major clean-up.

Director Copley mentioned that she has written a letter to accompany the R.V. Ordinance to help explain it. Additionally, she is compiling a list of food vendors who will be affected by the food truck ordinance.