Grace City Council Report February 5

This report is adapted from the official minutes taken by City Clerk and IRWA Administrator of the Year Shelley Reeves.

A regular meeting of the Grace City Council was held on February 5, in addition to a special meeting held on the same night to discuss the hiring of a new city Maintenance Worker.

In addition to Mayor Barthlome, Councilmembers Lowe, Tillotson, Toone, and Bingham, the meeting was also attended by Jake Wright, Seth Gerber, Ron Marley, Jaxon Wright, Cathy Rasmussen, and Shane Hamilton.

Councilmember Toone provided the Invocation, and Clerk Reeves led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Bills in the amount of $37,114.38 and payroll in the amounts of $12,130.43 and $11,832.74 were approved.

Zoning Commission—Cathy Rasmussen

Mayor Barthlome presented Cathy Rasmussen’s name as a candidate for service on the Zoning Commission in Grace.  Rasmussen would be completing Ralph Spackman’s term.  Councilmember Lowe moved to approve the nomination, which Councilmember Tillotson seconded.  A motion to make to appointment passed unanimously.

Rasmussen was administered the Oath of Office by Clerk Reeves.

Maintenance—Colt Simmons

As a result of interviews for the position, Councilmember Tillotson moved to approve the hiring of Colt Simmons as a maintenance worker for the city.  The motion was seconded by Councilmember Toone and passed unanimously.

Superintendent

City Superintendent Riley Crookston requested authorization to purchase about 50 small garbage cans for about $7000.  There won’t be a delivery charge because the employees will go pick them up and take down some of the old cans that the city needs to receive a warranty on.  The purchase was approved.

Crookston also reported that they have been working on frozen water lines, and keeping the water running in the gutters.  

The electrical was installed for the grit system at the wastewater treatment plant. There was a sewer blockage that was being worked on at present.  The employees found a root ball in an old, abandoned sewer line, and they were able to remove it and clear the blockage.  However, some work will need to be done on the abandoned line in the future.

Mayor Barthlome 

The mayor thanked employees for keeping the drains clear, as well as all the rest of their hard work.  She let everyone know that there are sandbags available at the road and bridge shop for anyone that may be in need.  There was a meeting with the construction company and Keller Associates on Tuesday.  The construction will begin again on March 15.  She reminded the city council of the open house about the water study later in February.

Ron Marley thanked the employees for coming to his home on Thanksgiving Day and helping to fix his sewer backup.  He stated that it was an impressive response on a holiday.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:24 p.m.