City Council Meets, Addresses Vandalism... Again

At the City Council meeting, there were new topics to be addressed and old ones as well.

Mayor Demarais opened the meeting sharing that he had started a conversation on Facebook about the grass cans and this lead to a lively discussion, the issue of the need for grass cans.

Public Works Director Jim Truelove opened his report with getting approval from the Council to hold the annual city cleanup the week of June 12. He reported that there had been two digs recently, the street by the Villa is next on the list to replace a broken curb stop.

He addressed the swimming pool issues – to no one’s surprise, the swimming pool is getting old, reaching retirement age. Over the winter, the expansion and contraction of the concrete has added to the deterioration of the pool.

Truelove will be checking into the cost of installing a liner in the pool vs filling the pool and building a splash pad.

PWD Truelove reported that the lagoon outfall line project has been completed.

Mayor Demarais informed PWD Truelove that he has made a list of potholes that are to be filled, and the PWD reported that the sweeper would be working the area in Hillcrest next.

The PWD reported that the hole in the water tank had been repaired; a diver had placed epoxy patch on the inside of the tank and a patch was also placed on the tank. He then reported the City is ready for mosquitos now, too.

Clerk Lorie Bond reported that Phillips County will be hosting a “Board Leadership Training” on May 30, and the Council members and Clerk Bond plan to attend; they were reminded of the Municipal Summit that will take place in Chinook on June 5.

Once again, vandals have targeted the Riverview Park, with vandalism being reported on May 12th and 15th. The Hillcrest Park bathroom was vandalized on May 19th. There was a lengthy discussion on vandalism and the need for security cameras.

Mayor Demarais informed the Council that City Crew worker David Jaynes and Compliance Officer Muñoz had turned in their two weeks’ notice and the positions were being advertised.

The Mayor informed the Council that Fire Chief Newman had been contacted by the Edgewater Inn about burning brush by the motel, which is not allowed in the city limits. This was discussed at great lengths.

Mayor Demarais reported the Planning Board had approved a variance for an awning on the Senior Citizen Center.

PWD Truelove reported that the Trafton Park Lift Station was nearing completion.

Mayor Demarais had a request for a Street Closure for the VFW Post Memorial Day Ceremony, which was approved.

Todd’s Technology had presented a bid for security cameras for the gym at the City Hall in the amount of $4,150, this met with approval by the Council members and was approved. The Council then approved the Trafton Lift Station ARPA Draw #11 for $128,598.03.

Discussion was held on parking campers and how many days they could be parked on the streets and in the parks and the length of time they can be used as a residence.

The Council meets again on Tuesday, June 13, at 5 p.m.