Land purchases mark sewer project progress

The City of Gallatin entered into contract with James B. and Judith A. Stevens and with Steven Holcomb for the purchase of real property during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Education held Monday, Nov. 24. The 50 by 50 foot square plots will be used as lift stations for the sewer improvement project.

Now that the lift stations have been acquired, the sewer project can be bid out and construction may begin in early spring.

City Administrator Toby Dougherty submitted a letter from Galaxy Cablevision about their rates increasing $1.50 starting in January 2004. He has been inquiring with other cable companies who might be able to service the Gallatin area.

Recognition was given to Zella Barnes and Steve Reid for 10 years of service with the city of Gallatin.

During public comment, Gene Schweizer inquired about having a Revenue Bond issue on the election ballot. He also discussed the utility budget and proposed salary increase for the city administrator.

Gallatin Police Chief Jim Wycoff asked for any questions or comments from the board. There were no comments.

Bills in the amount of $5,6579.40 were approved for payment.

Mayor Thomas stated that the city is not involved with the Teen Beat organization and has been advised by the city attorney not to enter into any discussions concerning Teen Beat. Mr. Thomas recommended that the two Teen Beat groups meet to discuss their issues with Reverend Abel Perez, who is willing to act as mediator between the two groups. Daviess County Sheriff Kevin Heldenbrand also volunteered to help mediate.

The board approved a motion to accept the revised County Commission Acceptance Agreement.

The tree lighting ceremony is to be held Monday, Dec. 1, at 5:15 p.m.

During new business, Mr. Dougherty discussed the general, park, swimming pool, band and cemetery funds for the 2004 budget.

Mr. Dougherty thanked Mayor Thomas for his help with the tree lighting ceremony and the many businesses that participated.

After discussion, it was decided that the city employees would get Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 off for the holidays, as the county is off those days.

Mr. Dougherty discussed a contract from PWSD #2 concerning its future expansion.

During comments by aldermen, Bob Snidow inquired about the purchase of the pool tarp. Mr. Daugherty stated he was going to wait until the first of the year to order the new pool tarp.

Mayor Thomas thanked the merchants in Gallatin for their contributions to the tree lighting ceremony this year. He would like to see a holiday parade in Gallatin next year.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin held Monday, Nov. 24 at city hall. Present were Mayor John Thomas, aldermen Becky Wycoff, Norma Griffin, Bob Snidow, Gene Caldwell, City Administrator Toby Dougherty, Police Chief Jim Wycoff, City Clerk Autumn Acree, Deputy City Clerk Zella Barnes, Steve Reid, Trudi Burton, Roger Loxterman, Rev. Abel Perez, Jim and Cheri Wayne, Kim Cornett, Tamara Jones, Lisa Gutzmer, Joshua Vance, Bud and Jean Kirkendoll, Paul Acree, Kevin Heldenbrand and Gene Schweizer.