Aldermen hear from Layne Western about water plant

Don Caillouet with Layne Western submitted the finding from the analyzation of the water plant that included suggested actions and estimated costs during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Monday, June 26. The board authorized Layne Western to test the specific capacity and perform GPM tests on both wells for the estimated cost of $3,100.

Terry Wright with Onyx Waste submitted a renewal contract for the trash service. The contract would renew Aug. 1, 2006, and the rate would increase from $8.38 to $10.20 per month with a 3% increase every year for five years. The board will review the contract and discuss it at the next meeting.

Police Chief Richards stated that a traffic survey was conducted on the south end of the city limits on Hwy. 13 by the Department of Transportation. It was decided that the 45 mph speed will be moved four-tenths of a mile south of its current location. There will be a “Reduce Speed Ahead” sign placed beside the northbound lane before the new speed sign to warn drivers of the speed change. The speed limit cannot be changed until an ordinance is passed.

Police Chief Richards reported on activity from June 12-26. Reports Taken/Tickets Given: 1 – Property damage; 1 – lewd behavior; 2 – stealing; 1 – forgery; 1 – domestic assaults; 1 – driving while suspended; 1 – U turn; 1 – no drivers license; 1 – no child restraint; 1 – robbery; 1 – fail to register a motor vehicle; 1 – burglary; 5 – speeding; 1 – defective equipment; 2 – accidents; 4 – stop sign; 1 – trespass; 1 – careless driving; 7 – no insurance; 1 – attempted suicide. There are seven dogs in the pound.

Police Chief Richards stated that he recently completed a training to become certified as a National Child Passenger Safety Technician. The police department will be doing child safety seat inspections to assure a child’s safety seat is properly installed. Anyone interest in having a child safety seat checked should contact Chief Richards at 663-3580.

Chief Richards commented that the Pamida Foundation is donating $250 to D.A.R.E.

Bills in the amount of $9,990.20 were approved for payment.

Scott Stephens presented the 2005 audit to the mayor and aldermen. Discussion was held on the audit.

Mr. Johnson submitted renewal quotes from Marcit, the employee’s health insurance carrier. Discussion was held on different plans and options to offer employees.

A motion carried to stay with the current plan, Plan B, which is provided by the city. If an employee would like to move to Plan A, they would need to pay out of pocket for the difference in the plans.

A motion carried to table the “Review of Budget” on the agenda to the first meeting in July.

Mr. Johnson commented that Green Hills offers a program to pick up tires. They will take four tires per licensed driver and tractor tires would cost $10 each. A date and location is all that is needed. He is also planning on apply for a demolition grant through Green Hills next year.

Mr. Johnson stated the MML is holding a meeting in Trenton for elected officials on July 12 if any board member is interested in attending. He stated that a public hearing for the Hwy. 6 project will be at the school on July 6 from 4-7 p.m. He commented on an issue with a road out in the industrial park.

The board entered into closed session pursuant to legal actions and litigation.

During public comment, comments were made on reducing the speed limit on the south end of the city limits on Hwy. 13; on the way the minutes are written and ordinances are passed.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, June 26, at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew, aldermen Bob Snidow, Kenneth King, Gene Caldwell and Dan Lockridge, City Administrator Zac Johnson, City Clerk Autumn Acree, Police Chief Mark Richards, Carla Arnold, Don Caillouet, Trudi Burton, Terry Allen, Don and Margaret Townsend and Darryl Wilkinson.