The Gallatin Board of Aldermen decided to move forward with the new water plant and the mayor was authorized to sign a contract with the low bid for its construction, pending addition funding being secured. The low bid was from David E Ross Construction Company (base bid $4,987,000).
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The decision was made after the board heard two proposals at their meeting held Monday, July 25.
The first proposal heard by the board was from Charlie Zitnik with DA Davidson. He presented to the board options for a $400,000 lease purchase for the remaining amount needed for the water plant. Mr. Zitnik offered a 20 year loan, 3.55% fixed interest, and no penalty for prepayment. The board authorized the lease purchase.
The second proposal was from Lance Rains with Greenhills Regional Planning Commission. He added to the discussion regarding the rate schedule prepared by Snyder & Associates for residential rates and rural water rates.
The board approved the proposed water rate schedule prepared by Snyder & Associates for an estimated rate of $6.50 per 1,000 gallons for the rural water district, and an estimated rate of $33.25 for the first 1,000 gallons and $6.50 for each 1,000 gallons after for in town users.
Evans made a motion to approve the city’s contribution of approximately $260,000 of General Sales Tax Funds for the water plant project.
Three members of the Cupola Building Committee gave a presentation describing a 4-phase plan to revitalize the cupola and adjoining building now owned by the city. Those discussing ideas with the aldermen were Darryl Wilkinson, Kate Chrisman, and Clint Vanatta; others serving on the committee are James Wilson, Elizabeth Plotner and Tony Stonecypher.
The presentation included a suggested floor plan for the ground level of the buidling where the south end of the building (formerly a grocery store) would become a community center with a portable stage and kitchen area. The cupola building (north side) could be used to relocate city hall.
Grant funding will be necessary if plans fully materialize. The committee is now working to compile cost estimates for an application to seek a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grant.
Mayor Barb Ballew expressed appreciation for the volunteer work accomplished thus far to visualize the means to save this historical building on the business square. Aldermen will review the 18-page outline of ideas the committee has presented in order to renew discussion at the next meeting of the aldermen on Aug. 8.
During public comment, Daviess County Arts Council members Mary Hacking and Kate Chrisman gave a brief summary of the use of Band Tax money used for last year’s Chautauqua. They also requested the board to approve a contract for $2,000 of Band Tax money to be spent on music for the 2016 Chautauqua. An ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for services with Daviess County Arts Council was approved in the amount of $2,000.
Mary Hacking also stated her opposition for beer gardens to be present during community events. She requested the board to consider her desire for events like the Chautauqua to remain family events rather than adult events.
Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity from July 10-21 with the following reports taken and tickets given: 2 suspicious person circumstances; 2 property recoveries; 1 medical emergency; 1 domestic violence incidence (no weapon); 1 burglary from motor vehicle; 2 domestic disturbances; 1 theft; 1 citizen assist; 2 information reports; 1 alarm; 1 civil standby; 1 curfew violation; 2 animal control complaints. There are four dogs in the pound.
Chief Richards stated the department has been addressing several code violations and is considering charging fees for frequent offenders.
The board passed on complaints regarding the house at the corner of Main and Mill, and noted that the alley behind the west side of the square needs mowed.
Mayor Ballew presented Police Chief Richards with a MIRMA Certificate of Achievement plaque for 100% Participation in Police Online Training. This is the second year Richards has received the award.
Public Works Director Mark Morey noted that Keller Construction has finished resurfacing Clay Street. Street crews are planning on adding gravel where needed.
Mr. Morey stated an Eagle Scout project painting water hydrants is making progress. Hydrants have been painted around the square, on Grand Street, and in the business park. Street crews are still patching potholes around town. The new blower controls at the waste water plant are working really well and the plant is running more efficiently.
Bills totalling in the amount of $49,282.99 were approved for payment.
Discussion was held regarding park board’s accounts payable in the amount of $1,247.75. The Dockery Park Board was unable to approve the payables due to a lack of quorum. The board approved the payment.
The board reviewed the Park Board’s minutes from June 16 meeting. Administrator Stonecypher expressed to the board there is interest from people living outside of city limits to serve on the park board. The city’s code book doesn’t explicitly state members have to be within city limits. Mayor Ballew will follow up with Administrator Stonecypher regarding the decision.
Discussion was held on the People Service Operation and Maintenance Report for June 2016.
A bill to establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for municipal officials was tabled for the August 8 meeting.
A bill regarding liquor license permits was tabled for the Aug. 8 meeting.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin, held July 25 at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew, President Of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Dan Lockridge, Steve Evans, Carol Walker;
City Administrator Tony Stonecypher, City Clerk Hattie Bailey, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett, Mary Hacking, Kate Chrisman, Lance Rains (GHRPC), Charles Zitnik (DA Davidson), Darryl Wilkinson, and Clint Vanatta.