New city water plant to be online by end of March

Gallatin’s new water plant is making great progress, according to Public Works Director Mark Morey. The contractor will start filling the clear well tomorrow. The filter media has been installed and crews will start backwashing this week. Crews plan to have the water online by the end of March.
In other news at the Feb. 26 City of Gallatin meeting, Mr. Morey led a discussion on 2018 street projects. He asked the board to consider two options. Option 1: Repaving Willow Street from Jackson to Plaza Apartments and using additional funds for crack patching and pothole patching. Option 2: Repaving shorter streets and chip sealing Richardson, Olive, Park, and around the square. Morey will provide additional information at the next meeting for the board to consider. The board agreed to obtain a quote to mill South Prospect (south of Hwy 13).
Mr. Morey will collect bids for tree trimming on the last two electric circuits.
The VFD at Well #2 was replaced for $3,800.
The city received a MIRMA score of 88/100 this year for its annual inspection.
An electric pole located east of the power plant has to be replaced. Scobee Electric won the bid last year at $10,000 and would like to schedule a couple days for the live pole replacement.
At the last meeting of the aldermen, Charlie Zitnik with D.A. Davidson Company (financial advisors) led a discussion on refinancing the city’s electric bonds at 3.38% interest which would save the city $12,000. Steve Goehl with DA Davidson continued the discussion on refinancing the city’s electric bonds.
An ordinance was accepted authorizing the city to enter into a lease purchase transaction. The proceeds will be used to refinance the costs of electric system improvements. It will also be used to pay the costs of purchasing police equipment.
Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity. There was 1 nuisance issue; 1 report of property damage, by vehicle; 1 juvenile problem; 1 animal problem; and 1 domestic disturbance. There are no dogs currently in the pound. Repairs to the pound will be complete in the next week.
Bills in the amount of $28,623.28 were approved for payment.
Discussion was held on the following server quotes: Harland Technology Services, $13,558.08, and Green Hills Communications, $9,750. The server and server install bid from Green Hills Communications for $9,750 was accepted by the board.
Discussion was held on the People Service Operation & Maintenance Report for January 2018.
The board requested an insurance retainage ordinance to be drafted for the next meeting.
The board was provided examples from other cities for grave marking fees.
The board entered into closed session to consider legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys; to consider the leasing, purchase or sale of real estate; and to consider the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees.
The above is taken from the unapproved minutes of the meeting for the City Of Gallatin held Feb. 26 at City Hall. Those present were Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Carol Walker, Dan Lockridge, Steve Evans, City Clerk Hattie Bailey, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett, and Steve Goehl with D.A. Davidson.