Hamilton asks about buying water; changes made at Gallatin water plant

Gallatin City Administrator Tony Stonecypher received a call from the city of Hamilton the week prior to the June 25 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen, asking if Gallatin had the capacity to handle an additional 20-30,000 gallons of water per day. Public Works Director Mark Morey confirmed the city does have the capacity and would sell it through Public Water Supply District #2, which would then pay the City of Gallatin for the water. At this point Hamilton, which is currently restricting water usage for its customers, is only considering different possibilities of getting supplementary water and has not made any concrete decisions.
Public Works Director Mark Morey reported that the water plant is working well this week. There was an operational issue and changes had to be made to the process. Tri-State out of Kansas City visited the plant and provided advice. Operators are now adding more lime at a slower rate; have increased the frequency of running the blow down; and the sludge blanket is now at the correct height.
Alderman Lockridge requested the sweeper to be used on South Prospect.
Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity for 6/25/2018: 1-Drug/Narcotic Possession; 1-Unattended Death; 1-Traffic Accident with Damage; 1-Injured Person; 1-Domestic Disturbance; 2-Child Custody Disputes; 1-Lost Property; 1-Peace Disturbance; 2-Vandalisms; 1-Theft. There are four dogs in the pound.
In the past few weeks the Police Department has spent most of their code enforcement time on high grass.
Bills in the amount of $39,401.30 were approved for payment.
The city clerk will issue catering and event liquor license requests for vendors participating in the Chautauqua winery and brewery event.
An ordinance amending the rules and regulations of the city cemetery was accepted by the board.
David McWilliams was appointed as the city sexton.
The audit prepared by John Gillum, CPA, was approved.
Discussion was held on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of states being able to collect sales tax from online vendors.
Alderman Evans led a discussion on properties that need to be demolished within the city limits. Chief Richards and Administrator Stonecypher will draft a list of properties to present to the board.
Discussion was held on possible options for the cupola building. Mr. Stonecypher said the city is in contact with the bakery, which is still planning to utilize the building; however, the bakery has made no moves lately. The city is only considering options in view of the stall as it “can’t wait forever.”
The above are the unapproved minutes of the meeting for the City of Gallatin held on June 25 at city hall. Present were: President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Carol Walker, Dan Lockridge, Steve Evans, City Administrator Tony Stonecypher, City Clerk Hattie Bailey, Police Chief Mark Richards.