At the February 14 Chatfield City Council meeting, the second pay estimate to Benike Construction was approved in the amount of $436,271.75. The total payout so far for the ongoing renovation project is a total of $1,027,525.92. Councilors Mike Urban and David Frank were absent.
Other business in brief
•The donation of a bench for the swimming pool in honor of Jeff Buss was approved. Mayor Russ Smith commented he was glad to see the donation. “He was an important part of our community for a long time.”
•The Open Book Board of Appeal and Equalization for Olmsted County will be April 13, in a virtual form, from 9-10 a.m. Property owners who have a concern over their valuations should call and make an appointment.
•Councilor Paul Novotny reported on items discussed at the Public Works committee. Improvements to the lab floor at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Lonestone Lift Station will be considered at the next council meeting. The replacement of the city’s Toolcat, repair of the dog pound roof, and a possible replacement of the banner cable across Main St. were also discussed. The cost to strategically expand the city to the north and west was under consideration. The timeline for the 2022 Water Project was updated.
•Novotny reviewed items covered at the Personnel/Budget committee. A resolution to support regional transit planning was presented. Eleven counties are being included in a study that is being put together for transit planning. The proposed hire of an additional full-time Public Works employee is being considered; the new position would need to be budgeted for. A list of possible uses for the American Rescuer Plan Act (ARPA) funding was discussed. Chatfield has about $340,000 of ARPA funds. The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule on January 6, 2022. This rule delivers broader flexibility for the use of the funds. Some possible uses include an update of HVAC systems in the Thurber Building and also window improvements in the building, improvements in infrastructure to allow the city to grow beyond its current boundaries, and the creation of a development assistance fund. Several other possible options to use the funds are being considered.