At the October 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, an effort led by volunteers to fund raise for the creation of a park shelter at Shady Oak Park was given the go-ahead. Councilors Paul Novotny and Dave Frank were absent.
The planned 12-foot by 20-foot concrete slab will be poured first and the shelter is to be built in the future when donations for the effort allow. The concrete and the shelter will be required to meet city building requirements.
Ordinance 486 First Review
This ordinance lays out the compensation for the city’s mayor and councilors. Beginning in 2027 the mayor’s compensation is proposed to be $6,425 per year (increased from $5,250). A councilor’s compensation beginning in 2027 is proposed to be $4,150 per year (increased from $3,375). Increased compensation for a special meeting that is not officially scheduled was also included. This was only the first review; the proposed increases will be considered for approval at a future meeting.
Other Business in Brief
•A request for qualifications from qualified engineering and energy consulting firms to conduct a geothermal and building electrification feasibility study for Chatfield City Hall was approved. The study will help determine if a geothermal ground source heat pump system and other electrification strategies are viable as a long-term infrastructure investment for city hall. The city will use $20,000 in grant funds to pay for eligible subcontractor services associated with the study.
•A resolution was approved opting to increase the benefit level for firefighters vested in the statewide volunteer firefighter plan.
•An amendment to the Hilltop Estates Fourth Subdivision Development Agreement was approved. Councilor Mike Urban voted no. The amendment defers the requirement, at this time, for the installation of sidewalk along Whitetail Lane adjacent to the corner lot. City Administrator Michele Peterson said they don’t know what the next development will look like. Urban said it makes more sense to put the sidewalk in at the same time to eliminate the need for corrective measures in the future.
•Two letters had been sent to the owner of the properties at 340 and 320 Old Territorial Rd., stating that the properties are considered a public nuisance according to Section 16-1 of the city’s code. Issues included weeds, overly tall grass, and the accumulation of discarded materials, refuse or items like household appliances.
Peterson explained that the grass had been cut recently but there still is a lot of debris which is a violation of the nuisance ordinance. The council voted to abate the public nuisance. A contractor will be hired to clean up the properties and the cost will be assessed to the properties along with a fine. Councilor Josh Broadwater said this has been a continuous ongoing problem on these properties.
•A library donation in the amount of $60 from Stitch Witches was accepted.
•An donation in the amount of $4,560 from the Chatfield Fire Department Fund Drive was accepted and will be used to either establish or operate services.
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