At the July 13 Chatfield City Council meeting the process to appoint an interested resident to fill the city council vacancy was discussed. The vacancy was created with the resignation of John McBroom.
Three options were considered: to advertise for interested residents that would like to contribute, to recruit a former councilor or mayor, or to review active people in the organization in some way to invite one of them to fill the vacancy.
There are three-and-a-half years left in the term. No one other than sitting members filed for office in 2020. Mayor Russ Smith and councilors Pam Bluhm and Josh Broadwater ran unopposed, as did McBroom.
Mayor Smith asked those in the community that want to contribute to submit your name for consideration for an appointment to fill the remainder of the term. It would be best to find someone who wants to serve and is willing to make that decision.
A deadline will be set for applications. The council by consensus, agreed to begin with the first option, to advertise for an interested resident who has the time and interest to serve. Smith said we need to fill that seat.
Other business in brief
•Brian Burkholder recommended the replacement of two pickup trucks. Rochester Cadillac offered a quote of $8,775 for a one-ton extended cab pickup with trade of the Street Department’s 2016 pickup. Rochester Ford offered a quote of $8,308 for a half ton extended cab with an eight-foot box with trade of the Water Department’s 2015 pickup. The purchases of the new pickups were approved as presented. Burkholder plans to trade pickups on a five-year rotation to reduce operating costs.
•The yearly pump inspections at the Wastewater Treatment Facility and lift stations were recently completed. All three of the pumps are 15 years old. Steven Schlichter had noted that he planned to do maintenance on influent pump #2 this year. A new pump would cost $17,123. A quote from Quality Flow Systems was approved to rebuild that pump at a cost of $5,460.
•A resolution was adopted rescinding the local emergency due to COVID-19. City council meetings will be held in person. City Attorney Fred Suhler noted that courthouses are beginning to operate normally, also.
•City Clerk Joel Young announced that the grant that was applied for to build a playground at Lonestone Park was approved. The grant is for $25,000. The city will match that amount.
•Jamie Arthur, owner of Jac’s Bar and Grill, offered a plan to close the ally entrance during Western Days for four nights of music. He wanted space so people can spread out. Councilors wanted to keep the ally open. He was asked to modify his plans to allow the ally to stay open and to bring them back at the next meeting for approval.
•The second consideration and publication of Ordinance 453, Zoning Amendment were approved. The amendment provides for permitted uses in the B-1 (General Business District).
•The first consideration of Ordinance 454, Lodging Tax was approved. It provides for a 3% tax on the receipts or rent charged by operator providing lodging services.
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