The Chatfield Charter Commission has recommended that the city’s Charter be amended by ordinance to develop and install the position of City Administrator. A previous recommendation to create a city manager or city administrator position failed to receive unanimous approval of the city council as required. At the city council’s August 22 meeting, the council passed a resolution to hold a public hearing on September 26 for public comment on the current recommendation for a city administrator position. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent for the city council meeting.
Mill Creek Park Shelter
Brian Burkholder said the school district had approached the city about a cost share agreement to build a storage/concession stand in a portion of the Mill Creek Park Shelter last fall. Three quotes were received for the construction portion and three quotes were received for the electrical portion. The lowest quote using steel siding (not wood) was submitted by Brian Lee Construction, Inc. in the amount of $13,140. The lowest electrical quote was submitted by Huntington Electric, Inc. in the amount of $6,350. With $3,000 expected in donations toward the project, the city and the school district will each need to provide a little over $8,000 toward the project. The council approved the city’s portion of the cost for the project not to exceed $10,000.
•The Committee of the Whole met prior to the city council meeting. The preliminary 2023 budget was discussed among department heads. The preliminary budget will have to be approved in September. It can be adjusted down in December when the final budget is approved but cannot be increased. Departmental goals for 2023 were reviewed.
Other business in brief
•City Engineer Craig Britton explained a water main will need to be lowered at Mill Creek before the Highway 30 bridge is replaced next year. A quote to lower the water main was received from Griffin Construction Co., Inc. The quote was for $90,600. Britton felt one step in the quote wasn’t necessary; he suggested the work could be completed for about $80,000 or less. A motion was made to accept the quote from Griffin Construction. Work to lower the water main should be completed this fall.
•The first consideration of an amendment to the Solid Waste Ordinance #460 was approved. This is to establish the monthly fee for residential solid waste collection and the price to be charged for the sale of 15 or 33 gallon collection bags.
•City Cslerk Joel Young noted the six-year operating lease for the Center for the Arts, Inc. (a non-profit organization) will expire at the end of this month. The Chatfield Center of the Arts Advisory Committee has developed an updated lease agreement. The agreement is similar to the current agreement. The proposed agreement was approved as presented.
•Approval was given for the eighth payment application to the construction manager for the Chatfield Center for the Arts in the amount of $1,090,007.27. Previous payments totaled $4,877,045.69.