In a brisk 10-minute meeting, the Fountain Council approved a few lingering items, as well as a hefty fee schedule modification, and a contract extension.
Likely the biggest item from the meeting was the three-year contract extension with MMS Environmental. The city ended its previous agreement with PeopleService, with whom it contracted since 2017, in favor of MMS Environmental last May. However, due to previous contract stipulations, the city didn’t formally enter into an agreement with them until August.
The reasoning for the extension was largely suggested by Public Facilities Authority, noted City Clerk Rhonda Flattum. Mayor Jim Schott had spoken to the bonding company who noted they would prefer a longer contract term. “They said it would be easier,” said Flattum.
Part of the agreement with MMS Environmental includes installation and management through an electronic Pointwatch system, as well as in-person monitoring by MMS Environmental representative Mike Morris and City of Fountain Public Works’ John Hanson. The City of Fountain is responsible for the cost of all chemicals, pumps, repair and service to pumps, pumping/cleaning of lift stations, and repairs to the plant.
The Pointwatch system has been ordered, but there is no set installation date. “It should cut down on hours somewhat,” said Schott. “It monitors flows. If anything goes awry, it sets off an alarm. Cleaning and wasting will still need to be done daily.”
Schott and Councilor Chad Wangen recently met with Morris to receive an update on the plant. Portable gas meters are still in the plans and the city has approved getting microseed additive through MMS Environmental, taking advantage of their availability of wholesale pricing.
Engineers are working on plans for a manhole to be installed near Valley Design to further monitor the flow into the plant. “It’ll pinpoint if we have any issues,” added Schott. It was previously estimated to cost $7,500 for the manhole. The timeline for installation is unknown at this time.
“How long we gonna talk about this?” asked Councilor Dave Gudmundson. “We talk about it, but nothing happens.” It was clarified that the manhole will be installed within this year.
In other news, the council revisited a request from Beaver Bottoms Saloon for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the purpose of holding private concert events. A public hearing was held last fall and in October, the council opted to give saloon owners a one-time event trial, after which the city would evaluate the compliance to city guidelines and public input.
While the event was dubbed a success, the council tabled the request last November citing a permit issue. According to Schott at the time, permitting had been granted for the construction of one deck, but an additional two structures had been constructed. The city ordered the other two to be removed before taking up the issue again.
Discussion on the topic was held at the February 4 Zoning Commission meeting, according to Schott, and it was recommended the city approve the permit for special events and a second for the deck. The council approved both unanimously.
A change to the city’s fee schedule brought about by discussion at the same zoning meeting will see the city’s late fee fine for non-permitted items increase sharply. The current fine is $250, but that will change to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second. The change was effective on February 5.
Lastly, the search for the city’s next clerk is still on and there’s been some unfortunate news. According to Schott, he contacted two applicants for the position only to discover one doesn’t quite qualify and the other is looking for more benefits than the city can supply. Clerk Rhonda Flattum will retire this May.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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