Fountain Finishes Out Contract

With Public Works Director John Hanson now completely licensed, the city of Fountain has ended its longtime contract with MMS Environmental. At the June 5 meeting, City Clerk Mary Tjepkes detailed the final bill. “It’s a mess,” she said.

According to Tjepkes, Mayor Tammy Danielson sent MMS an email stating terminating the contract on May 2. On May 7, the city received a bill for $1,491 for professional guidance for transitional work, reporting assistance, and sending files.

“There is nothing. I went through the contract with a fine-toothed comb,” added Tjepkes. “There is nothing in there about that states they are to deliver any professional guidance. So, I don’t know where this came about.”

Danielson laid out a chronological timeline of the transition process. Once Hanson was licensed, the goal for the city was to release the MMS contract. The other goal was to have Hanson take over as soon as possible to avoid another month of service.

“After that discussion, I texted each one of you to get approval for that to send a letter to discontinue the contract,” she said. “The text went out May 6. I sent the letter May 6 and a separate email saying a letter would follow. The bill came on the seventh.”

Danielson acknowledged it is a prorated amount for one week instead of billing for the month. She questioned some things in the bill, including the compilation of paperwork from January to March for the city clerk for records. Tjepkes noted receiving nothing.

Danielson questioned Hanson about the bill indicating assistance with Discharge Monitoring Reports. According to Hanson, the company provided the paperwork to file April reports and trained him the week of May 2. It included leading him through the electronic end of things, sending him all the results for reporting, and verifying correct reporting.

“I consulted with them,” said Hanson. “I was told I had a week with them.”

Tjepkes indicated a meeting with someone willing to train Hanson at no cost. Hanson stated this was on May 6 after the council meeting.

“This money was not approved by the council,” said Councilor Ron Reisner.

“There was a cancellation date of May 2 and said if there was more work after May 2 to let us know. The letter was sent on May 6,” clarified Danielson. “It’s really just their standard bill. They’re prorating their standard bill.”

“It’s not normal work though,” said Tjepkes. “It’s not in the contract.”

Hanson confirmed this was typical work he would consult on with the company. “I would consult with them on a daily basis when they were here.”

“How do you argue it?” asked Councilor Jordan Kearns.

“It’s not in the contract. Why pay it?” responded Councilor David Gudmundson.

“It is in the contract. They’re providing us basic service,” said Kearns. “We’re paying for approximately six days of service,” he continued. “We utilized their basic services to accomplish what had to be done. At this point, how do you argue it? We’re fortunate to have Johnny in the position so we don’t have to deal with that anymore.”

Kerns motioned to approve the bill. Councilor Cory Spratte seconded the motion.

“I don’t really know how you argue it,” Spratte said. “It’s going to cost more to argue it.”

The council approved the motion 4:1, with Gudmunson opposed. Danielson will contact the company about the items not received.

The council also discussed repair for the concrete in the alley driveway behind the Village Square restaurant and the community center front step. The city installed the concrete alley in 1965 and will replace it with a more gradual approach. The step is a trip hazard and will also need replacing. The city needs a minimum of two bids. Several councilors offered contractor names, and the council approved seeking bids in a 4:1 vote. Reisner recused himself.

During the mayoral updates, Danielson stated the city has received a $3,000 grant from the Preston Area Community Foundation for new dugouts at the ballfield. She applied for a grant for a mural on the north exterior wall of the wastewater treatment plant, which faces Highway 52. The foundation approved half the cost, so she will seek additional funding elsewhere. The mural will be 25 feet by 75 feet.

“It’s similar to a lot of the murals people are doing, like old postcard-style murals,” she said. “It’s looked at as an attraction to your town. It’s a memory as people went through town.”

Danielson also said the new flag project for the city is going very well. More than 42 residents have requested the city place flags on their property, and 14 volunteers gathered to place the holders and flags for Memorial Day. The program was so successful that the city ordered more flags for additional properties. The flags will be out again for Flag Day and the Fourth of July.