Last month, the Fountain City Council discussed the request by the owners of Beaver Bottom Saloon for a Conditional Use Permit. The permit was required for proposed concert events to be held at the Main Street venue. At the time, it was determined the city would allow the proprietors to move forward with one, weekend concert event to guage public response and adherance to city guidelines.
While the event appears to have been a success, at the Wednesday, November 6 meeting, the council tabled the request until the December meeting, citing an issue with a previous permit. According to Mayor Jim Schott, a permit was granted for construction of one building. “After the meeting with the Zoning Board, she was told to take the other two buildings down. The permit was for one. As of now, it’s not down. I don’t believe we can move forward on this,” he added.
The council did further plans to amend what is currently Ordinance 66, number two, regarding truck routes within the city. It’s being proposed that a short section of Cedar Street, from First Street to County Road 8, be designated as a truck route. The issue was brought up at the recent Zoning Board meeting. If approved the ordinance will also be renamed Ordinance 102. The matter will be dealt with at the next meeting.
In other discussion, the payment of four different water/sewer-related items were approved unanimously. This includes $6,634 to Automatic Systems Co. for a wellhouse alarm dialer, $4,278 to Richard’s Pump Service for installation of a septic tank that was installed incorrectly, $2,950 for calibration and controls related to gas and flow meters at the wastewater treatment plant, and $1,200 to WW Goetsch Associates, Inc. for the pulling and inspection of six pumps.
This also led into discussion regarding job descriptions for the clerk and public works director. Schott and Clerk Rhonda Flattum had reviewed the current job descriptions and it was noted that some areas needed to be brought to attention of the city employees and/or modified.
Flattum also noted with new council members Terry Hanson and Ron Riesner, it was important for the council to see what is entailed in daily, weekly, monthly job requirements. “It’s good for morale with the council and employees. [John Hanson] He’s been here five years now and there were things he didn’t even realize he should be doing because it was never brought up to him,” added Flattum, who suggested the council review the job descriptions with both her and Hanson. “This year, because of changes with John working at the wastewater treatment plant and my retirement next spring, I think it’s good to have a review with each of us.”
“Just to go over what’s been going on over the years in those areas,” added Schott. “If there are things you think should be redone. It’s just an idea, especially with her retiring. It’s a good idea for you to look through that when we go to look for another city clerk. I’m pretty sure we’re not going to find another one like her.” The council will meet at 6:30 p.m., December 4, to review the job desciptions with Flattum and Hanson.
The council also discussed the placing of an ad for a new city clerk, to be in place prior to Flattum’s May 28, 2020, retirement. The council is looking to maintain a one-person clerk position at the same hours as are currently operated. They will begin advertising for the position the first week of December and hope to have a new clerk in place by March/April to begin training alongside Flattum. The final ad for the position will be reviewed at the December meeting.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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