At the May 1 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved the purchase of electronics to effectively set up office for Public Works Director John Hanson at the wastewater treatment plant. Having recently earned his Class B wastewater operator certification, Hanson will now fully take over management of the plant.
“Since John is taking over all the test reports that he needs to send in, I felt it was good for him to have a laptop and printer down there so he could make prints – have paper copies – plus, get some USBs to save them in a file on the computer,” explained City Clerk Mary Tjepkes. “I think it would be really, really a good idea and make that maybe a home office?”
Hanson has been utilizing the fire department’s older laptop for some things. With the city soon to get internet service at the plant, thanks to a 50-year lease agreement with Harmony Telephone Company, Hanson will be able to make efficient use of a laptop right at the plant. The company is planning to survey the site of their new building at 91 Pine Street on May 9. Once it’s complete, the city will have service at the plant as well as at the community center.
The council also approved the purchase of new basketball hoops/backboards at the city park. According to Tjepkes, it’s the fifth time in three years they’ve been damaged. At this time, while several on the council suggested various causes, it’s unclear if it’s deterioration due to weather or vandalism. While they’d initially discussed the issue last year, a decision was postponed.
The current hoops were plexiglass. It was suggested by Councilor Ron Reisner that the city look into something sturdier, noting diamond-plated aluminum as an option. Councilor Cory Spratte suggested powder-coated steel would be less likely to bend. At this point, the council’s main considerations are longevity, cost, and a hoop that looks respectable.
“I’m open to anything. I’m just afraid if we put another plexiglass thing in, we might be in the same thing,” said Hanson.
Reisner will look into options. The council briefly discussed security camera options. They approved purchasing two hoops up to $500 total.
“If we’re paying this every few years, that ain’t nothing,” said Reisner.
A recent request to install a privacy fence in a backyard recently revealed a surprising detail. Tjepkes noted after looking into side and rear yard fence requirements, she found the city’s zoning ordinance limits fences to four feet.
“I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh… we need to amend this,’” said Tjepkes.
While the state ordinance says four feet, the city council wants to amend it to six feet. The council approved the change unanimously.
During Mayor Tammy Danielson’s monthly updates, the council learned the new flag program is very well received by residents. The program concept is for American flags to be placed four to five times annually on poles mounted to an underground unit. Residents participating pay a fee to cover the materials and installation. Several other area cities utilize the same program. Fountain is using Small Cities Grant funds to start the project. All funds generated by flag participation would go into future flag needs or other city needs like parks or another approved designation. Of the 42 flags available, 39 are already spoken for. The goal is to get the flags up before Memorial Day.
“It’s a great thing to do in our town,” enthused Danielson.
Another grant that is being sought through the Preston Area Community Foundation would help with a multi-year project for improvements at the city’s softball fields. Last year, the fire department paid for electricity service to the electronic scoreboard. In the second year, the city hopes to secure grant funding to improve dugouts. The third year, if funded, would see replaced backstops and fencing.
The mayor is also looking into the possibility of a farmers market in Fountain beginning in 2025. While the city would operate it, they would be looking for someone to manage it.
“Maybe we’ll use our city park in a way we haven’t before,” she said. “It’s a great grab to get people into town as well as just offering to people local,” said Danielson.
Lastly, with increasing time at the wastewater treatment plant, the mayor will be working with Councilor Jordan Kearns to review staffing needs.
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