Michelle Vrieze from Community and Economic Development Associates led a public hearing at the Harmony City Council meeting to discuss the Small Cities Development Program in which Harmony is participating.
After applying for the program three times, Harmony was accepted for a nine block radius in town. It allows homeowners within that area a loan to fix up their house. The goal for the program was to have eight housing units receive a loan. So far, five homes have been completed, another is collecting bids for the work needed, and another is under construction. One spot is still open and the Vrieze is looking for another applicant to fill it.
“We still have a $60,972 balance of funds left,” noted Vrieze. If the money is not used, it will be returned to the program. The Harmony program has one year and three months left, and Vrieze is hoping to get another applicant approved before that time is up.
Those who receive the loans must stay in their homes for 10 years or pay back a partial or total amount of the loan.
“It’s a good thing. I’ve heard good things about it,” said Councilmember Deb Swenson about the program’s presence in Harmony.
City Maintenance Director Chris Johnson noted that the mosquito spraying had gone well and been successful. It was noted that the spray was not believed to be dangerous for birds or honeybees, a fact which City Administrator Jerome Illg will look into and confirm.
Engineer Brett Grabau presented a feasibility report for a possible street and utility project for 2017. Area one of the project would consist of replacing portions of the water main and sanitary sewer along with full reconstruction of the existing curb and gutter at an estimated cost of $464,000.
Area two of the proposed project would include replacing portions of the water main and sanitary sewer, as well, along with reconstructing sections of the road and doing a mill and overlay on other areas at a cost of $227,000.
The final area for the project would also involve replacing portions of the water main and sanitary sewer. The road is in need of full reconstruction as well. The total cost for area three is estimated to be $155,000
The total cost for all three areas will be approximately $846,000.
The council approved the feasibility study. A public hearing to discuss the proposed project will be held at the November 8 council meeting.
The ambulance crew received one bid for their new ambulance from the same company that they have bought their last seven ambulances from. The council approved the purchase.
“Thank you. It’s very good for the community to have good equipment,” Harmony ambulance service representative Larry Nolan said.
The council again discussed the personnel committee’s recommendation to have one of the maintenance staff work a later shift to ensure coverage through 4 p.m. Chris Johnson had raised concerns at last month’s meeting that he was not included in the personnel committee’s discussion even though he was under the impression that he was on the committee. Deb Swenson verified that he is not in the committee because of the union membership.
Swenson suggested that the maintenance workers alternate taking the later shift so one person wouldn’t always have to cover it. Johnson thought that would probably work.
The council passed a motion making the schedule change for the maintenance department.
Swenson reported that Jay Masters applied for an EDA loan so he could purchase Slim’s Woodshed for the Monster Bash, which he runs. He plans to put the building in Fillmore Central school’s name after buying it.
“I think it’s a good thing for the community,” Swenson remarked.
Other council members had reservations due to the fact that Masters will not have ownership of the building, or collateral, even though he will be the one paying off the loan.
“The loan is a stopgap just until all the funds are raised to pay it off,” Mayor Steve Donney pointed out. Masters is in the process of fundraising and already has a considerable amount raised.
The council approved a three year loan at 3% for up to $35,000.
The next Harmony City Council meeting will be held on November 8 at 7 p.m
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