Staff writer
Peabody Recreation Commission members Russ Busenitz, Jonathan Richstatter, and Beth Peter were present to offer the city $20,000 from their 2014 and 2015 budgets to help purchase a new pool liner for the municipal swimming pool. The PRC encumbered $13,000 from the 2014 budget and will take the remaining $7,000 from the 2015 budget.
The bid for the pool liner from W.E. Germaine is $34,386. The city will be responsible for the remaining amount and has the money available. The contract with Germaine assures the work will be completed by the time the pool opens at the end of May.
A new pool cover will need to be purchased and put in place before the pool can be made ready for winter. The pool cover will cost $7,000.
In other business:
- Auditors from Knudsen Monroe presented a report on the 2014 audit report. Dale Clark complimented the council on its efforts to build up city cash reserves, saying the city is closing in on eradicating the shortage for the first time in two years.
- Lyle Leppke was present to discuss the auction of the house at 213 E. Division St. as well as several empty lots owned by the city, previously part of the free lots program. After discussion, Leppke agreed to examine the properties and return March 30 with sale options. The auction will tentatively take place by the first part of May.
- City Clerk Stephanie Lago shared Kansas Senate Bill 171with council members. The bill would make municipal elections partisan and move them to the fall of even numbered years. Council members were unanimous in their opposition to the proposed bill and agreed to adopt a resolution similar to an example Lago provided from the city of Hillsboro. A formal vote to adopt the resolution will take place at the March 9 meeting.
- City council members approved covering the cost of wages and one meal for Peabody Municipal Court Clerk Jan O’Neil to attend a court clerk conference in Topeka. All other expenses will be paid by the state.
- Interim Public Works Department Head Ronnie Harms received permission to purchase four tires for the city skid steer and necessary supplies to upgrade services in the city shop as determined by a recent inspection report from the Kansas Labor Department.
- Council members entered a 20-minute executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.