Anna Mae Goertz replaces husband on Durham city council
Contributing writer
Mayor Glennon Crowther welcomed a new member to the Durham city council at their March 2 meeting.
"Anna Mae (Goertz) has graciously consented to serve for the remainder of Ben's term. After that, we hope she may like it well enough to run for another term," Crowther said. Ben Goertz, who died recently, had given a half century of service to the city of Durham as a council member or mayor.
Crowther announced that May 10-15 has been cleared with the transfer station for clean-up week in Durham. "Stutzman said terms will be the same as last year except that there will be an extra charge for tires. I'm not sure how we will handle that."
"We could just refuse them," said Reinhold Winter.
Pete Sommerfeld remarked, "We would have to have someone there to refuse them, or people will leave them anyway. If we put up a sign, maybe that would keep some people from dumping them."
"Yes," said Gary Unruh, "but then those who didn't bring them would pay for those that do." No definite decision was made about that issue.
Much of the meeting was devoted to water system issues.
"I don't know what will happen if that chlorinator pump quits," Sommerfeld said. "I don't know exactly how old it is, but I have a feeling it may have used up most of its life."
He had checked a source of supply for a new pump and learned it would have to be special ordered. Because the one-year guarantee is valid only for one year after it is shipped from the company's warehouse, the pumps are not kept in stock. The cost would be $300 to $600, depending on the system's needs.
"If we got one to keep on hand, the warranty period may be over before we need the pump. As far as I know, that is the only thing we don't have extra parts for," Sommerfeld said.
Sommerfeld reported he had not taken the training he had told the council last month he expected to take, because the class was full. Instead he plans to take a class March 11 and 12. This class is sponsored by the Rural Water Association, and there will be no cost for the school. Sommerfeld also said he wishes to take a vacation soon, and Mike Sorenson said he will be available to check the pump house and oversee the system in Sommerfeld's absence.
Joyce Medley reported that she had not yet prepared a written policy notice to give people hooking up to the water system. The notice would inform customers they must notify the city when moving out to avoid being charged for water after they vacate residences. She suggested printing the notice on the receipt instead. "I think people will lose a piece of paper, but they'll hang onto their receipt."
Sommerfeld said there are a lot of the receipts now in use on hand. Some options for informing customers of the policy were discussed, but nothing was definitely decided.
The water system pumped 174,360 gallons in February. Water loss was down considerably from the previous month. Sommerfeld noted that five water customers have not paid their bills.
In other business Gary Unruh asked, "Did that load of rock get here? There are some potholes that need to be filled."
Crowther said the rock had been delivered, and plans were made to repair the streets.
There was a brief discussion of a problem with a citizen parking next to a fire hydrant. The council decided to put up a no parking sign.
Crowther said trees at the sewer pond need to be mowed. The council discussed the merits of spraying compared to mowing. The consensus was that mowing was equally effective and less expensive.
Crowther also reported a letter he had received from the mayor's association asking for $50 for membership. He said he did not plan to pay that amount unless the city wants to pay it. No action was taken.
Among the bills approved for payment was $367.64 for two pressure sensors.
The council decided to meet at 7:30 p.m. in April before moving to the summer schedule of 8 p.m. in May.
