Peabody City Council gets a break on insurance expense
Peabody City Council members got some good news Monday evening when insurance agent John Balthrop presented a quote for the city's insurance coverage.
Balthrop told the group the coverage will be a little better than what they had for the past year, premiums would drop, and saving them $1,800.
Council approved adding terrorism coverage to protect the city against actions taken to contaminate the water system. That coverage will cost less than $50.
City administrator Jeff Benbrook told council it will need to resolve some zoning issues with lots on Ninth Street where the proposed city shop will be built. The city owns four lots in that location; two are zoned commercial and two are zoned residential. In addition, the city will need to get a variance to accommodate setbacks for the building project.
A public hearing will be held April 20 for the city to request both the zoning classification change and the request for a variance from zoning regulations pertaining to setbacks.
The sewer project was discussed again and city superintendent Darren Pickens showed council photos of problems that have developed at the lagoons since the contractors left. A 12-month "warranty" to protect the city against such problems has not yet begun due to delays caused by the discovery of mercury deposits at the former sewer plant.
Council reviewed the final punch list and added the documentation Pickens provided for additional problems with the fence at the lagoons, the locator, access road, and rip-rap.
Benbrook was instructed to contact engineer Al Reiss and have him review the project specifications and contact the contractor.
Benbrook also noted a cleanup work plan has been received from Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding the mercury cleanup, but work has not begun.
Council approved an agreement between attorneys for the city and Berns family to complete purchase of the land on which the former sewer plant operated.
In other business, the council:
— tabled a proposal from Kansas Clean Pavement, Inc. for cleaning city streets until prices for the purchase of equipment can be reviewed.
— heard that Professional Engineering Consultants reviewed water drainage between Vine and Olive streets Monday and will present a formal recommendation at a future meeting.
— approved sending a zoning regulation about trailers serving as residences to city prosecutor and city judge to help clear up confusion over city regulations.
— heard of a citizen complaint about tree branches at Peabody Township Library hanging across the sidewalk. After review of the ordinance council instructed Benbrook to contact the library board and have them trim the trees.
— agreed to begin a long-term examination of city departments and the revenue they generate. Council is hopeful the examination will find a way to increase revenue for city projects and decrease the reliance on taxes and service charges to pay for them.
— granted the estate of Stan Brundage an extension until June 1 to resolve a nuisance property problem at 111 South Vine Street.
— agreed to publish a resolution to establish a time and date for a nuisance hearing for the property at 907 North Vine Street after hearing that Benbrook was unable to acquire a current address for owner Elmer Carson.
— asked Benbrook to contact the county about road repairs on Central and Maple streets at the south end of Peabody. The project was started in November and postponed until spring due to inclement weather.
— agreed to put off studying the curb and guttering situation until May when the financial audit will be complete, giving council an idea of where money might be obtained to pay for such a project.
— approved water well permits for Peabody Housing Authority properties at 107 and 109 West Fourth streets and at 304 and 306 North Walnut streets. Don Jones also was approved for a private well permit for his residence at 711 North Maple Street.
— agreed to refund a sewer charge of $118 to Gladys Jewell after it was discovered that a problem with her Culligan water softening system caused higher than normal water usage. Sewer charges are tied to the amount of water used at a residence. Jewell's normal charge is $20.
— agreed to invite Westar Energy to meet with councilman Ed Slocombe to pinpoint the location of new lights so work orders for the project can be issued and work can begin.
— heard that park landscaping projects are on hold until a well is dug at city park. Council approved the application of Sarah Anne Unruh as pool manager as well as park maintenance work agreements.
