Waitsburg City Council Update

City council members: KC Kuykendall, Terry Jacoy, Kevin House, Mayor Marty Dunn, Jim Romine and Kate Hockersmith were all present.

New Business

Taggart Road Extension Project was awarded to Moreno & Nelson Construction with the stipulation that a release for construction package be available for review at the February council meeting. See full story in Jan. 24 issue of The Times.

Discussion of vacant building utility fees. Council leaned toward finding more positive incentives. Requested that Lane Gwinn and Joy Smith meet with council member Kate Hockersmith to brainstorm ideas to present in February. See full story in Jan. 24 issue of The Times.

Unfinished Business

City Hall relocation. Council voted unanimously to discontinue investigation of the possible purchase of the former Jehovah’s Witness church building as a new home for City Hall. The City will begin budgeting for necessary repairs and upgrades to the current building. See story on Page 6.

Solid waste collecting billing outsourcing. Approved outsourcing solid waste billing to Basin Disposal in a 3-2 vote.

Council Reports

Kuykendall said that he expects the Public Works Trust Fund to continue with funding equal to or greater than the last biennium and requested that citizens contact representatives to let them know it is a good idea and how it benefits Waitsburg.

Jacoy questioned if there was an ordinance on how many vehicles can be parked on a lot.

Hockersmith said that Friends of the Waitsburg Pool has $1,600 available for lifeguard training classes and posters will be placed at the high school soliciting lifeguards. An emergency preparedness meeting will be held Feb. 21 and the bluegrass band Switchgrass will be traveling to Ireland in June.

City Clerk Report

City Manager Randy Hinchliffe said the fourth quarter budget looks good. He believes the City’s Complete Streets nomination will hold up providing between $100,000 to $300,000 to be used for pedestrian access.