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New fire chief presents report

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Albany News

By Melinda L. Lucas

An in-depth report and some requests from new Albany fire chief Travis Gardenhire, along with a description of deterioration at the Albany Visitors Center and approval for a Chamber-sponsored cookoff at the city park later in the year were the main subjects at Monday night’s city council meeting.

The elected officials also authorized AMKO Advisors to be able to solicit bids from underwriting firms as one of the first steps toward refinancing the bonds for the water plant.

City manager Billy Holson explained that new bonds at lower interest rates could save the city as much as $800,000 over the life of the bond.

AVFD Report

Gardenhire, who was elected a few weeks ago to replace retiring long-time volunteer fire chief Kyle Tischler, asked the council to approve paying $38,776 for 10 sets of new bunker gear out of a restricted account that contains $75,000 in funds donated specifically for the fire department.

Gardenhire also asked if there was a way that he could write checks for emergency and immediate needs from the account where monthly rent payments from the postal department are deposited. 

Holson explained that all requests for funding, except for those in the department’s own Friends of the Fire Department account, need to go through the council because of the requirement that all purchases be documented for audit purposes.

“Nobody is going to stop you from responsibly using the money that’s been donated to the fire department, but since it is funneled through the city, we have to account for it,” said Holson.

Gardenhire presented an extensive report outlining urgent and future needs, including the repair of the leaking roof at the fire station.

The council approved the bunker gear invoice, which was the only VFD-related item on the agenda.  

The fire chief said that he or one of the other officers plan to attend all council meetings, and he will ask that the roof repair, purchase of a new laptop, and possibly other items be placed on the May agenda for action.

Gardenhire’s report also included a list of incidents, meetings, and training over the last month, as well as goals and upcoming events.

BBQ Cookoff

Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones asked for and received permission to stage a “Wild West Cookoff” at Webb City Park Oct. 1-2 to raise money for more permanent downtown fall and Christmas decorations.

She outlined preliminary plans, stating that entry fees and rules would be geared toward local and area cooks.

Jones also told council members that repairs are needed at the city-owned Visitors Center, and Holson said he would bring in a contractor to look at the foundation.

Other Business

•The council officially ended the state of disaster declared by the mayor in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

•David Cleveland was reappointed as a city representative on the WCTMWD board.