Water system being installed
Despite cold and rainy weather since the January start date, city manager Billy Holson reported at Monday’s regular council meeting that water system installation at the newly annexed Clarke Estates development is moving along ahead of schedule.
Also approved during the Feb. 11 session was the purchase of a new skid steer for city operations.
The meeting was conducted by mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery in the absence of Rodney Alexander.
Water Line Progress
Holson told council members that workers from Z.T. Jackson Construction of Breckenridge have managed to get about 80 percent of the water system infrastructure in the ground at the new development, even though rain and cold weather has caused some delays.
“It should be about 20 more days,” said Holson. “I was thinking it would take longer.”
Although the city has agreed to provide the water system infrastructure for the annexed subdivision, the money for the project is coming from the city’s Economic Development Corporation, using designated sales tax revenue.
Skid Steer Purchase
Holson requested authority to purchase a new track skid-steer loader, or “bobcat,” at a cost of about $49,000 to replace the nine-year-old wheeled model that is being used now.
“It doesn’t have enough power to handle the equipment that we need on to work on the alleys,” said Holson. “A track model won’t tear up the surface as much as tires do.”
He explained that the track is about $5,700 more, but right now, the city is changing the tires out two to three times a year.
“The trash company is using a few alleys for trash pick-up, and we want to get those alleys back in shape, and then at some point try to improve alleys in other areas to get the trash trucks off streets as much as possible,” said Holson.
The council okayed the purchase.
Other Business
•The schedule for the May 4 election and early voting was approved.
•Jen Ceder asked that the council consider adding morning hours to the pool’s summer schedule, possibly three days a week, to accommodate mothers who have younger children. The item will be included on the March agenda.
