CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council had two presentations to begin the meeting Tuesday evening. The presentations were from County Commissioner, Richard Koons, regarding the council’s request for information about the county tiles going through the old football field and northwest. He showed the council the map he got from the drainage committee and county records that showed where the tiles were located. He reported that the camera used to show inside the tiles was successful on the south side and showed water flowing. The other side was obstructed by something and the camera could not show anything. The tiles go under buildings and houses and angle toward the old bus barn and west of that from the southwest corner of the old football field.

In the past when 10 inches of rain came numerous places had water standing and basements were affected. He gave the council ideas for two resolutions to the problem which were to dig it up and repair the part that is blocked, or abandon the north part and replace it with a new tile location that could hook up to the section that is working. To make improvements to tile there needs to be 26 percent of the landowners affected petitioning the county for improvements and the improved tiles must be justified by benefits for all.

Since some homes and buildings were involved and farmland, it may be hard to get a petition. All landowners are assessed when there is a whole systematic repair. If the city replaces the tile it would be owned by the city and the city would assess all the landowners affected. The council thanked Mr. Koons for the information and tabled the matter pending further discussion.

The second presentation was from Dave Petersen from the John Deere dealership in Truman, C&B Operations LLC about the leasing of a tractor and mower. The Council also asked them for more information about a mower tractor to mow larger areas. There are two series and three series tractors that can be leased, and belly mowers that are 72-inch mowers, and larger rear attached mowers for an additional cost of around $500. The cost for a lease is $3000 for ten months and 100 hours. When the leased tractor is returned the dealer sells it. The city would be responsible for the insurance and the fuel. He mentioned that the order time is crucial and if the city wants the mower for spring work it should be ordered soon. The city employee reported that the smaller mower would not be overused and need repair often if the city would lease the other mower and tractor and the city would not be responsible for major maintenance. Less hours would be needed to mow if larger areas could be mowed quickly. The Council tabled this for further discussion.

The meeting continued with the council approving the contract with Beemer after an explanatory discussion. Beemer brings water and septic water to Ceylon’s pond. The water is tested before it is added to the pond.

Some public comments/questions about a kids at play sign by Clark Street were answered, the county did not favor the placement of a sign.

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One resident asked about not installing the new water meter with RFD for health reasons. The council had earlier told him that he would be charged $10 over his water bill because the city employee would have to read the meter. The final approval/disapproval was tabled until the next meeting.

Reports were discussed about a letter from the city lawyer and law enforcement addressed to violators of the junk ordinance in town.

A council member voiced concern about the review of the ordinances and the clean-up of things tabled each month. The

council will coordinate with the city clerk to make sure those things are on the agenda for the next month’s meeting.

The mayor reported that a committee has been formed to coordinate with the Ceylon Area Historical Society about the building housing the Museum. The building was tuck-pointed and some roof repair was done several years ago and an engineer report suggested the building was not worth saving. Erecting a new building to house the museum, city hall, community center, and perhaps more would be a good investment for the city. The savings on utility charges would be considerable. The committee will discuss plans to fundraise for a new building.

Some property issues are progressing with junk violators. The new Highway 263 is reputed to be started next year.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 7, at Ceylon City Hall.