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TRUMAN-- On Monday the Truman City Council heard an update regarding its ongoing housing study project. The city has been working with representatives of the Martin County Economic Development Authority (EDA) on the project, which carries a total cost of $10,206.
"Initially when it was approved, we thought we would pay for it with grants," City Clerk Melissa Sirovy said of the project.
While the city has received generous contributions from Bevcomm and Compeer Financial, on Monday the council learned that some other local businesses contacted by the EDA denied the grant request.
"That's unfortunate because this benefits them, as well," said Mayor Jake Ebert.
Currently the city still needs an additional $4,200 to fund the project.
In a memo to the city, the representatives of the EDA said, "Recognizing the city of Truman's commitment to the well-being and development of the community, we are reaching out to inquire whether the city would consider contributing the remaining amount required for the successful completion of the project."
The council voted to move forward with the project, using budgeted EDA funds to pay fro the remaining amount.
Later in the meeting, the council addressed a number of old business items, including paying an invoice of just over $2,000 to Truax Concrete for snow removal services in January.
The matter was first discussed at the last council meeting on Jan. 16 and along with it, the snow removal ordinance. At that time, the council discussed tweaking its new ordinance, which said that residents had 24 hours from the end of a snowfall to remove snow from their sidewalks before a contractor was contacted to do it.
On Monday, the council talked about changing the ordinance from 24 hours to 48 hours.
"If you're going to be gone for a period longer than that you need to find somebody to take care of your snow," Ebert said.
The council approved the ordinance change.
When speaking about the invoice, Ebert asked what was in the budget for contract labor and after some discussion, the council approved taking the money for the invoice out of the 2024 repairs and maintenance fund, rather than charge the 55 households for the removal.
The council also spoke briefly about who would be involved in interviews for open the administrative assistant position. Applications close Feb. 9 and so far eight application have been received.
Next, the possibility of getting new council chamber chairs was discussed. The options the council looked at ranged from $247 to $300 each.
Sirovy said that $2,500 had been added to the budget for the purpose of getting new chairs.
"I think we can find some cheaper ones," Council Member Patty Truax said.
Council Member Brain Nickerson agreed and suggested the council do some more looking and revisit the topic later.
Ebert said he understood it was expensive, but also said that he didn't want to keep putting the matter off so that a future council has to deal with it. Ultimately, the council tabled the matter until the next meeting.
In other business, the council:
-- Reviewed and approved the maintenance worker job description for posting.
-- Approved a pay increase for the generation plot maintenance operator.
-- Approved advertisements for seal coat bids.
-- Set a meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28 with the fire department and township officials.