During the Sept. 28 city council meeting, Alderman Rachael Moyer raised concerns about the consistency of commission reporting, especially nearing budget season. She said she was under the impression that commissions were already required to submit quarterly reports and asked where the reporting is breaking down, using the Hospital Commission as an example.
“I believe that the Hospital Commission may be sending their reports to your office, based on the email chain that I saw in July, but I don’t know if they’re getting to council,” Moyer told Mayor Butch Berry.
“I would like for this council to have the monthly financial reports that we passed in an ordinance requiring the hospital commission to provide us,” Moyer declared. “And I would also like to have the quarterly reports that are required by ordinance for the other commissions.”
Moyer also asked to see reports from this year that council has not seen. “If they weren’t created, then I would ask why, because they are required by law to create them.”
Berry said he would go through his email to double check and see what she is lacking. Alderman Terry McClung said commission reporting has been done in the past and they just have to make it happen again. “We need to put it back in their hands, that this is going to be required. It’s going to be scheduled, and the mayor’s office can accomplish that. I believe that’s where it should come from.”
“If that’s what the council wants, that’s no problem,” Berry said. “We can make that happen.”
Other business:
- Public Works Director Simon Wiley confirmed that the water leak between Gotahold Brewery and the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant had been located and repaired next door at Pedals and Pints. Wiley said he received estimates for the leak detection fire hydrant caps ($32,000 for 20 hydrant caps); and from McKim & Creed for leak detection services ($32,500). He recommended council approve the hiring of the leak detection service and postpone the purchase of hydrant caps.
- A decision to purchase a 1.91-acre lot from Lovell Estate at Queen Anne mansion was deferred until aldermen could inspect the property in person.
- A budget workshop was held before the regular meeting to go over July’s financials. Tax deposits totaled nearly $415,000, with approximately $255,000 going to the general fund, $60,000 to streets, $64,000 to parks, and $25,000 toward the bond payment. Akins reported tax revenue is up $91,718 from last year. The Transit Dept. is running behind on their paperwork following a transition in leadership but will eventually iron it out to receive the federal funds it relies on. Akins also said he is running behind on preparing the mid-year budget packet because the city is dealing with four audits. Once that is done, he said the city will be all caught up with past years’ financials.
- Jim Smith commended the Transit Dept., especially Keith Youngblood, for relocating the trolley stop from the bend on N. Main to an area Smith placed at his house with chairs and umbrellas with concern for the extreme heat.
- Vacancies exist on Planning, CAPC, and Cemetery Commissions. Stop by the mayor’s office to pick up an application.