The Hamilton City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes, which are subject to board approval.
The regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council was called to order on June 10 at 6 p.m. followed by the flag salute. The council approved the bills and the minutes from a previous meeting.
Hamilton High School Principal Stephanie Nelson was present to ask the council to allow students to sell fireworks as a fundraiser. The students would utilize the old West Creek Repair building on Main St. The high school holds 2 fundraisers per year per class; one for Junior Prom and one for their senior trip. After discussion, the board approved the request.
During library discussion, it was noted that even though the council unanimously voted to reduce the library board members from seven to five at the May meeting, the library board wants to stay with seven board members and presented two applicants. After discussion, the board approved the appointment of Patricia Reed as the new board member and to table voting on the number of members until the July meeting. It was noted that the library continues to have Book Club; the summer reading program has begun with guest readers, Charles and Alexis Scholtterbeck with the Hamilton Fire Department and Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mettling, and the library is working with the school district with the summer Roar program.
An executive session for 10-minutes was held to discuss hiring for the city superintendent. (No justification was given) After returning to open session, the board approved to hire Robert Ryan on a parttime, temporary basis not to exceed 20 hours per week, at $20 per hour.
After further discussion, the board approved to put a temporary hold on advertising for the superintendent position in The Eureka Herald; to raise the top hourly rate for the superintendent to $25 per hour based on experience and certification, and to boost the Facebook ad for the superintendent position at $15 per month.
The city received two bids for mowing, trimming and edging services. The bid from The Yard Farmers from Emporia was for $1,750 per month and the bid from The Lawn Rangers was $2,000 per month. No decision was made.
Mayor David Harris noted the possibility of future issues with a sewer main blockage in the alleyway between Main and Jackson Streets between 1st and 2nd Streets.
In Old Business, an update was given on the pump parts and installation. It was also discussed if the citizens would be allowed to use the water drained from the water tower before the water project. It was noted that Kwikcom plans to remove the antennas on the water tower and bring in a mobile tower during the project at the end of July.
City Clerk Daphne Rayburn presented the water loss report of 30% for the month of May and noted the 5-year copper and lead samples for the 5 sample sites is due at the end of June. The council approved a letter to be sent out to residents regarding the new water and sewer rates as presented by Clerk Rayburn.
Other items discussed were: Meters that need removed and the lines plugged due to them still leaking after being shut off; the idea of having a public tornado shelter for Hamilton residents with a possible grant; the possibility of having additional seasonal meeting; and updating livestock and mowing ordinances.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on August 12 at 6 p.m.
