The Severy City Council meets on the first Monday of each month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes, which are subject to board approval.
Council President Marc Warren called the Aug. 3 meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the roll was called with council members Warren, Lyle Riggs, Ron Robert, and Bryan Hampton answering. Also in attendance were Clerk Tessa Riggs, Treasurer Madelyn McClendon, Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt and guest Ed Cornett. City Attorney William McClendon was absent.
Water Superintendent Schmidt reported that Jerrid Baumgartel has started spraying. Schmidt is also doing a chlorine burnout at the water plant. Schmidt noted a customer is inquiring about the weight limit on Market Street regarding the new culvert that was installed last year and customer is requesting to have the water meter in her yard moved to a different location. Council members stated the citizens need to bring their concerns to a meeting, so they understand why the meter needs to be moved. Council will table this issue until September’s meeting, and the citizen will need to be present. Schmidt reported that the new part-time employee is doing a great job with all the mowing and weed trimming that has to be done. Schmidt will start ordering chemicals from WaterWise in the future as they are able to get the City chemicals at a lower cost. Schmidt stated the fish feeder has been repaired and will need to get a boat to get it back out into the water. Warren shared he would find Schmidt a boat.
Clerk T. Riggs noted that Greenwood County Courthouse has fixed the error with the West Water Street agreement. She also stated that she has been working with the Midwest Assistance Program regarding utility rates. The program does not do rate analysis for trash service as that is a flat rate and they suggested if the trash company increased the City of Severy’s rate in July to 4%, then the City needs to pass that on to the customers. Clerk Riggs reported that the contract the City signed included a yearly 4% increase from Waste Connections. This topic was tabled until September’s meeting.
Clerk T. Riggs stated that Tracy Electric was scheduled to come out to provide a quote to install a new electrical outlet in the office. At this time, there is a lot of power being pulled from the AC, computer, phone and printer on one outlet. Riggs also reminded council that the combined revenue neutral rate and budget hearing was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6:45 p.m.
The council approved purchasing 3,000 gallons of propane for the water plant from SEK Coop, paying for half of the porta-potties, and closing the street for the Labor Day festivities The council held a 20-minute executive session with Clerk T. Riggs for personnel matters, regarding employee performance. No action was taken.
Councilman L. Riggs asked if the City could purchase a hose for the bulk water fire hydrant that sits south of City Hall. L. Riggs has personally replaced it twice and the City does sell bulk water to several customers.
Clerk T. Riggs will check into Wilco Wireless for internet in town since the city is no longer under a contract with Kwikom Communications. She also mentioned that a disc golf game was purchased for Brody’s Park.
Councilman L. Riggs mentioned someone might be interested in a parttime position as a backup water operator.
The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.
Severy City Council will hold its October meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.
