Kimball City Council debated over additional charges to the Hazel Avenue restoration project before approving the expenditure of $14,168 on pipe casing and between $600-$700 to align piping at the Magnus Johnson Street intersection. City engineer Randy Sabart informed the city council that the Hazel Avenue contractor, Kuechle Underground, were having trouble casing the pipes. While putting in the casing, workers were running into rock and debris. “The contractor said that they had to auger the casing many times. This indicates there is a problem,” said Sabart. To counteract the problem and keep the project on task, Kuechle Underground asked for a change in contract. They suggested using 30-inch casing, as this would allow them to crawl into the casing and remove obstructions if needed. “With the proposed increase, the project would cost $199 a foot, which is in line with other projects like this,” said Sabart. Realizing the increase was a necessity, the council made a motion and approved the change in contract. Sabart also talked about the current piping on Hazel Avenue that connects to Magnus Johnson Street. The existing pipe is not under the roadway and is located in a grassy area. For consistency and ease of working on the pipes, Public Works Director Brent Neisinger recommended this be done. The council debated if this fee increase was a necessity. Councilmember DuWayne Orbeck said, “Let’s get it done right now so there will be less future problems.” Mayor Davis questioned the cost, especially since there was an additional fee for the bigger casing. She wanted to make sure that this project cost was kept close to the original projected amount. “This could be the first of many possible changes,” said the mayor, “or it could be the only change in the project.” Noting that this couldn’t be determined, Mayor Davis said, “We only want to approve things that are necessary and dire.” The council approved a motion for the piping to be placed in the angled portion of the street by Magnus Johnson Street, as opposed to running it straight under the grass. They determined that this may help the community if it expands and will be better for the future of the city. In other business, the city council: • Passed a motion to disconnect all delinquent city utilities. • Authorized a 3.2 beer license to the Fair Haven Lions Club to serve drinks at the new baseball field for the rest of the season. • Discussed the bills and passed a motion to approve the claims. • Heard from Main Street Pub regarding a proposed 2 a.m. closing time. Main Street Pub manager Deb Reinert, informed the council that this was a being done as a precautionary measure. “We want your approval for an option,” said Reinert. “We may want to stay open for special events like Kimball Days, some weekends, and our annual golf tournament.” The council approved this request, as they needed to abide by the new state law. • Were briefed by police chief Todd Rohloff on an accident involving the squad car. Rohloff said, “The other officer [had minor injuries and] will be out of work until Thursday.” He informed the council the car needs repairs but is fixable. The police will use the old squad car until the current one is repaired. • Approved a new policy for towing cars. The new policy states that if a person is charged with a moving violation – such as a DWI, no insurance, or a driving violation – the car will be towed by the local company (A.M. Maus and Son). Rohloff explained that this would ensure cars will be towed within 15-20 minutes, which would also allow the police to complete their other work involved with the scene. • Validated the purchase of an air Taser gun for the police department. Rohloff explained the gun “shoots 21 feet and takes a person down for 8 seconds.” This time gives the officer the ability to cuff someone without confrontation. Rohloff noted the Taser is legal and would only be used in threatening situations. • Passed a motion to spend approximately $600 on the older squad car for needed restorations and updated equipment. • Authorized spending up to $600 for a new water pump. • Approved a vacation request for Public Works Director Brent Neisinger for seven days in November. • Accepted the resignation of councilmember Wayne Mackereth. Mackereth said he was resigning for personal reasons and was at a point in his life where he needed to spend more time with his family. The council told Mackereth that they were sorry to see him leave and thanked him for his work and service. • Appointed Steve Edwards, former mayor, to fill the vacant seat, pending his acceptance. City council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. in City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
