Staff writer
Lincolnville City Council voted Monday to hire EBH Engineering of Marion to design the project to revamp the city’s sewer ponds. According to sewer chairman Joe Vinduska, the firm was highly recommended in reference letters he received. The council has applied for a grant to cover the cost of the project.
Dennis Burch, who was sworn in as a new council member in May, serves as streets chairman. He received approval to purchase $455 of millings for the section of Sixth Street that lies west of Topeka Street. He said pothole repairs to city streets would be made in July and August. He reported receiving assurance from county commissioner Dan Holub that Cemetery Road would be repaired from 290th to the cemetery entrance. It contains deep potholes. Burch instructed city employees to install yield signs at strategic locations around town. The city already has the signs.
Burch also reported that dirt is available in the materials lot south of the ball diamond for use by residents. He said he would be using his four-wheeler to canvas city streets.
Celebrations chairman Kristen Ebaben offered to run the concession stand at the ball diamond this summer as a fundraiser for Octoberfest.
Parks and recreation chairman Sherri Pankratz reported portable toilets would be placed at the ball field for $230 a month with a weekly cleanout. Pankratz is working to get adjustable goals installed at the basketball court and is seeking the means to buy new playground equipment.
Council members agreed to dismantle and remove the tall slide in the park, calling it dangerous.
Community center chairman Cristina Peterson reported that minor cracks have developed in the interior of the building and will be filled and painted.
Vinduska reported that roots had to be cut out of a section of sewer pipe. The area was treated with chemicals to keep it free of roots for three to five years.
Mayor Barb Kaiser suggested that the current mowing policy was not working. The problem lies with non-resident property owners. The council agreed to keep the current policy, asking city employee Dennis Stevenson to monitor problem areas and report to the city. The policy calls for notice by certified letter when the grass gets a specified length. The property owner is given 10 days to mow the grass; otherwise, the city mows it and sends the owner a bill.
Kaiser said Tri-County Telephone Association will be asked to restore a phone line to the city shop for activating a new siren that will be installed soon.
Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman informed the council of the ways her department is promoting the communities in the county. She asked for their help in promoting the City of Lincolnville. Huffman has developed a new website: http://www.growmarioncounty.com.
After Huffman’s presentation, the council voted to select Key Convenience to receive an Appreciation Award from MCED. The award will be presented to a local business every month.
Because of the Fourth of July holiday, the next regular meeting will be 7 p.m. July 11. A special budget meeting will be 7 p.m. July 6.